Bell Super DH MIPS Equipped Helmet Review

Bell helmets is built around auto racing, motorcycle, and bicycle culture. The helmet brand was established in 1954 and has been killing it for a while now. Their bike department is the newest and fastest growing branch of their company. More recently, Bell has really stepped up their game with bicycle helmets and their latest Bell Super DH, Bell Sixer, and Bell 4forty models look to be some of their best yet. Here in this review, we are going to be taking a close look at the all new Bell Super DH helmet, an evolution of the Super lineup with features like MIPS Spherical, a 360 degree wraparound tool free removable chin bar, and is the first downhill certified convertible helmet. Let's check it out! 

Helmet Specifications

Bell Features

• Float Fit DH™ w/ Fidlock Buckle
• Fusion In-Mold Polycarbonate Shell
• Goggleguide™ Adjustable Visor System
• Integrated Breakaway Camera Mount
• MIPS® Spherical
• No-Twist Tri-Glides™
• Overbrow Ventilation™
• Progressive Layering™
• Sweat Guide™ Padding
• Wraparound Protection™
• X-Static® and XT-2® Padding

Riding and Performance

Pros

• This new MIPS spherical system is so smart. The Bell Super DH uses two different layers of EPS foam that are connected with MIPS elastomers. The inner layer of the EPS foam can slip and slide 360˚ relative to the outside of the helmet. This allows the helmet to absorb some of the initial rotational impact which is very common in a mountain bike crash. In the end, MIPS is there to keep your head safe. The all new Bell Super DH spherical MIPS system does just that and is all packaged into a comfortable form fitting helmet. 

• When you slide this helmet over your head, there are no harsh pressure points or hot spots after a long ride. The helmet feels like it cups your head and after ratcheting the tensioner in the back, the helmet is locked in to place. The Sweat Guide padding is just comfortable. Wearing this helmet is like laying down on a soft couch after a long day at work. But not too soft to where you can't get back up. Just right! 

• Because the helmet wraps around and comes down low on the back of your head, it provides ample protection even when the chin bar is removed. I felt safe wearing this helmet from the get go, both with the chin bar and without. 

• This new helmet uses a handy magnet chin strap system. There were times when I unbuckled the helmet when climbing and doing so with the magnet system was nice and easy. The two buckles slide together in a groove and are held together by two magnets. This is a clever idea.

• The Bell Super DH helmet is the most versatile helmet I have ever ridden in. For me personally, I prefer to ride in an aggressive style trail helmet, a 3/4 helmet, and the Super DH fits right in. I would have no problem riding in this helmet all day long on the trail bike and riding at the bike park the next day. 

• The Super DH is a hugely improved over the Super 3 helmet. No stone was left unturned. Compared to the Super 3, the Super DH fits more comfortably and securely, it is safer with the new MIPS spherical system, the chin bar meets the ASTM standard for downhilll racing helmets, it is more versatile on both ends of the spectrum, and it is just flat out better looking! 

Cons

• The Super DH covers such a large spectrum of different riding. This helmet can be worn all day on a trail ride and then taken straight to the bike park. For the riders that want just one helmet to do it all, this is perfect. With all that being said, this isn't the most efficient helmet out there in either category. There are lighter cross country helmets out there and there are more protective downhill helmets available. Even though the Super DH helmet reaches multiple disciplines, it doesn't absolutely kill either category. 

What's The Bottom Line? 

The new Bell Super DH helmet is legit! This one of the most versatile helmets out on the market right now and for good reason. Because the Super DH meets the ASTM F1952 certification, it is ready for full on downhill riding and the kinds of impacts that can occur. Take the chin bar off, and you have one of the most comfortable trails helmets. When you slide this helmet on, the quality fit is very impressive, probably my favorite part about this helmet. The Super DH is a bit bulky to be a true cross country helmet, but that's not what you are buying it for. You're buying it for its versatility and ability to excel in more than one discipline. This helmet is great for the rider that wants one helmet to do it all!