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Submitted by
SHALAKO
a Weekend Warrior
from Carlsbad,CA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Good price, good brand, well ventilated | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Other Bell helmets over the years | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur LT | | Bottom Line: | Well worth the price, Ive wrecked (hard) on all the bell helmets Ive owned and always got right up and kept riding. The bottom line is you cant go wrong with Bell | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
strommy76
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, FL USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The Chutes | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$64.00 | | Purchased At: | Bellhelmets.com | | Strengths: | Did its job - protected my head. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy adhesive bonding the interior pads to the foam. | | Similar Products Used: | A couple of random helmets, mostly Bell. | | Bike Setup: | '06 Fuel EX9 with Race Face Atlas FR crankset & chainrings, XT deraileurs & shifters, SRAM 970 cassette & PC-991 chain, Laser V seat, Monkeylite DH handlebar, Thomson X4 100mm x 10 deg stem, ESI grips, Kenda Nevegal 2.35 UST tires with Stan's no-tube, Eggbeater SL pedals, Lake MX-165 shoes | | Bottom Line: | Came around a blind turn a smacked right into a tree that had fallen down across the trail. The impact stopped me cold (all 225 lb) from about 8 MPH and crushed the left side of the helmet. But I was able to ride out and didn't have any head or neck pain. The helmet did its job well. The only knock is the adhesive that bonds the Velcro pads to the inside of the helmet. After about a year, they came off and I had to superglue them back on. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SIHagedorn
a Weekend Warrior
from silver spirng, Maryland, usa
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$29.00 | | Purchased At: | twoknobbytires.com | | Strengths: | Looks good, light weight, comfortable, and a great price! | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Bottom Line: | Great product at a great price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chustig
a Weekend Warrior
from Lonsdale
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Murphy-Hanrehan | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Fits my head the goodest of all brands, looks pretty sharp, protects my head from hard stuff, good ventilation, lasts, | | Weaknesses: | Straps lengthen when wet (I sweat a LOT), hmmm...that's it. It's a tough helmet as far as I can tell. | | Similar Products Used: | None. My first and only bicycle helmet. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Kona Kahuna Deluxe, Mavic Crossride wheelset (I can't bend 'em!), stock otherwise | | Bottom Line: | I bought this mid 2003 when I bought my first off road bike. I thought some other helmets looked cooler (Giro Xen), but this one just fit my head pretty f'in good. And while not as cool looking, it still looked good. I got grey.
Seems to me most comparable helmets will protect your head about the same in a crash, and most seem well vented too. So the most important factor for me is fit. Go with what fits your head good, and you will forget it's there. I have a more ovular head.
I'm buying a new bike soon ('08 Stumpy FSR Expert Demo), so I thought I might go look at helmets and see what's out there now. I was somewhat surprised to see all the same stuff. Tried them all on, and after I found the one that fit best, I realized I already owned it. Funny... :P
I'm not sure if this is a problem with other helmets, but the straps lengthen very noticeably when they are wet, which is every time I ride. So I just adjust them tight enough to be just short of uncomfortable when dry, and they are OK when wet.
One of stick on velcro hook discs for the removable pads came loose recently. I just glued it back on with crazy glue and it's pretty much good as new.
I landed funny on the double drop at Lebanon hills once, went over the bars, and landed on my head. Had a chunk of dirt jammed in it, but me and the helmet were fine. Didn't even crack it a bit. I've been wearing it ever since.
Bottom line, I like this helmet. It fits me good, protects my head. I've only looked at one store casually (REI!), but I'm not sure I could find a better helmet, so I don't see the point in replacing it, other than that, as a modern human being, I'm compelled to buy stuff.
Buy what fits best. This thing feels like it would stay on if it were not strapped to my head.
I read a lot of reviews on here, and I like when people give details. Hope that helps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ThePinkBarron
a Weekend Warrior
from Bangor
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | BCP | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Rack Sports | | Strengths: | Lightweight durable, easy to adjust, comfortable, breathable | | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | Giro stuff mostly | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Mojo, Fox Vanilla, XTR drivetrain, Hope discs. | | Bottom Line: | This helmet has literately saved my life, I have used Bells helmet replacement program 2 times, both times I was unscathed. It is comfortable, easy to use, and the price is right. I will replace this one with another just like it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
OtherDave
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Novi Tree Farm | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Comfortable, light, good vents, great coverage. | | Weaknesses: | Tensioner broke after 2 seasons | | Similar Products Used: | Low rent Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock Pro; Shimano XT; Reba Team 115mm; BB7; RaceFace Evolve DH; EggBeater SL | | Bottom Line: | Great helmet. Gives good coverage down the side of the skull. A fantastic upgrade over entry level. Vents are positioned well to accept a variety of mounts for lights or helmet cam. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
redwarrior
a Cross Country Rider
from Western Masshole
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | B-Street | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$62.00 | | Purchased At: | Large Retailer | | Strengths: | fit, sweat management | | Weaknesses: | no shell on lower back | | Similar Products Used: | xen, hex | | Bike Setup: | 06 Teo, pike, havocs | | Bottom Line: | This helmet fits me great. I have an oval head and the Giro stuff just doesn't sit on my head right. I like the dial fit system opposed to the Giro Roc-Loc which never stays tight. The sweat management is great as well. On the hex/xen, I'd have to literally dump the sweat out of the top vents every stop. Max flamin' chilis for this bean cover. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
norcalniner
a Weekend Warrior
from Petaluma, CA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Annadel | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$62.00 | | Purchased At: | REI, Santa Rosa | | Strengths: | The helmet fits my head like a glove and is hella comfortable. Ventilation is just right and the adjustment knobs stay secure and don't slip. The visor is at a good position as well. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | Awesome buy, I would gladly buy another helmet should this one break due to the big one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Lithia FL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | North Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | University Bicycle Center, Tampa | | Strengths: | Price, quality, melon protection | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | none (yet) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock Sport (now heavily modified) | | Bottom Line: | This was the helmet I bought the same day I bought my bike two years ago. I could talk about how well-ventilated it is, how easy it is to adjust, or how comfortably it fits, but the bottom line is that it probably kept me from having to eat from a tube the rest of my life. I launched into an endo (with impressive elevation) going down a hill at a pretty good clip and landed on my head. I saw stars and was stunned for a couple of seconds, but bottom line was I got up and walked out of the woods on my own. The helmet broke clean through, but that's what it was supposed to do, and it's far better the helmet than my noggin. I would recommend this brain bucket to anyone not needing full face protection. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Wright
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | PMSP | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$64.00 | | Purchased At: | Gusto Cycles, Greenville SC | | Strengths: | Value (most of Bell's technologies at a good price point), lightweight, good ventilation, comfortable, GPS system easy to adjust one-handed (but doesn't help with trail location determination), looks good on trail or road if the visor is off. | | Weaknesses: | If this helmet had bottom overmold to withstand gear bag abuse then it would be perfect...and probably cost $100. The vent shapes happen to make mounting a headlight a tad tricky. It can be done though. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell helmets happen to fit me. I've been wearing their products since motorcycling back in the 80s. I started with their original hardshell, then got one of the fabric wrapped softshells, then came into the current thinshell style with a Giro, used a Influx from Dec. '03, and bought a new Influx recently. | | Bike Setup: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | This helmet is the value leader in Bell's lineup. They've made a bazillion of them, and the design hasn't changed for some years, so the pricing is good. A serious head-on impact last Fall resulted in a small crack in the energy absorbing foam. The helmet stayed together anyway - probably due to the internal skeleton. I recently got my act together and replaced it. After trying quite a few helmets on, I decided to go with a fresh Influx, which is about as good an endorsement as any product gets from me. White for good visibility. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Garner
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Confortable, affordable, and breathable. | | Similar Products Used: | Giro, Bell | | Bottom Line: | For the money this is really nice helmet. The vents are adequate for moving air through and the appearance isn't bad either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Roscoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Cheraw, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable, breathes well, pretty light. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Old dept. store rubbish. | | Bike Setup: | N/A | | Bottom Line: | This is my first quality helmet. The adjustment system (similar to a welding helmet) is very nice, and you can adjust it with one hand. The Influx breathes well and it's lightweight and comfortable. Most of the time I don't realize I'm wearing it. I wish it weren't so "mushroomy", but maybe that's on account of my stupid cranium. :) The Influx is well constructed, and after riding with it, I can't justify spending a ton of money on a helmet when a more reasonably priced unit works this well. Thankfully, no crashes yet. 5 Nuclear tamales. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff shen
a Weekend Warrior
from Monterey, California
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Gift | | Strengths: | This is a wonderful and durable, not to mention super comfortable helmet. Get it! It has been through many crashes from flipping over, falling sideways, and just plain abuse, and has withstood over the past 3 years. Although today, it formed a crack in the helmet, which doesn't surprise me, but to make sure it was just from dropping it, I threw the helmet down on the ground again, and it fromed another crack, so it confirms that my helmet has withstood 3 hard years of abuse, (through broken collarbone, hairline fractured foot, etc...). I also love this helmet, because it is not some cheap plastic feeling one, it actually has very plush and snug padding. | | Weaknesses: | None, really, unless you count that it didn't last for more than 3 years, whish is a stupid "weakness" | | Bottom Line: | I love this helmet' you can too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from North Kingstown, RI
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$64.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar.com | | Strengths: | GPS fitting system, awesome ventilation, light weight, looks great and fits perfect! | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bottom Line: | I cannot recommend this helmet enough. Saved my noggin from a nasty spill once already, which is why I had to buy a second. I have never had the straps loosen while riding like others have complained. Overall it is an awesome helmet and I have no complaints! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Lamsam
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitewater, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | John Muir Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike-o-rama | | Strengths: | Looks awesome, fits great, takes a beating | | Weaknesses: | NONE AT ALL | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Aquila | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Trek Fuel 70 | | Bottom Line: | this helmet saved me from a world of hurt! I fell from an elevated board and my head landed on another board. I was wearing this helmet and it didn't even get a scratch but I'm getting the helmet replaced any way not out of lack of confidence in the helmet but because others have told me to get it replaced. I'm wearing my Aquila until I get the time to ship the helmet in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Canada - www.bikecanada.com (2005) | | Strengths: | 2005 year styling, 18 vents for cooling, light weight, retension system, adjustable straps & an extra set of pads. | | Weaknesses: | Flimsy plastic visor when mounted is crooked. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Defender (6 vent/1994), Bell Oasis Pro (8 vent/1997), Bell Nemesis II Pro (27 vent/2001). | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Trek Fuel 90 Disk | | Bottom Line: | I ordered this helmet back in early November 2005 after an accident in mid October when I fell and landed on my left side (after clipping a pedestrian at speed at night with no battery power) and cracked the helmet in 2 places. I got the Platinum silver coloured one for $100 on sale from $150. It's light, has plenty of vents and great cooling. It has very little weight to it, has a good retension system, adjustable straps and I'm going to install the second set of pads for 2007.
Bottom Line: The best model of helmet I've owned to date, the best helmets in the business especialy with a trade-in of your broken helmet for a brand new one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Wayne, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | the next one | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | good fit, GPS works very well, good airflow | | Weaknesses: | makes neighborhood kids think i'm a cop (but that's not all bad -- keeps thugs from jacking my bike!) | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose-labeled POS | | Bike Setup: | FSXC for all uses | | Bottom Line: | almost 3 1/2 years on my head, 5K+ miles per year, and there have been no issues or weaknesses. the only reason i'm not replacing it w/ another is i found another Bell that has a bit better, more subtle style. and if that doesn't serve me as well, i'll get another Influx (or Delirium, almost identical design). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Tustin, CA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Fits perfectly, doesn't come loose, not too hot | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Vapor | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR | | Bottom Line: | When it came time to replace my old helmet, I first looked at the Giro Havoc, but it didn't fit right. The L was too big, and the M too small. So I tried the Influx, and the M fits perfectly. The retention strap dial in the back works great and has never come loose during a ride. I think it's easier to adjust than the Giro sliders. I haven't had any trouble with the straps stretching either. No complaints at all so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Giancarlo Pelosi
a Weekend Warrior
from Miramar, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bell's Bikes | | Strengths: | Love it. Fits nice on the noggin and breathes great on a hot day. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | 06 Giant Trance 1 stock set up with a Chris King headset, Mavic Crossmax SL disc, XT rotors, Kenda Nevagal UST's, and ODI lock on grip upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Try one on and you'll never take it off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Chatsworth, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Flume | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$39.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelworld | | Strengths: | Great Price, good fit, not too bulky | | Weaknesses: | None WHATSOEVER | | Similar Products Used: | BELL, nothing but. | | Bike Setup: | Fetish Cycles Discipline HT. X.9, Marz Marathon, Avid BB-7 mech | | Bottom Line: | GET IT, AND FORGET ABOUT IT!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin braun
a Cross Country Rider
from conyers, ga, USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Horse park in Conyers | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Very light and durable, 18 vents provide enough ventialtion. i have the 03 model. straps fit well and dont get in the way. I sell cycling componets for a living anyways. This helmet fits 98 percent of the people i talk to on the first try. | | Weaknesses: | Seems to get a bit warm after a very long ride. might just be i sweat like a mad man when i ride. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 05 Scalpel, xpedos, m180 shimano shoes | | Bottom Line: | Great product, treated me well, and i recommend it to everyone that comes into my store. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norm Snowden
a Weekend Warrior
from Plano, TX
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Plano Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | This helmet fits like a glove. There are plenty of air vents to keep my head cool. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't make me any faster. A little stretching in the straps, but that seems to be an issue with most helmets | | Similar Products Used: | Giro Gila | | Bike Setup: | 02 Trek Fuel 98 | | Bottom Line: | This is a great helmet, Bell has a great reputation. The Bell Helmet fits my head like a glove. Enough said.
Try it on, if you like it - Buy It.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Ithaca mi. usa
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Fits like a glove! Light enough, keeps your head cool too. Best fitting helmet I`ve ever worn. Have three of them now. | | Weaknesses: | Straps seem to loosen a bit while riding but not that much. | | Similar Products Used: | Giro, specialized | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale f2000, cannondale raven | | Bottom Line: | Love the fit, worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$77.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bikecanada.com (Nov.2003) | | Strengths: | Excellent sytle, shape, number of vents, light weight, retention system, 2004 model used in 2003 and Bell helmet's
legendary quality. | | Weaknesses: | Visor was bent out of shape and I couldn't adjust it to look right and the straps strech when wet. | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 Bell Defender (6 vents), 1996 Bell Oasis Pro (10 vents), 2001 Bell Nemesis Pro (21 vents). | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Trek Fuel 90 Disk, 1996 GT Ricochet. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent helmet, almost forgot it came with a visor until I saw the picture for it here in the review. The visor came attached to the helmet and was bent out of shape and I could not fix it. A little disappointing but no real problem. I've only ever had a visor on the 2001 Bell Nemesis Pro. The adjustable ratchet feature on the retention system for exact head sizing is great.
The straps stretching when wet is a little annoying.
I forgot to mail into - Bell Helmets - my cracked 2001 Bell Nemesis Pro after a night bike accident to help them with "real world collisions" and get a voucher for a future helmet purchase.
Bottom Line: It keeps your brain where it safely needs to be, so when your head is "rung" it sounds like a "Bell"!
I don't see any reason why I should switch to another manufacturer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GlowBoy
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland OR
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Somewhere deep in Oregon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Fits me well, good ventilation, reasonably light, GPS system works well. | | Weaknesses: | Straps S-T-R-E-T-C-H way, way too much during a ride, especially if they get wet. Unacceptable for that reason. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Bell products. | | Bike Setup: | Custom SS 29" vulture, Geared 29" Surly Karate Monkey | | Bottom Line: | I cannot recommend this helmet despite its strengths. As other reviewers have mentioned, the straps have a tendency to loosen during a ride (and then tighten up again after they've dried out). They stretch unacceptably even if it's dry out, and if I ride in the rain they stretch ridiculously. Well over an inch on each side. Since it's impossible to keep the thing tight, it very unlikely to be positioned properly on impact, and very unlikely to protect my head very well. I can't believe I've put up with this for 2 years. A dangerous product. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Teichgraber
a Racer
from Tsawwassen, BC,. Canada
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$39.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar deal | | Strengths: | 05 Helmet fits like a glove (not OJ) great price, good protection | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Giro E2 , Giro Xen | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Ocoee all ti and raceface, king headset etc
Intense: M1, Dorado DH | | Bottom Line: | I like this helmet for the price factor 39.99 from nashbar price check great for XC racing ar around town. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Xclyde
a Cross Country Rider
from WA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Gallery | | Strengths: | Visor much tougher than most helmets in the 59 dollar pricerange- doesn't have the stupid little pegs that snap off in the helmet foam at the smallest bump. Great venting, no uncomfortable protrusions inside the helmet. (see similar products) | | Weaknesses: | None found | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Interval helmet (has crappy visor pegs, cost just as much, and seemed to make a triangle dent in my forehead after use. I tell the chicks it's a battle scar from 'nam) | | Bike Setup: | Klein Attitude Comp. One just sold on ebay, you should have bought it. | | Bottom Line: | I got last year's model, hence the great price. I like it. If it fits you as well as it does me, there's no reason not to buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, TX
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | IDB, Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | REI.com | | Strengths: | Light, cool (as in not hot), visor, GPS | | Weaknesses: | um...... not free | | Similar Products Used: | cheap crappy bell | | Bike Setup: | giant NRS 3 | | Bottom Line: | great helmet, cheaper that Giro and fits more comfortably. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lloyd
a
from Jackson, WY USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything Single-Track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Light, Fits great, Well ventilated, GPS fit system works very well... | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Gyro Gila | | Bike Setup: | 03 Enduro with nothing stock... | | Bottom Line: | Went over the bars and landed pretty much right on my head in the bottom of a rocky wash, denting the helmet in several places. The helmet did an excellent job of absorbing the shock of the impact. My neck and left shoulder area was sore for a few days but otherwise, no worries.
Went out and bought another one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andro Galero
a Weekend Warrior
from Butuan City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Malalag Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | -weight
-price
-ventilation
-padding
-retention system
-cool looks | | Weaknesses: | -none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Louis Garneau Gladiator & Giro Gila | | Bike Setup: | 99 Cannondale Raven | | Bottom Line: | Bought this helmet from a friend brand new for $60 coz it was too small for him. The weight is the same as my Gladiator but heavier than the Gila. The best feature is its very airy ventilation and GPS retention system, it just fits my head like a glove. Its padding also dries up just a couple of minutes after taking it off, it dries almost immediately.
This is now my favorate helmet for trail riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Garden City, MI
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | yes | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Light, looks good, saves your head | | Weaknesses: | I swear this helmet got looser the longer I wore it on a ride | | Bottom Line: | This helmet was a decent helmet, especially for the price I paid, and it did do the one important thing that a helmet is supposed to do, which is keep you from dying. I recently had a crash which resulted in me hitting headfirst into the very well reinforced side of a bridge. Since I was going probably 20 mph and my temple was what took essentially all of the impact, I consider it lucky that I only got a grade 2 concussion out of the deal, because by looking at the helmet, I can't imagine what that impact would have done to my head.
As for the nitpicking, this helmet would loosen as I wore it on a ride. I would have the straps and the GPS tight at the beginning of the ride, but by the end of the ride, the helmet would be noticably loosened. It possibly was because I was toward the smaller end of the large spectrum.
Overall, as with any helmet, try it on before you buy it, but if you can get the right fit, this is definatly worth considering. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bufflehead
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Rothrock, Scotia Range | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS where I work | | Strengths: | Solid construction; GPS fit system; light weight; good ventilation | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized and Trek helmets | | Bike Setup: | '03 Specialized Rockhopper Comp w/ Cane Creek S-2, Avid SD-7's, Panaracer Cinder 26x2.25 tires, Ritchey Pro Stem | | Bottom Line: | This helmet is fantastic. For most of the past year, I have hardly noticed it on my head. Properly adjusted, the straps are very comfortable, and it's ventilated well enough. It also offers great protection. I was thrown recently, and I landed head-first on a decent sized rock. The helmet cracked, but better the helmet than my skull! My worst injury on that crash was a mild case of whiplash. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
t Rad
a Weekend Warrior
from Redondo Beach, ca
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Helmet saved my life. I was rear ended by a car doing 35mph while stopped at a red light and thrown 40 feet. Helmet took the brunt of the impact with the car (material is about 1/2 inch thick now), maintained structural integrity, and withstood impact with the pavement. The helmet is cracked in 12+ places, but kept on protecting.
Also like the fact that this helmet is a good combo helmet for mtn and for the road. | | Weaknesses: | The material in front of eyes are a bit thick and obstructs vision.
The GPS strap seems to be a bit low - cuts a bit into ears | | Similar Products Used: | Giro Exodus, Giro Pneumo | | Bike Setup: | Kona King Kikapu, Litespeed Classic | | Bottom Line: | A real lifesaver. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave yohe
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond va
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | forest hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | good vents, light weight, strong on impact | | Weaknesses: | pads split open , but bell replaced them twice 2nd time with a different pad that lasted for a year.
| | Similar Products Used: | other Bells and giro hated giro | | Bike Setup: | single speed | | Bottom Line: | This helmet looked great and the vents were awsome.
I hit my head on a fallen tree overhanging the trail, It cracked the helmet in two places, bent my seat post to a 45% angle and bent my ridgid forks back just a little. I had two small scratches on my head and my neck and back are still a little sore. I felt bad I had to throw this great helmet away, but, wait! it saved my head from what might have been a disaster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HellMuttCracker
a Cross Country Rider
from Htown
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Bottom Line: | Saves you head if you fall hard...like I did, mine cracked in the back b/c that is where the third point of contact was in my crash, going down a hill on a cross bike. Lucky I had my helmet on because the back of my head/helmet took a major impact and cracked from it in about 5 different places. The helmet is ruined, I was alittle bruised up but the crash woulda been alot worse if I didn't have my helmet on. I got a Bell Ghisallo today, thought I'd give it a try. Bell makes a good product, Wearing a Bell Influx that day saved me from cracking my head open | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
.45 ACP
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The dirty one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Fairly light weight, good fit and ventillation, visor detatches easily. | | Weaknesses: | May not fit if your head isn't kinda round. | | Similar Products Used: | Just about all the high end stuff from Giro, Bell, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Doesn't matter, we're discussing a helmet. | | Bottom Line: | I really like this GPS system for fitting the helmet. Bell fits me well because my head is round. Giro and Specialized helmets don't really work unless your head is more of an oval. The ventillation is great and the price isn't too bad. A word of advice - try this helemt on and then try on the Bell XRay. The GPS straps in the latter are a bit different and not very comfy. Not that I'm complaining, it saved me $30. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Painter
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Starr Pass | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Light weight, lots of vents and fit my large melon great. GPS is great. Crash replacement policy. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Bell helment from Walmart | | Bike Setup: | 03' Giant NRS 3 with a pair of Performance Bar Ends | | Bottom Line: | For a weekend warrier like me this is great. Being in southern Arizona make sure you get the light color unless you ride at night. I had a dark blue helemt before and the silver color make a world of difference. I'll re rate this helment after I have a crash and need to replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominic Piche
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rougemont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Lightweight, amazing fit for my head, huge ventilation! | | Weaknesses: | All helmets make you look goofy so I cannot qualify that as a weekness in the case of this helmet. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Paradox | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Fisher Sugar 3, XT-LX setup | | Bottom Line: | Best Damned MTB Helmet period! We evaluate the performance of such equipment by our
capacity of forgetting that we are using it, or I do anyway and the Influx does just that. It is on
my head, it does not shift or turn and that is a major advantage for a rider that rides pretty
technical XC and gets bounced around quite a bit.
I only have one helmet to compare this one to and that is the entry level Bell Paradox. Don't
mistake my meaning, the Paradox kept me out of trouble a few times, it is just that the Influx
represents all that I look for in quality comfortable equipment.
You ride XC, you have a round head and you are looking for top of the line comfort, this is the helmet for you. That being said, you ride road, have a square head and comfort is only for pansy's, stay away from this one. It could have been cheaper to purchase, $130 CAD, but I think I only have myself to blame. I bought it from the first place I found it...for fear of losing out on the best helmet I have ever put on my head. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jasmine Baer
a Cross Country Rider
from Wildwood
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Drunken Grizzly | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Feels light, fits my fat round-topped noggin, looks nice, GPS system for tightening. | | Weaknesses: | Won't know until I do a header and either walk away with no head injury, or end up with a head like an egg tossed onto a sidewalk. | | Similar Products Used: | Protec from the stone age. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F400 - Stock, w/Specialized BG Comp saddle. | | Bottom Line: | It looks good and tightens easily. The visor makes me look less doofy in the helmet, as it provides the illusion that my melon isn't as big as it really is. The vents seem to work, as my head is a lot less sweaty and matted after a long ride.
Make sure you try helmets on before purchasing. Also, have the LBS folks size it correctly for you. If they can't do this, find another store. Your head shape will drive you towards a particular type of helmet. The Bell fit great on me, but the Giro seemed too narrow. Don't buy something just because it looks cool - find something that fits right, and hopefully, it looks cool too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Butter Nutt
a
from Austin
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | City Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$69.00 | | Strengths: | Lite... vented... works. | | Weaknesses: | Ummmm, yeah... | | Similar Products Used: | Giro Cheapie, Bell Something Something, Protec Skate | | Bike Setup: | Yep. | | Bottom Line: | Just so long as the helmet fits, and doesn't interfere with my riding, I like it. The Influx does just that. I don't think I've touched the strap adjustments but maybe three times in the year or so that I've been using mine. They do feel tight if I haven't worn the helmet in a while, but they loosen during the ride so no worries. The ratchet in the back is excellent for those that wear headbands as you can slide it on loose so the headband doesn't slide out of place, then tighten when you got it on. Nice touch. Also doesn't mess with my glasses at all.
Other than that, it fits the shape of my head well. Can't say that for Giro helmets. It's got plenty of vents for the hotter days. And the vizor stays put yet can be removed easily. If only I had purchased it on sale to get an extra $20 off. Oh well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Naoko
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville, VA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | Perfect fit! | | Weaknesses: | It's kind of too flashy for me. I wanted to buy something darker, but I took the fit. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | This helmet fits my head the best. All the other helmets I've tried before sit on the top of my head. This helmet is great because I feel I'm not wearing anything. Even my hair doesn't get flat after wearing it for a long time. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Best fit, awesome design, GPS fitting system is far better that Giro's Roc Loc | | Weaknesses: | Could use a little more padding in the top/rear of helmet. note: X-Ray has the padding but it wasn't worth the extra $50. | | Similar Products Used: | Giro E2, Giro Havoc, Giro Animas | | Bike Setup: | '02 Specialized Stumpjumper FSRxc Comp | | Bottom Line: | I tried out the Bell X-Ray and Influx and the Giro E2, Havoc, and Animas. I guess Bell just fits my head better. The Giro's were too round for my head...it was loose in the sides and tight in the forehead. Both the Bell X-Ray and Influx fit PERFECT!!
Bell's GPS adjustment is so easy to use...much easier that Giro's Roc Loc. The only thing i wish the Influx had was a little more padding like the X-Ray. However, that was the only noticable difference between the two and the Influx was on sale for $49. I figured an extra $50 wasn't worth it for something I could barely notice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Brodrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Beverly, Ma
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$42.00 | | Purchased At: | Salem Cycle | | Strengths: | Size and weight | | Weaknesses: | A little confusing strap design, especially when first trying to make it fit right with the manual | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | 01 Gt Richocet, Rock Shox SID XC | | Bottom Line: | Really like the color, bright orange, Love the weight, it really feels like you aren't wearing a helmet, with all the vents and fresh air. I'd recommend this to some one looking for a new helmet. Nevermind Bell's replace policy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G.
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins CO
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Bell Website? | | Strengths: | The fit is incredible--snug and comfortable. The visor blocks the sun, but it is high. Good vents. I'm also very happy with Bell's crash replacement policy (see below). | | Weaknesses: | On warm days the straps stretch appreciably. At the beginning of the ride I set them uncomfortably tight and usually end up tightening them by mid-ride. It's just a matter of tightening on the one adjustment under the chin, but it's annoying to have to do this on such an otherwise top-notch piece of craftsmanship. | | Similar Products Used: | Low-end Specialized lid. I bought an Image Pro in '97 and this is the third crash replacement on that helmet ($35 and your old helmet gets a new replacement). They've always been helpful and turnaround time is good. | | Bike Setup: | '96 Bontrager Race, Marzocchi Z.2 Atom Race | | Bottom Line: | Good Helmet-- highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sasanka K
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia..livin in Ft Collins CO
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | zoom WP. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | REI... it was reduced or in the wrong box or something.. i couldn't believe it. | | Strengths: | fits my head perfect. sits ultra low and i like it. very very airy. liht and looks good i recon. Visor fits good doesn't get in teh line of vision. | | Weaknesses: | big and looks a bit like a mushrroom..the positioning sustem looks like it might give away... can't really complain for the price i got it. | | Similar Products Used: | pro | | Bike Setup: | full suspension. KHS fxt rage 2002 | | Bottom Line: | great feel... really what i wanted in a helmet and a bit more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Ambrose
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport Beach, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynx | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $64 | | Strengths: | Comfortable, good ventilation, sits lower than other helmets, fits me well | | Weaknesses: | Could use a little more padding | | Similar Products Used: | Tried on almost everything Supergo has | | Bike Setup: | GT XCR LE | | Bottom Line: | I really like this helmet. My previous one was 8 years old, so this one is much lighter, more comfortable, and cooler. I like that it sits lower on my head than most others. It feels snug, but not too tight. The X-Ray didn't feel any more comfortable and I didn't think a couple more vents was worth $15. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch,Ca
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Great price.Best ventilated helmet i've tried.The visor actually looks good on the helmet. | | Weaknesses: | More pads would be nice. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Image Pro.Specialized Air Banshee.Giro Hammerhead. | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS 2,2001.Many upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | Could not see any difference from the X-ray except for the price.Definately cheaper than Upper level Giro's.Fits me good and i wear a 7-3/4" fitted ballcap.Best ventilation of any helmet i've tried.GPS messes with the fit of my Oakley racing jackets and my M-frame pro's.Works perfect with my older M-frames though.When it comes time for a new lid,i'll get another Influx,unless i have the coin for a Pneumo or an E-2,I have 3 kids so the money thing isn't likely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric B. Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Bell's helmet's seem to fit my better than most other manufactures, and I like the low profile, sitting lower on my head feels better/tighter, also the vents are placed in a good place so there's a lot of air flow.
I like the GPS knob, it seems to work better than most other adjusters I've had/tried and you can adjust on the fly while riding with one hand! | | Weaknesses: | Could have some more pads in the back.
GPS knob could have a bit more adjustment.
Part of the GPS part that moves in&out seems a bit small & weak, though it hasen't broke yet, time will tell.
Part of the strap/GPS that attaches from the front/middle to the back just touches my ears, not bad, it doesn't hurt or even push on my ears, I would of liked another 1/4 inch of clearance, but then again I got a large size so...
| | Similar Products Used: | Older Bell
Tried a few Giro's here & there | | Bike Setup: | It's a Helmet - Not a bike | | Bottom Line: | Well worth it, feels the same on the head as the top Bell "X-Ray".
Bell's in-mold microshell looks like more of paint than the normal plastic shell I've seem on other helmets.
All-in-all, I like the Influx, much cooler and lighter than my previous helmets.
Bell seems to fit people with more round heads, Giro seem to fix more oval head's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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