Full-face helmets have traditionally been the go-to option for mountain cyclists who want a little more protection. Full-face mountain bike helmets have come a long way since their inception. Rather than just rebranding motorcycle helmets, companies have tried to produce helmets that meet our individual demands.
Despite the abundance of helmets on the market, each one has its own unique set of design criteria that allow it to excel in a certain area. There’s a helmet here for everyone.
Whether you’re an Enduro rider seeking something that gives a bit more protection on the down but is still light and ventilated enough to cycle long days or a devoted downhill rider.
For this reason, we’ve selected the Bell RS2 helmet as the top full-face mountain bike helmet. In this review, we will look at the features and significant elements of this helmet, along with its pros and cons.
What makes it better than others?
The Bell RS-2 helmet is the successor to Bell’s popular RS-1 helmet. That means it has a sports pedigree, but it’s now squarely focused on riders seeking an all-rounder, do-it-all helmet.
This helmet is made for a wide range of bikes and riding styles. It has a fiberglass shell, a sun visor that goes down, and a less aggressive design than many full-on sports bike helmets.
In-Depth Product Review
The new Bell RS-2 has a fiberglass composite shell and weighs 3.3 pounds. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) lining and three different-sized exterior shells are available. This year’s model loses its Snell rating because of an inside sun visor that’s new for this model year.
As with the Vortex and Qualifier, you may replace the standard clear shield with Bell’s Transitions adaptable shield with this helmet. It has an intermediate oval head shape with Bell’s proprietary X-static lining for added comfort and convenience throughout long periods of use.
In addition, Bell claims that the helmet’s interior was designed to accommodate a pair of sunglasses. Speaker cutouts are included in the EPS liner for use with motorcycle-specific communication systems.
Safety
A motorcycle helmet’s ability to protect you is directly related to how well it fits, according to the majority of safety groups. There are three different shell sizes available for the RS-2.
It weighs about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms), which is around the usual weight for a full-face helmet. In addition, it includes a retractable interior sun visor, which is useful for both comfort and safety.
Furthermore, it prevents you from being blinded by low sun or glare. With its mid-range SHARP rating and absence of essential safety features (like EQRS), it doesn’t seem like the RS-2 will be the last word in safety.
Helmet Noise
The RS-2’s noise level is more usual than what other helmets offer. Deafening and terrible terms like these are seldom used to describe even the most inexpensive helmets.
If you intend to drive your RS2 at modest speeds and constantly use earplugs, you may be able to get away with doing so. However, rumors have said that it may grow rather louder if the speed increases. You may want to check noise-canceling helmets for further assistance.
Ventilation
There is a single 2-position chin vent and two crown vents that are moveable by the same slide. There are two exhaust vents under the little rear spoiler and a few more at the bottom of the rear bumper. A pair of front-to-back air channels are built into the EPS shock-absorbing lining of the helmet.
It funnels air into the helmet and onto your head before exiting out the back of the helmet. Even though the RS-2 does not have the brow vents of the original RS-1, most users of RS-2s say that the RS-2 really provides a good amount of ventilation.
It’s not the greatest in its class, but it’s more than sufficient.
Shield
All of Bell’s photochromic shields are available for the new RS-2, including the transparent shield that comes pre-installed, as well as a wide selection of tints and smoked options.
A ratchet-operated shield mechanism that opens to the left (rather than the center, where it would be easier to open at stoplights) comes standard out of the box.
Although it has a quick-release mechanism, it does not have anti-fog capabilities, which is a pity since it would have been a lot more convenient. Bell’s face shields, on the other hand, are generally good.
Shields do not sit well, although this is a minor issue for the vast majority of users.
Sun Visors
It’s a rather simple sun visor with a slider on the left side of the helmet near the shield pivot that allows it to be lowered quite a little. That’s a good spot for the slider, so you should have no trouble finding it and using it.
The RS-2’s sun visor is a simple mechanism that slides down to lower the visor and pulls back up to raise it, unlike some other helmets with spring-loaded visors.
Comparing Pros & Cons
Pros
- The liner is quite comfy.
- Excellent ventilation system.
- Reasonable Price.
Cons
- The obtrusive visor does not fit completely.
- A bit noisy.
Why should you buy it?
The RS-2 helmet has a lot going for it for those who want a low-cost option without compromising on safety. Its a budget-friendly, attractive design and sturdy construction.
Despite the high internal volume, the RS-2 is a wholesome helmet. The design and fit are perfect for middle-sized heads to large-size heads, as well as the sun visor built into it.
Because the RS-2 is available in three different shell sizes, the helmet’s form stays consistent across its full-size range.
Final Thoughts
The Bell RS-2 is a good fit for the Bell lineup since it falls between the entry-level Bell Qualifier DLX and the high-performance Star Range. The helmet comes with a multi-density EPS lining and a fiberglass shell. With the right fit, it will provide enough protection.
It is generally known to be loud at speeds over urban limits; a few riders complain that it fits strangely or is uncomfortable. Be careful to shop around for a retailer that will reimburse you if it doesn’t exactly suit your head.
