I’ve worn a lot of helmets in my days. While protection is of the utmost importance, comfort is usually a major factor when I’m considering a substantial gear purchase. A helmet for me has to tick three boxes: it has to have proper safety tech, it has to be comfortable, and it also should look cool. The Bell Race Star DLX Flex pretty much covers the bases.  

Weight plays a huge role in overall comfort. If I’m riding cross-country, or even on a long day ride, I don’t want my neck and shoulders to get fatigued because I’m wearing a cinder block on my head. The Race Star is anything but heavy. It feels very light and actually didn’t cause fatigue out of the ordinary and I’ve logged over 1,000 miles already with the Race Star. 

The Race Star DLX is light–weighing only 1540 grams (about 3.3 pounds) and it definitely plays a role in reducing fatigue on all-day rides. Featuring a new fit and weighing 10% lighter than previous versions, the new Race Star is also equipped with Bell’s ProTint shield (U.S. only), which is activated by UV light and adapts to changing light conditions, providing enhanced vision during any ride. Tinting comes on smoothly without even knowing it. Change the conditions and the visor returns to a clear shield. It’s that simple. 

Offering all the features and protection of its class-leading sibling the Bell Star, the Race Star utilizes a 3k carbon fiber shell and is packed with cutting-edge technology to deliver premier performance. The Race Star also features Bell’s Flex liner technology, which provides comprehensive protection via a three-layer impact liner designed to manage energy from three potential impact scenarios: low, mid and high-speed. The magnetic Magnefusion cheek pads ensure superior comfort with optimal fit that are very easily removed if you need to swap for a different size to ensure an optimal fit. Airflow and ventilation should also be mentioned. The Race Star features two chin vents and an upper vent above the visor, which provide optimal airflow that exhausts out of the rear. A steady cool stream provides a much needed break from high-temps. 

Overall, if you’re in the market for a new lid. You should definitely consider the new Bell Race Star DLX Flex (multiple colors to choose from). You get a comfortable helmet with all the tech in a variety of race-inspired liveries. Ranging from $769.95 – $869.95, you can’t put a price on safety, because after all, you’re protecting your head! 

Magnefusion Cheek Pad Emergency Release System 

Allows for easy removal of the pads for washing and enables emergency responders to easily remove the cheek pads first before removing the helmet following an impact. 

3K Carbon Fiber Shell

The proven 3K carbon fiber shell gives the helmet the look, performance and feel of a true race helmet. 

5 Shell sizes

5 shell sizes and 6 impact liner sizes allows the rider to experience the performance of a near-custom fit. However you ride, fit matters. 

Anti-bacterial liner

Washable liner with quick-drying materials. Inhibits growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi. 

Flex Energy Management 

A first-of-its-kind, three-layer impact liner designed to manage energy from three potential impact scenarios: low, mid and high-speed. 

Protint

Now with a Bell ProTint Shield. Activated by UV light, ProTing shields adapt to changing light conditions, providing enhanced vision during any ride. Offering exceptional clarity in low light conditions, ProTint shields quickly darken when exposed to bright sunlight. This adaptive technology helps your eyes adjust to the conditions, even when they are changing as quickly as the road ahead.