The Bell Star shines bright with Transitions shield

Review of Bell Star and Star Carbon Helmets with Transitions Shield

by Marc Grossman, guest blogger and Bell sales representative

So, I have been a wearing an HJC RPHA for the last few years and I was very excited to try something different. When I pulled the Bell Star Spirit Red graphic (shown) out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the weight, or, lack there of.

Bell Powersports Helmets - Star in Spirit Red Graphic

It weighs in at about 1600g (3.5lb) for the Star and 1500g (3.3lb) for the Carbon. When compared to the competition it is about 1/10 of a pound lighter than an Arai Corsair and about the same as the RPHA. That puts it among the lightest Snell approved helmets on the market and about right for a race level helmet.

TriMatrix - lightweight, composite shell (Carbon, Kevlar, Fiberglass)

Shell composition is Bell’s proprietary TriMatrix, which is a process of pre-impregnating carbon and fiberglass with an aramid fiber sandwiched in between.  (The pre-impregnating process is called "pre-preg", and means the resin is infused in the cloth, not added later.) It has been developed in Bell’s own facility utilizing their own wind tunnel to perfect the aerodynamics, ventilation and safety.

Speaking of safety, Bell also conducts all of its own testing in-house before submitting to Snell, ECE, etc.  It is important to note that Bell also has its own Snell testing lab and in fact will occasionally test some helmets for Snell. The Star and Star Carbon are both DOT and Snell 2010 rated and utilize a multi-density EPS liner.

X-STATIC® - Pure Silver. Pure Protection.[/caption]

The fit of these helmets would best be described as intermediate-oval, meaning it has a comfortable, very neutral fit and should fit a majority of people. The interior is made up of multiple density foam covered in X-Static’s (http://www.infectionpreventiontextiles.com/X-Static-Technology.php ) silver lined antimicrobial, odor eliminating, moisture evaporating material. It is extremely comfortable and feels nice on the skin. It is easily removable and totally washable. It works in perfect harmony with Bell’s Velocity Flow Ventilation system.

Bell's Velocity Flow Ventilation System

You will be hard pressed to find a helmet that flows more air than the Star Carbon and Star. I find that in temps below 60 degrees I have to actually close some of the vents because I’m too cold! The vent system pulls air in through 4 large brow vents, 2 very large vents on top of the helmet and a dual stage chin vent. All of which are operational. The shield has a vent position on it as well (I will speak to this in a moment).

All this air needs somewhere to go, so the EPS has large channels in it to carry all this air out through 4 of the largest vents I have ever seen in a helmet. The only downside to all this air is a bit of noise. I found I was more comfortable with ear plugs or headphones. You have to remember though, these are top level race helmets used by some of the best riders in the world, so noise is placed lower on the list of design considerations than a helmet designed for simply cruising.

The shield system is Bell’s own Click Release 3 position shield system. The first position is a vent position great for getting more airflow on warm days at slower speeds. Position 2 is friction held from position 1-3 giving you a wide range of positions to choose from. Position 3 is full open. The shield is easy to remove and install. It may be the easiest system I have ever used on any helmet I have owned.

Both of these helmets come standard with Bell’s NutraFog2 anti-fog coating. It works extremely well and though I am a fan of the Pin Lock systems, I have not had one perform as well as the stock Bell shield.

Transistions SOLFX Photochromic ClickRelease Shield

I am also including the Transitions SolFx shield (http://www.transitions.com/en-us/) in this review as that is the shield I am currently using. I can’t say enough about just how well it works. Once outside it takes less than 10 seconds for the shield to darken. The more you are in the sun the darker it will get. It will darken to the point of a standard dark smoke shield. It takes a bit longer to lighten back up but works very well.

So to summarize, the Bell Star and Star Carbon are top quality race helmets with incredible quality, fit and finish you would expect from helmet of this level. The comfort is amazing as is the ventilation (I have to say again, I’ve never felt anything like it).  The shield is among the easiest I have ever used and the Transitions shield is second to none for convenience and ease of use. I will never have to carry a second shield with me again! The helmets are among the lightest Snell rated helmets in the world. Because of the way they are built using the technology they have Bell has built one of the safest helmets you can buy.

I used to say that I when I have to buy a helmet I would buy another brand. However, after spending a few months in the Bell Star and Star Carbon, I would have no problem putting down my hard earned cash for one of these great helmets.