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Submitted by
Eric A
a Cross Country Rider
from Sioux Falls SD
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Old Baldy | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good Fit
Low Cost
| | Weaknesses: | Little Heavy
Ventilation could be better
Rear retention devise could be better | | Similar Products Used: | Dyno
Giro Terramoto | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Jekyll 300 Sx | | Bottom Line: | For the money this is a very solid helmet. It's a little heavy and the vents could be bigger and place alittle better. When it's more than 85 degrees out I did get hot in it fairly fast . The rear divise to make it more snug dug into my neck alittle and I was never able to get it to fit perfectly . It is a very solid helmet for the price. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, Ca, US
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Did the job in protecting my head in a hard downhill crash. Adjustability and snug fit, but it took me a while to figure it out since I had no manual telling me how to do it. | | Weaknesses: | A bit too hot sometimes since the vents are small. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Air Wave. | | Bike Setup: | Voodoo hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | I got the helmet for $25 out of the box. It took me a while to adjust it to my liking. I'm glad that I took the time to properly adjust the helmet and figured it out in time for my crash. Too bad I didn't have knee and elbow pads since those parts got bruised up good without any protection.
For $25 it was a steal. Of course, I was wondering why were there some yellow marks written on the inside of the helmet? There was a sticker that said that it was made on Feb. '98 or something. Hopefully it was checked for quality control or something and passed. Yup, looks like it passed all right since my head is intact and got a sore neck and a broken helmet. The helmet cracked all the way across on the lower right side during the crash. And I was just beginning to like it too. Oh, well.
So, the moral of the story is to make sure you are wearing your helmet the right way or else it doesn't matter how much or what brand your helmet is. Oh, yeah and Bell has a helmet replacement policy too. I guess I should try it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Iriguchi
a Cross Country Rider
from Carmichael, CA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Salmon Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Does what a helmet should. Pretty light. Lots of vents. | | Weaknesses: | The side adjustment buckles. Ridiculously uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Bell Helmets. | | Bike Setup: | C'dale hardtail | | Bottom Line: | The side adjustment buckles on the straps are very, very poor. They are designed with curved sides that I guess are supposed to fit your fingers when you are adjusting them, but they have sharply pointed corners which dig into your jaw and behind your ears. I will never buy a Bell helmet again with these buckles. The engineer who designed them should be required to wear a helmet with these medieval torture buckles, every day, all day long while he/she works. Then they would rethink the wisdom of putting sharply pointed pieces of plastic on their helmet straps. What were they thinking?!?
I have no complaints about the helmet itself. It's cool. Other than the straps, it fits well. Luckily I've never tested its protection factor but it has all the usual approval stickers. But don't get one or any other Bell until they change the buckles. I eventually had to tape over the buckles on mine which looks stupid but it at least makes the straps tolerable. I guess its probably another case of the people designing it not having to use their own product because if they did it wouldn't be designed this way. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | the escalators at melb. central hehehe | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Cecil Walker Melbourne | | Strengths: | looks cool, it saved my cranium
Bell's new for old deal rocks | | Weaknesses: | a bit hot, pads and straps are way better in the '99 than in the '97, but could still be bettered. visor comes loose easily | | Similar Products Used: | cheaper crap I used too long ago to remember the name of | | Bike Setup: | norco nitro 00 Z4's LX/XT azonic shorty blah blah | | Bottom Line: | It saved my ass riding on bitumen to work. A f*%#ng delivery van swerved right in front of me just at a moment when my left hand was busy fishing something out of my bag. Only being able to slam on the front brake, I supermanned off at about 40kph, bounced off my head and landed on my ass. The helmet was stuffed but my head remained intact. I kissed the busted helmet and thanked my lucky stars. This helmet took my whole weight at a good speed and I came off well. Unfortunately the accident made mincemeat of my saddle, grip, pedal and back rim.
Buy this helmet if you care about your head, it definitely works. It's not as light and airy as some, but I can't justify paying $250 AUD for high end models because you're going to sweat anyway. The '99 is a great improvement on the '97; but the straps are still a bit hard to adjust, and the visor still comes loose. I'll have to drop one point on value for this.
An excellent General purpose helmet, on and off road.
5 flamin ox tongues. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MiGuEl
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington, MI USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Potowatomi | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Looks & weight. | | Weaknesses: | Visor is too low, retention system rests on the kneck and not the base of the nogin. | | Similar Products Used: | Gyro, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Homegrown Pro w/Z2.XFly | | Bottom Line: | It's a good looking helmet with good padding, but the visor is too low possibly causing a serious accident. The retention system has two grey pads attached to a piece of stretch material, those pads are set too far down causing them to rest on the neck instead of the base of the nogin. Those pads can be adjusted further down but there too far down already when they are set as high as they will go. My wife used it only a couple times and she absolutely hated it, I used it a few times and couldn't ride with it again. It's now used as a guest helmet and so far the couple people who have used it had a heck of a time because of the low mounted visor. I believe Bell has fixed this on the new 2000 Image Pro helmets. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Cross Country Rider
from portland, maine, usa
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | cheap, good rentention | | Weaknesses: | heavy, no airflow | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bike Setup: | this is a HELMET review | | Bottom Line: | This helmet is good for the price and the retention system is the same as on all of Bell's high-end helmets. but its heavy and extemely hot! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jody
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, Minn.
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Looks good. Good customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Hot. Hard to adjust. Pads flatten out and straps stretch with use.
Also strap is quite thin and can cut into your chin. | | Similar Products Used: | older Bell helmets | | Bike Setup: | road, mtb, commuter | | Bottom Line: | This isn't sold anymore, and it looks as if new Image 2000 may solve some of the problems with this helmet.
The worst thing: it's really hot. Vents are relatively small and don't circulate air well. I also had problems with the pad compressing but called Bell and they sent a whole new set right away and at no charge.
If you buy the Bell Image 2000, make sure it's solved these problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
map
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Still seeking... | | Weaknesses: | Shoddy construction and appearance | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab3 stock (so far) | | Bottom Line: | This is the first Bell I tried, and so far it has continuously reinforced my inclination to stay off Bells in the future. The visor broke and came off in my hand the first day, and I thought what the heck, I never use it anyway! A couple of weeks later, the strap system started emitting highly annoying and distracting squeaks and squeals while I rode.
When I mentioned these two points to Pricepoint (from whom I bought it for $30) I received a reply stating that it was my fault for not reading the small print on their return policy in time. I agree with the legal aspect, but not with the ethical aspect :( As for the squeaks, according to them that is a problem with all helmets! Seems there is a way to solve it, but they omitted to tell me what it was.
Apart from these, the helmet per se fits and feels pretty good, so I am wondering whether to stick with it for some time.
The bottom line? If you are willing to take the risk of getting a bad piece, go for it at that price, maybe you will get lucky. Not a penny more...and be sure to return it in time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy .
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Blackstone | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | pretty comfortable, it adjusts pretty easyily and fits my head very well | | Weaknesses: | the pads are pretty poor for a helmet of this price, and i seem to find like everyone else that this helmet gets a bit sweaty when it's hot. | | Similar Products Used: | Giro | | Bottom Line: | overall i think that this helmet is worth all the money you have to pay to get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby
a
from Middlebury, CT
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Similar Products Used: | Tsunami, Forza II | | Bottom Line: | This is a great helmet for the price. It's small and adjusts really easy. The only beefs i have are that
1) One of the pads didn't stay glued on and that messed up the whole retension system in the back but it can easily be glued back on with epoxy.
2) It rides a little too low in front. It doesn't effect your vision at all but if you are wearing sunglasses, the helmet pushes them down and your nose starts to hurt after a while.
3) The helmet looks great but its not symetrical. There is a middle vent on top and instead of being an oval, it is like cockeyed. But it doesn't hinder the performance. Its lightweight and comfortable. i give it 4 flaming...um...thingamabobs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy F
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, Illinois
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great feel and durability. | | Weaknesses: | Pads could be a bit better. I paid full price for my helmet...it's great, but it's not cheap. It seems a bit warm. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek & Specalized | | Bottom Line: | To incorporate others comments, I don't have trouble at all with the straps or the helmet moving. Once you figure out how to use the velcro it really isn't that hard : ). I noticed some other posts that said it was quite hot inside the helmet even on hot days. I have the same experience...very warm temperatures, perhaps that means the ventilation could be better. Overall a great helmet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Seaton
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Paved roads | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Fits my head. Solid red color, my favorite. Has a visor. | | Weaknesses: | Rear retaining strap is velcro. It comes loose all of the time. Its easy to resize it but it does not hold its shape. I wear my helmet tight and use a headband. Straps are narrow, 1/2" or so. | | Similar Products Used: | Older Bell Image. | | Bottom Line: | This helmet fits my head shape. As another mentioned, it fits narrow heads that are longer front to back. Wide round heads it would not fit. You have to try on helmets to tell if they are molded to fit your head. I tried a Specialized helmst years ago and it was not molded correctly so I have never considered a Specialized helmet. The rear strap system always comes loose. Have to redo those straps every time I put the helmet back on. Some of the velcro pads inside the helmet to hold the rear strap pulled loose and I had to glue them back down. Helmet sits right above my eyebrows shich is good because your forehead needs protection. Straps on side to buckle under chin are very narrow. Dig into the skin if the helmet is properly tightened. When this helmet gets a bit older I will replace it with a helmet with a retaining system which does not use velcro. Cratoni has one now I believe. I'm tired of readjusting my helmet every time I put it on. Paid $50 or so 2-3 years ago mail order. Good enough price. Never crashed so can't comment on its true functionality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from Washington, PA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
GW national forest | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good fit for a Charlie Brown head like mine. Good ventilation. Cool silver and white metallic (that is what it is all about anyway isn't it?) | | Weaknesses: |
Tends to slide over your eyebrows. The visor was cheap and broke off after an easy fall. The size strap at the back is inpossible to get to the right size and it constantly comes loose | | Similar Products Used: |
old giro air attack sc with a ghetto velcro on visor | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Paragon with a marocchi z1 alloy and XT...517s...
Diamondback voyager III w/manitou and stxrc | | Bottom Line: | I abuse things and I got my $39.99 out of it. I am a little peaved about the visor. It was just poorly made. Other than that I can't say it was that bad. Protects your grey matter like it's supposed too. I have to give it 4 fired up chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff P. Ovens
a Cross-Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
any that are open!!! | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Price, color, fit | | Weaknesses: |
none found yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized air speed, Giro gila | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale F800 Y2K stock (so far) | | Bottom Line: | Excellant helmet, reputable manufacturer, good price (99 model for 49.99 from performance) color just about matches cannondale team blue. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Rudolph
a Cross-Country Rider
from Crestview, FL
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Anywhere! | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great price
Retention system works great!
Visor does it's job
Very comfortable - once you figure out how to use the retantion system | | Weaknesses: |
None so far | | Similar Products Used: |
Same helmet but in size medium instead of the small I have now. | | Bike Setup: |
1996 Haro Vector V4s with several upgrades | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my previous review of this helmet. The helmet I had before was a medium and was WAY too big. Even though I measured my head correctly it seems that this helmet runs a little large. That could be the problem the gentleman above had. Anyway, the helmet fits my head perfectly with no unwanted movement. The vents keep my melon cool in the Florida heat and the visor does a good job of keeping the sun out of my eyes. The retention system is highly adjustable and will eventually fit your head, you just have to read the directions and be patient. I've already crashed twice with it and it stayed put, with nothing broken (me or the helmet). I'm very impressed with the performance of this helmet, especially for the $29.99 I payed for it from Performance Bicycles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat
a Cross-Country Rider
from new york city
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
good ventilation - large holes you can scratch your head through
light weight | | Weaknesses: |
Does not fit at all, despite trying different pads, straps etc. It seems to be best for someone with a head that's longer from front to back than mind, because despite what I've done, I can't get it tight enough.
Also, the narrow straps cut in to my chin and are always loosening up.
Visor lets light in. | | Similar Products Used: |
Two previous generations of Bell Image helmets. One bought in 1990 and one in 1994. | | Bottom Line: | Not good if your head is not very long from front to back. Visor lets in light and straps loosen up.
Not sure it would protect me in a fall on my head.
But fairly durable, lightweight and well-ventilated. There are only about 12 vents, but they're big. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Rudolph
a Cross-Country Rider
from Crestview, FL
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Anywhere! | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great price - $29.99
Top of the line features and retention for a great price
Light-weight and keeps your head relatively cool | | Weaknesses: |
Strange sizing
Visor too low
Pads and the glue holding them are poor | | Similar Products Used: |
Schwinn Paramount | | Bike Setup: |
1996 Haro Vector V4s with several upgrades | | Bottom Line: | I ordered it from Performance Bicycle for $29.99 ('98 model). For that kind of money you get a trusted name, excellent retention system, a visor, OK colors, and an average amount of vents. I'm sure that all those high priced helmets offer additional comforts and options, but why spend all that money? The only real problems I ran into was on the sizing. I measured my head and ordered the medium as suggested. Well, after about ten minutes of riding the thing would float down over my forehead making it very difficult to see (especially with the low visor). So, I put in the other set of pads (this is where I realized how crappy they were, especially the glue). This didn't help either. So, off it went, back into the box in exchange for a size small. When I get a chance to try it out I'll write another review. I'll give Bell the benefit of the doubt and give it four chiles for now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spenc
a Racer
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good fit. | | Weaknesses: |
Visor to low.
Cheap glue job on velcro. | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bottom Line: | The fit of this helmet was pretty good on my head. Other than that, I had to remove the visor because it sits to low on the helmet. couldn't see. Also, the biggest ptoblem I had was the velcro squares inside becoming unglued from helmet. This happened within the first 3 months I had the helmet. I had to epoxy them back on and they've held up since. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Somersworth, NH
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
This helmut has saved my ass 3 times. Twice with the first on before I knew that they were only good for one crash. I got that one replaced by Bell for $30 ( a good deal by any means). My second one I just sent in last week after firmly planting my squash into the ground at a rapid rate of speed. I'm now 2 inches shorter due to the impact but walked away thanks to the helmut. As far as I'm concerned this is a great helmut. Light, plenty of ventilation and easy to use straps. OPS CHECK GOOD. | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Backwards baseball cap | | Bottom Line: | excellent | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerry
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good fit for my head. Don't need to readjust the straps before every ride. Visor can be swung up. No helmet bounce. | | Weaknesses: |
Pads are falling apart. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized. | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent helmet in the moderate price range. I have been very happy with the fit. The air flow thru the helmet is way better than my old one which keeps the noggin cooler. Also, the sweat doesn't seem to dribble down into my eyes. I noticed other posts complaining about the visor blocking the view. This is valid but I found that the visor can be pivotted up out of the way when I need to get low in an aerodynamic position. Try that with a velcro mounted visor!!The only problem I have had is that the inner pads are not holding up. This seems to be a common occurence. That cost the rating one chilie. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a cross-country rider
from maryland
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok folks here is the only reason I choose the Image Pro....IT WAS CHEAP! I paid a little over $20.00 at the local bike shop, who was blowing the helmet out. I mean there are fewer vents the a Giro Boreas and Exodus, and it doesn't look as sharp as an EVO2Pro, but why would I spend $99-$145 on a top of the line helmet if I could get this one for so few bones? Well anyway that is why I got it. I'll let ya'll know how it holds up the summer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
madEG
a cross-country rider
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I wrecked hard on Props Run in Slatyforks, WV this summer and this thing saved the day (maybe my life) I smashed down on my forehead at like way fast speed and cracked off the visor (which went right back on) but the damage was only to my nose, and my upper lip, and not to which should have been huge dent in my forehead. Kudos to Bell... Thanks for giving me the OP to write this review. I wish it could deal with my long hair better though... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tw
a cross-country rider
from ut
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The image pro was a great helmet and it did what it was supposed to do! I supermanned off my bike at about 30, luckily i tucked and rolled. Broke the helmet in half...could've been my cranium. the fit was excellent. definately going to invest in another next season! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a cross-country rider
from Slovenia
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my first helmet. My opinion: i bought it month ago, and i thik it must be extremely warm when climbing uphill on a summer day!!! it is hot even in this cold days ( 32 F - 0 C), but when riding at least 20 km/h it cools great, it fits well, after adjusting straps, is well made, and you have heard about the visor - yap, neck hurts, and price 'fits' me too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C. Klein
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
To follow up on Robin's review: Bell has some pretty decent customer service, even for us haoles. My pads disintegrated soon after I bought my helmet, and after finally calling Bell, they sent me two sets of pads for free. Call 'em or e-mail 'em, and maybe they'll even start to make their pads more durable... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
coop
a downhiller
from nc
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I broke this helmet. but it was cause i crashed REALLLLLLLLY hard. i still like it. i don't know what would happen if i hadn't had the thing on my head. 4 flamers for not killin' me, -1 flamer for breaking and that i have to pay $30 to get a new one.
is this 50 words yet? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin
a weekend warrior
from Honolulu, HI
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It was the only helmet at any price that fit. If it fits then this is the helmet for you. And customer service from Bell Sports is great. I wore out the pads and none of my local shops had replacements. Emailed Bell about ordering direct and they sent me not one but two sets of pads FREE within a week of my email. Great helmet and great service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Elisabeth
a weekend warrior
from Auckland
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kick ass helmet! Range of colours sucks man, I had to stump for a blah silver, while my husband got a GOD-AWFUL red/white/blue jobbie. He thinks it rocks!Excellent fitting, and the straps are far better in adjustment than the cheaper versions. Worth the extra dollars, it's your head after-all!!!!!!!!!!!!!Have to add some words to fill up to 50 words, so BLAH BLAH BLAH.... I think that's enough now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Werner
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got this helmet as a replacement when I crashed. In one word this helmet
is CRAP!!!!! My previous Image pro was great-I don't know what Bell was thinking(perhaps they weren't) when they came up with this current version.
The velcro fasteners ripped out(the glue on the patches disintegrated) making their great??? retention system completely useless!!!
This happened on a particularly gnarly descent when the last thing you want
is to have your helmet flop around!
The helmet also sits much lower on the forehead which causes problems with vision. This one is the same size(L) as my previous image pro and I had no problem.
Anyway Bell helmets are history for this weekend warrior. I'm disappointed
Bell! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger Orr
a weekend warrior
from Redfield, SD
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought my 97 Image Pro about 2 weeks ago. My old Bell Sliver finally bit the big one in a wreck. Didn't get hurt, but I banged the helmet pretty hard on the trail and put a big dent in it, when I contacted bell they said it should be replaced. They offered to replace it, but what the heck, I crashed it, it wan't bell's fault. Any way, I was able to get this helmet for $54.00, as it was last years model, however, it is the best helmet I have ever had on my head. It fits well, dosen't move around even on the roughest rides, and has excellent vetelation. I have eperieced none of the problems that some others have spoken of here. Perhaps with time I will have some problems but I doubt it. This is an excelent helmet, I would highly recommed it to anyone. Just make sure you get the RIGHT size, and read the instructions and set up the retention system correctly and you won't have any problems. Great helmet, 5 chilies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BA
a weekend warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A great helmet for the price. Keeps you very cool even on long rides. Doesn't move or bounce around your head thanks to the Fusion Fit system. The visor works great. The Image Pro will make your ride much more ejoyable and keep you safe.5 chilies on this great buy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
monkeyboy
a cross-country rider
from Redfiel, SD
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok..This can be said in few words, GOD WEARS THIS HELMET!!! I have never had a better helmet in my life!! It hold great to your head and is so lite and keeps my head cool. And it has some cool colors!! For anyone that has had a prob with it falling in front of your eyes, ADJUST IT RIGHT OR GET A SMALLER HELMET!!! This is the best helmet u can get for under 90 bucks I give it 5 flaming bananas!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SQUISH
a racer
from Redfield South Dakota
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS HELMET ROCKS!!!! I got my helmet last year for christmas, and I haven't had any inkling of trouble with it. It fits wonderfully and doesn't bounce around a lot like some helmets. All of you whiners that complain about it falling down on your eyebrows, and not being able to see with the visor on, either need to learn to adjust a helmet or can just go float a brick. If you want an excellent helmet, go out and get yourself an Image Pro. You won't regret it.5 chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie
a racer
from nova scotia canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know why some people ride around wearing their helmits like easter bonnents and then say the mova all over their head and that they suck. This helmit kicks ass. I has never moved on my head once and moves air around good. I can see the trail perfect but I don't have my visor on. A year ago I landed on my head after jumping a roadie by mistake. broke the helmit in 2.
got a new one and it is perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
z
a cross-country rider
from texas
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this helmet is CRAP!!! my friend bs just bought the red white and blue and it=t
(it equals turd) i have the forza 2 and its way better and it cost me 10 less.
the crappy thing bounces around on your head and goes below your eyebrows unless you get one that is silver and white, for some reason bell sized that one different, stay away from this piecacrap | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron
a cross-country rider
from wv
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If u like being blind while u ride this is the helmet for u. no matter the adjustments i've made it rides down into my eyebrows. thank god i didn't pat full price. The straps aren't bad but to keep the helmet tight i have to keep the straps where they almost cut off my ears. The only really positive thing about this helmet is that it keeps your head cool. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C. Klein
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The newest Image Pro is a much better helmet than older models:
a) the front strap now runs underneath the hardshell instead of over it so it won't slip all over the place.
b) the new Fusion Fit retention system is a big improvement (I think) over the Full Nelson
c) the visor is vented now, and the fastener pins don't snap after a few weeks--cool!BUT, there are still some problems:
d) the pads are really cheap--they rip apart if you try pulling them out from the velcro anchors.
e) all of the velcro (or hook and loop fasteners, if you will) on the helmet sucks. everything starts to fray like crazy if you pull the velcro stuff apart more than once.
f) the Fusion Fit piece is glued really poorly in my helmet--I had to re-glue it with some epoxy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart C.
a cross-country rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Image Pro is a pretty decent helmet. I've had it for about six months and don't have any major complaints. It's nice and light, has well-postioned air vents, and it fits fairly well. If I can criticise it at all, then it would be on the following points:1. the helmet does move around a little on your head (unless you stuff it chock-full of padding);
2. the helmet sits just a little too low, as a result the peak can obscure your forward vision on some parts of the trail (especially steep descents and dips);
3. the side strap clips sit at an awkward angle and tend to dig into your face for the first half-dozen rides until the straps become more supple.Overall the Image Pro is good value, not great value. For great value get a Giro Supermoto. I'll give the Bell four of those hot suckers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from Pensacola, FL
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great lid, snug without being too tight, the half nelson system works great. You hardly know it's on until you endo, my specialty, and need it. Fit and feel are better that the Giro. The price, half off suggested retail at LBS, made this an even better deal. Get one, but find a lighter 97 color. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Williams
a weekend warrior
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Love this lid. First time I put it on all I had to do was make minor adjustments to the strap to get it around my big ears. Now I'll forget it's on. After a ride I'll wear it until I get in my truck because you just don't feel it, it's that comfterable! Got a 97 close out for $35 at Nashbar. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doog
a weekend warrior
from AL
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Image Pro upon recommendation of the dude that sold me my GT. I used it for six months no prob. It was great. I ate dirt on a downhill at about 30 mph. The Image Pro saved my life. I was up and riding after taking a few minutes to collect my wits. The right side was totally crushed, but my cranium was fine. Bell was real good about it. It cost me $30 plus s&h to get a replacement. It's worth every cent. GET IT!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dell
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The fit on this helmet is perfect for my melon. The full nelson system holds the helmet in place and keeps it from falling forward. The Image Pro keeps your head cool and sweat out of your eyes. A way better fit and fell then the last Giro I had. Well worth the bucks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Vaitonis
a weekend warrior
from Rochester, NY USA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well out of the three helmets I've gone through in the last two years this latest buy has by far been the best fitting. The Full Nelson rear strap, once adjusted, offers a great balance of comfort and security. It stays put. Plus I got it for less than 50% of the list price. Not bad too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a weekend warrior
from Mt. Airy NC
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love the full-nelson design and I love the light weight. I think that this a great helmet at a great price.(I paid 40.00 out of a mag called campmor) The full-nelson gesign is a great idea because if you ajust it right there is no way for the helmet to come off your head, even without the straps buckled> | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trish
a racer
from South Carolina
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Two weekends ago this helmet saved my head. I was cornering very fast and fell on the back of my head, which split the helmet in 2. I immediately went out and purchased another one just like it. The fit is very good--close but not too tight. The retention system keeps the helmet in place very well, even during falls. The helmet never moved when I hit my head. It is a bit warm during the hot summer months, but the lighter color helps deflect the heat. This years colors could use a little work, however. I settled for a While 97 model. Overall, a good value and a comfortable helmet that will protect your head. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a weekend warrior
from OHIO
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my BELL Image Pro, it works very very well . Example, I flip over the handel bars (more than I care to) and i get up time and time again. I'm a engineering student in Plastics great design, and material selection. Over all one should feel more secure with ones crainium welfare while using this product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Unberg Heischelbiegen
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It's the life! Greatest helmet ever! Stays in you head, thing always grabs on. Grabs your occipital lobe, and sticks to your head. And all the while, the visor's protecting you of UV rays from the sun! You know what, ti's wonderful! Got it at Sportmart for $60. Seen it in Performance for $40! Wow. NWO. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Santa Barbara CA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Bell Image Pro helmet last March and have used it 5 or 6 days per week. I do a lot of road riding to build up endurance and ride off road on weekends. This is the first bicycle helmet I've ever used, so I can't compare it to anything else. I have found that there is less air movement than I would like, especially on those days when the thermometer was reading in the 90's. I found that the pads would quickly become soaked with sweat and then drip it onto my eye shields. Wringing them out when I stopped helped but didn't fix the problem. I also noticed an odor developing so I started taking the pads out after a ride and rinsing them in tap water and letting them dry. That took care of that problem. With this in mind I'd give this halmet a rating of 3.But, on October 7th, I had occasion to use the helmet for it's intended purpose. Comming down a paved mountain road, I had a blow out on my front tire. Needless to say I crashed hard. My Bell Image Pro worked, flawlessly. It cracked... my head did not. Thanks Bell. Fine job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Morley
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've just had a big time crash, the left-hand side of the helmet deformed and split, but other than a black eye and some cuts and bruising I'm ok, So this makes and instant 4 chillies. If it had better venting across the face it would be 5, (course it's got more vents in it now than it had before).
Gotta complain about the crash replacement 'nominal fee', another $15 and I could get a new one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Laflamme
a cross-country rider
from Markham, Ontario, CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
When I bought this helmet I didn't look at the colour until i got back to my brothers place. I bought the Silver Cloud Image Pro. Albeit my screwup, this is the best helmet for the style/price. $85 with tax (15% gst/pst in ontario)
I got when it was 20% off so it would have been around $100-110
I love this helmet!!
When my brother got off from work later that day he tried on and loved it so he went out and himself one (knowingly bought in silvercloud)
The only other helmet(in same price range) that fit as well was Specialized's Mountain Man and it was out of stock everywhere.
5 BIG FAT SPICY JALOPENAS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a helmet for $59.00 at local bike shop. Was impressed by solid feel and how low it sat on forehead- probably why other reviewers didn't 'mush the mellon' when they were in an accident. Observations: very hot and sweaty; liner continually tugs and pulls on my hair (traditional male haircut), and I couldn't see a damn thing in front of me on the trail when stretched out on the handlebars of my ProFlex 656 until I removed the sun visor, otherwise the neck strain was painful to keep my head upright. | | Overall Rating: |
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$ 64.99
