Bell Influx Helmet 2012: The fact that this is the world's best helmet value is kind of beside the point. With features like 18 massive vents, Fusion In-Mold Microshell, Blade Visor, GPS fit system, Channeled Ventilation and Cam-lock Levers...
Strengths: removable visor, good ventilation, cheap, comes in multiple sizes.
Bottom Line:
All helmets have to meet standards to insure they function in protecting your head. I think it's ridiculous to spend a lot on a piece of foam with straps. The drawback of the cheap helmets is the universal sizing, so someone with a medium sized head has to use a big bulbous helmet that will fit on a large head. This one comes in sizes, which allows you to get one that fits well. It looks good with the removable visor on or off, so people like me who ride/race both road and mountain still get the sun blocking benefits of the visor, without having it catch wind on a road ride. Not having to buy separate Road/mountain helmets fits in will with my aversion to spending on helmets.
Submitted by
nondairybubonic
a Cross Country Rider
from st joe, mi
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2010
Strengths: good air flow
Weaknesses: staps get twisted atround pretty easily, viser is cheap
Bottom Line:
was a good helmet served its purpose used for 1.5 years have to retire it took a head impact with several cracks through the foam, with out it id woulda been fubar' good entry level lid
Submitted by
backwardnomad
a Weekend Warrior
from Wooster, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2010
Strengths: Comfortable, cool, fits my large head, easy to adjust, stylish, good visor, outstanding price, meets safety standards
Weaknesses: None I can see
Bottom Line:
I'm an older, casual rider (city streets and cycling trails) who needs a comfortable, reliable helmet in a large size, with a visor. I already had a comparable Giro Phase helmet (bright blue and white), but I ordered the Bell Influx primarily for the color (dark blue and silver/titanium), to match my bike better. Bell, like Giro, has a solid reputation and the list price of the Influx was $20 less than the Phase, even without the dealer's discount. Given the positive reviews the Bell Influx has received, I felt confident it would be right, and I haven't been disappointed. It fit me almost without adjustment straight out of the box, looks great, and is very well ventilated. I'm wearing it and keeping my Giro helmet for a backup or loaner.
Submitted by
babu9000
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2010
Strengths: Good venting. light weight, good fit, great protection
Weaknesses: chin strap can be a pain to adjust, but not bad
Bottom Line:
I fell about 10 feet straight down off a ledge and landed on my back and hit my head, The helmet saved my noggin. It had a good size dent on the side and back. I didn't realize that I hit my head that hard until I looked at the helmet afterwards. I just bought another one just like it.
Submitted by
joe blow
a Cross Country Rider
from minneapolis
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2010
Strengths: price, style
Weaknesses: Tightening system is too low and pulls the tensioners over your ears.
Bottom Line:
Bought the helmet and am going to return it. The plastic tensioners that tighten around your head are annoying and get in the way on your ears when you have to wear glasses. I tried just pushing them back up, but they kept creeping down and digging into my ears.
Similar Products Used: Giro Indicator (not as comfortable)
Bike Setup: Trek MTB mid level.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
SHALAKO
a Weekend Warrior
from Carlsbad,CA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2009
Strengths: Good price, good brand, well ventilated
Weaknesses: None so far
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
Similar Products Used: Other Bell helmets over the years
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Blur LT
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
strommy76
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, FL USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2009
Strengths: Did its job - protected my head.
Weaknesses: Crappy adhesive bonding the interior pads to the foam.
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.
Submitted by
chustig
a Weekend Warrior
from Lonsdale
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2009
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.
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.
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
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ThePinkBarron
a Weekend Warrior
from Bangor
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2009
Strengths: Lightweight durable, easy to adjust, comfortable, breathable
Weaknesses: None that I can think of
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.
Bike Setup: Ibis Mojo, Fox Vanilla, XTR drivetrain, Hope discs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
OtherDave
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2009
Strengths: Comfortable, light, good vents, great coverage.
Weaknesses: Tensioner broke after 2 seasons
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.
Bike Setup: Specialized Hardrock Pro; Shimano XT; Reba Team 115mm; BB7; RaceFace Evolve DH; EggBeater SL
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
redwarrior
a Cross Country Rider
from Western Masshole
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Strengths: fit, sweat management
Weaknesses: no shell on lower back
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.
Submitted by
norcalniner
a Weekend Warrior
from Petaluma, CA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
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
I was looking for a new bike lid and came across this sale. Nice big air vents and cool colors!
[img]http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/bell_influx_helmets_06.jpg[/img]
Read More »
Hello, I am looking for a new helmet ...
I tried a bell influx in my LBS, and fits me very well...they dont have in stock the bell variant...its the variant same fit as influx?
T Read More »
