Bell Star 2016: Old Name, New Game

• Tony
  Content Coordinator
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Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. If you were a fictional character in Boston from 1982 - 1993, that place was Cheers. If you are the Bell Star, that place is the motorcycle industry. Basically, the Star has been one of the foundational motorcycle helmets that is as well-known in the industry as any. For the Spring of 2016, however, that name, while as recognizable as ever, will be attached to a lid that looks a little different.

The new lineup of Bell Star helmets is itself, new. Previously, there was one. When looking for the best from Bell, there was the Bell Star and the Bell Star Carbon. Now, however, the lineup has been split into three distinct options: Bell Pro Star, Bell Race Star, and the Bell Star helmet. In this lineup, the Bell Pro Star and Bell Race Star cover the aggressive race style while the Bell Star is geared more for the street.

Not to be confused with the old Bell Star, the 2016 version by the same name is going to be more for the street rider and commuter. With an outer shell that has been constructed of a Tri-Matrix of Aramid, Carbon Fiber, and Fiberglass for strength, durability, and protection, the Bell Star will combine lightweight aerodynamics with rugged, go-anywhere tenacity. As with its more race-oriented brothers, the Star helmet will feature the new Panovision Viewport that has increased the viewing capabilities of the rider both vertically and horizontally. On top of it all, the helmet itself features 5 shell sizes, which allows for a more tailored, low-profile fit and feel to this DOT/Snell M2015 certified motorcycle helmet.

In the end, the main takeaway is that Bell has made a mega-stride into the next generation of its premier motorcycle helmet lineup. The Bell Star is a premium-grade helmet that will offer street, commuting, and touring riders a race-inspired helmet that has been redesigned to better accommodate their specific off-track specifications.

Have fun out there, be safe, and as always…

Enjoy the ride,

Juice

Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet

The newest Roland Sands Designs top-of-the-line Bell race lid has arrived in the form of the Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet. Touting all of the features and functionality we find in carbon version of the Star as is, what you get here is the newest design from one of the industry's leaders in Motorcycle Helmets. Check out some of the images below and click to see them in much larger versions.

Check out our Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet Review:

-RetroZilla

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Bell Star Helmet Graphics

Brand new for late 2011, Bell has dropped some new graphic versions of its high-end Snell 2010 race helmet, the Bell Star. The Star was lauded when it first came out for its superior aerodynamics, ventilation and overall performance. With some fresh graphics for this season, the Bell Star Helmet remains a top contender in our race helmet lineup. Below, we have some video overviews of these new graphics.

Check out the Bell Star Hess Carbon Helmet:

Next, take a look at the reckless style of the Bell Star Miss Behavin Helmet:

Next is the limited edition Roland Sands Design Bell Star Speed Freak Helmet:

And, for good measure, the staple Bell Star Rally Helmet:

Bell Star Rally

-RetroZilla

New Bell Star Helmets

Give the already-envied Bell Star Helmet a visual makeover and what do you get?  AwesomeSauce!  With three new designs, two of which are carbon-fibre, Bell Helmets is keeping the Star hip for a new season.  The Matte Carbon Fibre could easily become the next King-of-the-Hill among Carbon helmets and the Hess Carbon design takes it even one step further.  For those of you with classier tastes, roll the dice with Miss Behavin and see if you get lucky...

If you grew up on Mars and have never heard of the this helmet, we would be happy to introduce you with our original Bell Star review (using the Bell Star Carbon Helmet):

-- ckZilla
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Related:
Bell Vortex and Bell Star Helmet Review
Bell RS-1 Helmet Review
Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Bell Photochromic Transitions Shield Review

Through Bell Helmets union with Transitions SolFX Optical who is the undisputed leader in photochromic lenses, the pinnacle of light-adjusting shields has been achieved in the Bell Photochromic Shield. The shield intuitively reacts to light conditions meaning that you'll never have to swap shields when riding at night or during full-blast sunlight. Check out this video of the Bell Transitions SolFX shield below for all the details.

Beyond the obvious benefits of having an automatically-tinting shield, the Photochromic Faceshield also utilizes the Bell NutraFogII anti-fog coating which dramatically cuts back on fogging. It is also anti-scratch and its UV-protection coatings block over 99% of UV rays. The shield is compatible with the Bell Vortex Helmet and Bell Star Helmet as it utilizes the Bell ClickRelease shield system.

We have a couple guys around the office that have been using this shield with their Stars and Vortexes and we've heard nothing but great reviews about it.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Bell Star and Bell Vortex Helmet Review
Bell Helmets R&D Headquarters Tour
New Motorcycle Gear - July 2010

Bell Vortex and Bell Star Helmet Review

We've already done extensive RevZillaTV video reviews on both of these helmets (Bell Star & Bell Vortex) but whenever we come across new product information we like to share it. We feel that there can never be too much information to further knowledge and assist in the buying process. To that end, we're releasing these videos that feature Bell Helmets' product experts detailing the nuances of the Bell Star Helmet and the Bell Vortex Helmet.

First is the Bell Star Helmet:

Bell Star Rally Helmet

We've featured the Bell Star Helmet in several helmet buying guides that we've done, including our Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Guide and our Motorcycle Race Helmet Buying Guide. It is a standout redesign of the former Bell Star iteration. It touts Snell 2010 certification, a super lightweight and resilient construction, and phenomenal ventilation utilizing Bell's FlowAdjust system which is a variable system that pulls air through the helmet to keep your head cool while you're riding. The shield is three-way adjustable, with one setting dedicated to a cracked de-fogging mode, and it features the Bell Click-Release system for lightning fast shield changes. Utilizing the optional track ship improves the already impressive aerodynamics of the Star which goes through intensive
research and development, wind and water tunnel testing. The
stability of this helmet is absolutely stellar.

Bell Star Hess Helmet

The Nutra-Fog 2 shield is anti-scratch and anti-fog with a UV-protective coating that blocks 99% of harmful UV rays. Bell also developed a photochromic shield with Transitions SolFX Optical, the Bell Star Photochromic Face Shield, which automatically adjusts tint depending on ambient light conditions. Bright sunshine, midnight darkness? This shield performs in all conditions, eliminating annoying shield changes. The guts are removable, washable and moisture-wicking, with an antibacterial and antimicrobial treatment. The cheek pads are contour-cut for comfort and optimal fit and the D-ring chin strap closure features a Magnafusion magnetic strap keeper to eliminate annoying flapping at speed. From the main features to the detailed nuances, this helmet is an extraordinary lid in both
performance and appearance.


Next is the look at the Bell Vortex Helmet:

Bell Vortex RSD Apocalypse Helmet

The Bell Vortex Helmet borrows heavily from the Star in terms of engineering and construction and it shows. It is probably our favorite helmet at the sub-$200 price point and we think it offers arguably the best functionality of any entry-level priced helmet we carry. The Vortex uses the Velocity Flow Ventilation system with FlowAdjust, which is the exact same system as the Star and helps to moderate airflow and temperature regulation. The Vortex has the exact same shield as the Bell Star, the NutraFog II anti-fog anti-scratch UV-protected shield. It is also made to fit the aforementioned Photochromic Shield and has the same ClickRelease shield-change mechanism as the Star. Wind and road noise is dramatically reduced by the padded wind collar and the Vortex has the same removable
washable and antibacterial liner as the Star. It also touts
Snell 2010 certification.

Bell Vortex Grind Helmet

So what's the big difference here between the Vortex and the Star? Aside from some subtle differences like the fact that the Star's cheekpads are hand cut for superior fit while the Vortex's are stacked foam, the major difference is the shell composition. While the lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell used by the Vortex is no slouch, it doesn't compare to the Super Premium level of the Star's Kevlar, Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass TriMatrix construction which elevates the Star to a completely different level. That said, if you're not a racer and don't do much trackday riding, but rather are a rider looking for optimum functionality from an entry-to-mid-level sport helmet, you may not have to look further than the Bell Vortex.

All in all, Bell seriously impressed us in 2010 with these new lids. Be sure not to miss the RevZillaTV reviews of these helmets by visiting the individual product pages at RevZilla.com. Check out the competition by visiting our section of Motorcycle Helmets.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Bell Helmets R+D Headquarters Tour
Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Everyday Riding Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Bell Helmets R+D Headquarters Tour

In order to fully understand the process of development, testing and manufacture of Bell Helmets, a full tour of their headquarters is necessary. Bell has developed a process from the ground up that involves industrial design at the beginning level for ergonomics, fit and styling through CAD engineering and prototyping, safety testing, creative design and final production. The video below takes a full top to bottom tour of the facility so we can all learn the nuts and bolts of what goes in to each and every Bell Helmet that is manufactured.

Bell Star Cerwinske Helmet

The initial phase of Bell Helmets development begins at the industrial design level. Their design team starts by creating sketches of models and 2D renderings of helmet concepts, eventually making clay models and fleshing out ideas for designs. After the industrial design takes place, the team begins to work with the mechanical engineers to get the helmet design to the next stage. The mechanical engineers take the original clay models and put them through a Digitizer, which traces across the models, creating a digital model of the helmet. The engineers then utilize the digital model in CAD to fine-tune the model before eventually sending it to a Prototyper that produces a 3D manifestation of the design.

Bell Vortex RSD Apocalypse Helmet

After the prototype is complete, every helmet gets sent to their Test Labs. Here, they perform a series of tests involving everything from penetration and impact protection to aerodynamics and ventilation. The impact tests simulate the same level of testing that is used in Snell Certification. These tests begin at the prototyping phase to help refine actual designs and improve strength and performance; testing continues through Quality Control and Batch testing phases.

Bell Star Day of the Dead Helmet

Once the prototype is perfected, the helmet is ready to go to the Art Department. Out of all motorcycle helmet manufacturers, Bell arguably uses the most well-known and reputable artists. From Roland Sands to Jona Cerwinske to Jimbo Phillips to Derek Hess to Chris Wood, Bell's Artist Series of helmets represents the pinnacle of motorcycle helmet designs.

These are the main phases of development for Bell Motorcycle Helmets. Their facilities are truly some of the most advanced in the industry and their ground-up approach to manufacturing is what separates their lids from the pack and makes them an upper-echelon helmet producer.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Motorcycle Race Helmet Buying Guide
Everyday Riding Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Motorcycle Race Helmet Buying Guide

Rounding out our string of Motorcycle Helmet Guides, today we present our newest installation which is for all you racers and trackday riders out there. Our Motorcycle Race Helmet Buying Guide details the important nuances that separate the better from the best and will help racers determine which helmet best suits their needs. We cover helmet weights, aerodynamics, ventilation, comfort, shell shape and price point for our six picks for the best racing helmets available on the market. This should serve as a good starting point for anyone looking to buy a new race helmet. Also, be sure to check out the full video reviews on the individual product pages on RevZilla.com or RevZillaTV.com

The first helmet in the group, the baby of the bunch, is the HJC RPS-10 Helmet. The RPS-10 was developed over the course of two and half years with HJC's collaboration with MotoGP rider Ben Spies (who is currently sporting it on the circuit). Here are the stats:

• Price: $314.99 and up
• Weight: 3lbs 6oz
• Shell: PIM (Premium Integrated Matrix) Fiberglass
• Fit: Round Oval
• Excellent Stability and Ventilation
• Snell 2010 Certification

Next up is the Shark RSR 2 Helmet, currently being worn by Randy DePuniet in the MotoGP circuit. Out of France, Shark has been manufacturing high-end helmets since 1929. Here are the stats on the RSR 2:

• Price: $444.99 and up
• Weight: 3lbs 7oz
• Shell: Carbon Fiber / Kevlar Blend
• Fit: Long Oval
• Excellent Ventilation, Extremely Quiet Ride
• 3mm Faceshield
• ECE and DOT Certified

The third helmet in our lineup is the AGV GP Tech Helmet and any racing enthusiast who hasn't been living under a stone for the last decade will recognize this as MotoGP Champion Valentino Rossi's lid. AGV Helmets, an Italian company, has sponsored Vale for quite a while. The stats on the GP Tech:

• Price: $529.99 and up
• Weight: 3lbs 7oz
• Shell: Two-Piece Dual-Density Carbon Kevlar
• Fit: Intermediate Oval
• Exceptional Ventilation and Stability
• ECE and DOT Certified

The Bell Star Helmet, completely redesigned for 2010, has quietly been making a big splash in the racing community since it dropped earlier this year. It's being worn in AMA by Josh Herrin and the hype surrounding it is much deserved. The stats on the Bell Star:

• Price: $549.95 and up
• Weight: 3lbs 9oz
• Shell: Kevlar, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass Tri-Matrix
• Fit: Round Intermediate Oval
• Great Aerodynamics and Ventilation (with added Track Strip)
• Photochromatic Transitions Shield Available
• Snell 2010 Certified

The Shoei X-12 Helmet arrives as the replacement to the mega-popular X-11, which led the industry for years. The X-12 arrives with many upgrades over its predecessor, including updated certification and shell improvements. The stats on the Shoei X-12:

• Price: $613.79 and up
• Weight: 3lbs 10oz
• Shell: AIM+ Fiberglass and Organic Fibers
• Fit: Intermediate to Long Oval
• Good Ventilation, Noise Levels and Aerodynamics
• Emergency Release Cheek Pads
• Extremely Low Profile
• Snell 2010 Certification

Lastly, we have the helmet that is ultimately the measuring stick by which all other race helmets are compared. The Arai Corsair V Helmet, which replaces the Arai RX-7 Corsair, is worn by most professional racers whether they are sponsored or not. Racers turn down other helmet sponsorships to buy a Corsair V on their own. Here are the stats: 

• Price: $692.95 and up
• Weight: 3lbs 4oz (lightest race helmet on the market)
• Shell: Super Complex Laminate, Super Fiber
• Fit: Intermediate Oval
• Adjustable AirWing for Exceptional Aerodynamics
• Great Stability and Ventilation at Speed
• Emergency Release Cheek Pads
• Snell 2010 Certification

There you have it. Our round up of the top race helmets on the market. Please be sure to check out the in-depth reviews of these helmets on their individual pages at RevZilla.com. Check out our full selection by visiting the Motorcycle Helmets section of the site.

-RetroZilla

Related:

How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Everyday Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
AGV Helmets vs Shark Helmets