BELL PRO STAR HELMET
IGNITION
EVALUATION
Bell's most advanced helmet ever
Bradley Adams
BELL PRO STAR HELMET
bellhelmets.com PRICE: $1,199.95-$1,299.95
UPS + Lightweight + Great aerodynamics + Improved field of view
DOWNS - Cost - Extremely snug fit - Vent access tabs too small for gloved hands
Bell isn’t shy. In its description of the Pro Star, it defines the all-new helmet as, “The lightest, most advanced race helmet on the market, packed with cutting-edge technology to earn the top spot on the podium.” Can the helmet back that claim up?
A look at the Pro Star’s spec sheet is promising. A complete rethink of what a race helmet should be, it features easily removable magnetic cheek pads, a Bell Panovision shield with drama-free push-button installation system, and Flex Impact Liner system,
which uses three separate materials—EEP (for midspeed impact), EPO (for low-speed impact), and EPS (for high-speed impact)—to allow for 5mm of liner slip in either direction. Through this system, the helmet is claimed to reduce rotational or angular acceleration, one of the primary causes for brain injury during a crash.
The biggest difference between the Pro Star and more wallet-friendly Race Star is its TeXtreme carbonfiber shell, which has a weave that requires less resin be used in the manufacturing process. The end result is a claimed 10-percent
weight savings over a standard carbon-fiber shell and, more importantly, a helmet that puts less stress on your neck and shoulders when worn for longer periods of time (our size medium weighed 3.56 pounds).
In addition to the reduced weight, the Pro Star stands out for its aerodynamics and impressive field of view. Of any helmet we’ve worn in recent years, this is arguably the best in terms of reduced buffeting and its ability to keep drag to a minimum when turning your head at speed. The Virus Cooljade liner could be a little more moisture wicking, but it
does seem to keep skin temperature in check.
Because of how the Flex Impact Liner spreads over your head, the helmet feels tight initially and may actually have you jumping up a size as I did because I’m already somewhere between small and medium. Perhaps the only downside to the helmet is that rather curious sizing. If you can find one that fits you right (the helmet is made in five shell sizes), then you’re doing well. Otherwise, this is one of the most aerodynamic helmets and has more visibility than most. A perfect track lid.
