Bell helmets - Ducati.ms

jboothe · Dec 20th, 2009, 6:01 pm

I have to get a new helmet and have been shopping around. In the last few years I have been using an Arai Astral and the original XD and like the fit very much. But since money is a bit tight and I can't afford to plunk down an $500-$600 on a helmet right now I was looking at a Bell Star helmet. Looks nice and fits good and I can get a closeout deal of $199.

It gets good reviews but does anyone have any real life experience with it?

AZ_Scott · Dec 20th, 2009, 6:36 pm

If the Arai Astral and XD fit you well, you might want to try a Scorpion EXO 700. They have a similar fit, and you can get new, current ones for about that same $199 price...

Suigeneris · Dec 21st, 2009, 12:05 pm

Never skimp on safety, go arai or shoei.

NYSport · Dec 21st, 2009, 12:23 pm

Suomy is a good choice.

http://www.speedaddictcycles.com/cat....suomy_vandal/

andrewmr · Dec 21st, 2009, 12:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suigeneris

Never skimp on safety, go arai or shoei.

WOW, so you're saying all those other helmet manufacturers offer inferior products?

snlsmith · Dec 21st, 2009, 1:36 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ_Scott

If the Arai Astral and XD fit you well, you might want to try a Scorpion EXO 700. They have a similar fit, and you can get new, current ones for about that same $199 price...

Some places have had last years models on closeout for $109.

jboothe · Dec 21st, 2009, 2:59 pm

Thanks. I have looked at the Scorpion helmets and like them but I was interested in how the noise is with the Bell. That seems to be a negative in some reviews and since this bike has no wind protection.. I also like the graphics on th Suomy but they're pretty pricey too.

And we probably don't need to get into the DOT, SNELL, testing and if this or that helmet will protect your head better because it cost twice as much. Just wondering about the Bell Star helmet.

mountainrider · Dec 21st, 2009, 3:23 pm

I have a 2 year old Astral. I bought a Shoei RF1000 late last year and a new AGV GPTech and Bell Star early this spring. My 2 favorites of the four are the AGV and the Star. The Star seems to be the one I reach for most often. The AGV pinches my perscription glasses and makes them slide down my nose, but It would be my 1st choice if I didnt need the specs. FWIW, the scorpions don't fit my noggin properly. No matter what any of us tell you, you need to test fit any new lid on your own head.

I think the Star is every bit the equal of any other brand of helmet and would make a good choice if it fits your head.

Rockettman · Dec 21st, 2009, 4:37 pm

There is a testing video for Bell whereby they crushed a live monkey's head with a steel plate with a Bell helmet. Didn't convince me that it was safe, just that Bell didn't give two shits about animals. So, needless to say I won't buy one!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jboothe

I have to get a new helmet and have been shopping around. In the last few years I have been using an Arai Astral and the original XD and like the fit very much. But since money is a bit tight and I can't afford to plunk down an $500-$600 on a helmet right now I was looking at a Bell Star helmet. Looks nice and fits good and I can get a closeout deal of $199.

It gets good reviews but does anyone have any real life experience with it?

jboothe · Dec 21st, 2009, 4:52 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockettman

There is a testing video for Bell whereby they crushed a live monkey's head with a steel plate with a Bell helmet. Didn't convince me that it was safe, just that Bell didn't give two shits about animals. So, needless to say I won't buy one!

Really? Did the monkey say anything about wind noise before they smashed him?