Bell Super 2R – First Look
A Bell Super 2R Helmet arrived in the post just in time as Chris Lazenby left for a trip to New Zealand. The perfect testing ground.
If you are keeping up to date with all things enduro, you’ll be aware of the new rule in the UK stating that you’ll need a full face lid for racing timed stages. You now have a number of options, wear a full face lid all day, wear an open face on transitions and carry your full face, or, go for one of these new breed of two-piece lids. Helmets with detachable chin guards aren’t new, they have been around for a while. What is new though is their quality. Similar helmets of the past had a rep for not being up to the job. Things have changed in my book.
Take this Bell Super2R, it’s not sold as a specific ‘enduro’ helmet but look at it. It should be the perfect helmet for the job. Why sweat in a full face all day or carry two separate lids. The way the chin guard is connected to the main lid is via three clips that have been inspired by ski bindings. These are all aluminium and feel good and sturdy, one on either side of the helmet and one on the back. This is a very simple operation that after a short amount of practice can be achieved without taking the lid off. Being able to do this without removing the helmet might not seem important but it just goes to show how simple it is and that can only be a good thing, specially if you’re late for a stage at a race.
This Super2R helmet can be purchased with the MIPs (multi-directional impact protection system) included. This system, if you haven’t come across it yet, allows an extra amount of movement within the helmet during a crash. The part of the helmet in contact with your head can slip and rotate inside the main shell. The intention of this is to potentially slow or reduce the amount of impact transferred to the head and reducing injury from rotational impacts.
Specs –
Weight: 694g
Vents: 24helmet, 4 brow, 6 chinbar.
Certs: CE EN1078 + CPSC Bicycle
Sizes: L 58-62cm, M 55-59cm, S 52-56cm
Colours: Infrared, Matt black/white, white
While out riding the helmet feels sturdy with a good amount of protection but it doesn’t feel as protective as a dedicated full face lid. For riding downhill I’d still choose my full face but for a long ride where you know you’ll encounter some techy descents, this is a very good lid. The Super 2R is certified to CE EN1078 for regular cycle helmets but it does not have the same certifications as a downhill helmet. This does not make the chin guard irrelevant in any way, it’s more to do with the amount of ventilation in the main part of the lid. There will always be a compromise between strength and ventilation and for where this helmet is aiming for, I think they have it just right. Watch this space for a more in-depth test coming before too long.
Prices –
Super 2R Helmet – £149.99
Super 2R Helmet with MIPS – £174.99
Photos – Chris Lazenby, Natalie Binks, Rob Copeland
