Dubbed the Revolver, Bell’s DOT modular helmet is comprised of a polycarbonate alloy shell that features the same sleek and aggressive design as its Star, Vortex, and RS-1 helmets. Aside from providing a stylish design, the aerodynamic shape of the helmet also helps resists buffeting and lift when cruising at speed. The Revolver is packed with features such as Bell’s Velocity Flow Ventilation system, an integrated internal Sun Shade, Quick Release shield changing system, an exclusive Magnafusion magnetic strap keeper, and an easy-to-use chin bar button that makes unlocking the chin bar a breeze. The Revolver is available in metallic silver solid, white solid, gloss black solid, matte black solid, and Rally Black which is a black shell with white racing stripes running from the chin to the back of the head. The helmet retails for $199.95-$219.95, depending on color.

I like to run in stealth mode so I went with the matte-black finish. The helmet comes with Bell’s NutraFog II anti-fog, anti-scratch, and UV-protected shield, but I upgraded and picked up one of the company’s new Transitions SOLFX ClikRelease shields ($119.95). I really liked how the helmet fit my head, there was plenty of padded support without it being too tight or restrictive. This could be due to Bell’s Contour Cut cheek pads, which according to the company, offer a more natural and comfortable feel on the face and cheeks. There seemed to be some extra padding at the lower back of the head that took a little getting used to, but I quickly found it added to the overall snug fit of the helmet.

The chin bar is easy to actuate even with thick gloves. I simply pushed the button that resides on the inside center of the chin bar and rotated the chin bar up and out of the way. While I wouldn’t recommend riding like this, as it would disrupt the aerodynamics of the helmet, it made it nice to get extra airflow and communicate with others at stops. I was able to combat riding in hot conditions by utilizing the front chin vent and the two top vents. The venting system provides a good amount of airflow that starts at the chin and pretty much runs over the top and sides of the head.

Installing the Transitions SOLFX shield was extremely easy with the ClickRelease Triggers on either side of the helmet. I simply fully opened the shield and then depressed the triggers and the shield popped off. Installation was a matter of just aligning the shield ends and pushing them in until they clicked in. I found the SOLFX shield to be really cool and useful. Tinted when I needed it and clear when I didn’t, the transitioning shield essentially eliminated the need for carrying two shields or even a pair of sunglasses for that matter. Depending on the lighting conditions, the shade of the shield adjusts light to dark and vice-versa. The shield doesn’t get super dark on its own but on really bright days or riding directly into the sun, I found that the addition of the one-click integrated SunShade really helped.

My only complaint about the Revolver is it seemed to have a lot more wind noise around the ears than most other full-face helmets I’ve owned. There are some pockets around the sides of the chin that allowed wind to flow in causing the noise. However, even with the wind flowing in, I found it didn’t cause any turbulence or buffeting. I liked the helmet, the modular feature and transitional shield make it really practical for everyday use, and for a guy a like me who doesn’t mind wearing full-face helmets, the relatively inexpensive price, comfortable fit, versatility, solid construction, and five-year warranty makes the Revolver a safe bet. HB

Pros
• Price Point
• Quality Construction
• Solfx Shield

Cons
• Wind Noise

Bell Helmets
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