Bell has released two new graphics of the Bell RS-1 Helmet for spring 2012, and we're definitely fans of where they went with these designs. Check them out below, let us know what you think, and stay tuned for our HD video graphic overviews coming soon.
Here we take a detailed look at three graphics of the Bell RS-1 Helmet. The Bell RS-1 is an extremely popular sport and street helmet that competes directly with the Shoei RF-1100. Excellent fit, aerodynamics, ventilation and comfort are what define this lid, and these new graphic options only add to its appeal.
Following a wave of the plethora of new designs from Bell Helmets, the Bell RS-1 Helmet has also gotten a new look. With three striking new styles, the RS-1 will break into some new lifestyles this season. These new designs catch the eye and intrigue the mind with bold colors and unique themes.
If you didn't catch this new for 2011 helmet when it was first released, check out our Bell RS-1 Helmet Video Review:
I know we've been talking about this helmet a ton lately, but it has us extremely excited as it is one of the best in its class that we've ever seen. We finally were able to get our hands on one this week and gave it the full RevZillaTV treatment. What you're getting with this lid is a direct competitor for the Shoei RF-1100, that is lighter, less expensive, and in our opinion offers a more snug, comfortable and ergonomic fit. Bell Helmets completely redesigned the headform for the Bell RS-1 Helmet (it's also used in the brand new pro-level Moto-9 dirt lid) and vastly improved on the fit of the Star and the Vortex. It's going to be an intermediate oval race fit.
The first thing that has to be mentioned about this helmet is the weight as we put a size LG graphic RS-1 on our digital shipping scale here at RevZilla and came away with 3lbs 8oz. Being that it was a graphic version and a size large, you can shave off a couple of ounces for the solids and, obviously, as you go down in size. The shell of the RS-1 is Bell's Tri-Weave Matrix, a blend of Kevlar, Carbon Fiber & Fiberglass, which is the same construction method used in the race-level Bell Star, with less carbon fiber used in the RS1. The ventilation scheme has also been reconfigured for this lid, and it now flows more air than any helmet in the Bell lineup. With the chin vents, the brow vents, the newly designed chimney intakes and the exhaust ports, this helmet will flow a ton of air at speed.
The RS-1 has all of the elements that has set Bell apart from other brands in recent years. It uses the same NutraFog II anti-fog anti-scratch shield as the Star and Vortex, and it is able to accommodate the extraordinarily popular Bell Transitions Shield which is photochromic and changes tint based on ambient light. It essentially eliminates the need to ever change shields. The shield also has a TPU locking mechanism with three settings: lock, ratchet and crack. The ClickRelease Shield Mechanism is one of the easiest we've seen in the business and takes mere seconds to remove or put on a shield. Aerodynamics in the Bell RS 1 Helmet are optimized for the 3/4 or tuck position, meaning that this helmet is going to work in aggressive street riding and long-distance sport-touring scenarios.
Internally, Bell has improved their liners from the previous generation, as they are now softer, more comfortable and quicker wicking than before. It utilizes the new Agion antibacterial moisture-wicking fabric and everything internally is completely removable and washable: the cheek pads, the comfort liner, even the chin strap covers. Speaking of chin straps, the double d-ring closure is complemented by Bell's patented MagnaFusion strap keeper, which puts flapping straps to sleep. The Bell RS1 Helmet touts Snell 2010 certification and is track-legal. There is also a five-year manufacturer's warranty.
For this price, we really think it's going to be hard to find a helmet that outperforms the RS-1. After we've actually had a chance to check out everything it has going for it, it's a clear winner across the board.
The new Bell Helmets that have had us excited for the last couple months have finally been unleashed to the riding world. Something for everyone, this series of Bell lids does an extremely good job of filling holes in their lineup in addition to introducing motorcyclists to a brand new concept. The Bell Revolver Helmet is an absolutely revolutionary lid, being the first modular helmet ever designed for true sport riding. While we are patiently awaiting the helmets to arrive so we can shoot our video reviews, we can share some high resolution photography (click to enlarge) and some quick details about each lid.
The brand new Bell RS-1 Helmet is designed to be a head-to-head competitor with the Shoei RF-1100 Helmet; a mid-level price point helmet that delivers high-end performance for the sport touring market. The RS-1 fills the void in the Bell lineup between the Vortex and the Star, delivering an extremely aerodynamic design, a comfortable and airflow-rich interior, and a lightweight and protective shell. This helmet is going to be huge in amongst the sport riding community.
Answering the call of the sport rider, the Bell Revolver Helmet is the first modular helmet truly designed to perform in street riding scenarios. Most modular helmets are completely focused for the sport and ADV touring markets, with little regards to street riders looking for versatility in a lid. At an extremely reasonable price point for a Bell helmet with this degree of functionality, the Revolver should be a big hit this season for Bell.
Bell's newest dirt lid is completely performance focused. Aerodynamic, lightweight, comfortable, and featuring improved safety elements, the Bell Moto-9 Helmet has taken dirt helmets to the next level. Featuring a brand new Eject Helmet Removal System, the Moto-9 becomes extremely easy to gently remove in a serious accident scenario. With Snell 2010 certfication, TriMatrix composite shell, and the adjustable Flying Bridge Visor, the Moto-9 was developed in conjunction with Supercross pro James Stewart who is currently wearing it on the circuit.
This helmet is slated to be positioned as the one that splits the difference between the Vortex and the Star, fitting squarely between the two in terms of performance and price point. We think the Bell RS-1 Helmet is going to be an absolute home run as it competes head-to-head with those very few helmets that can tout a mid-level price point yet pack premium-level helmet features (Shoei RF-1100, the RS-1 has you in its sights!).
We can't go into too many details here, but we can say that it will be an aggressive street and sport helmet, designed for spirited road riding with a feature set that can easily translate to track day riding.