MIPs stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Race Star – rear view of the black & silver Triton What is MIPS? MIPS tech has been rolled out to Bell helmets for a while now – with the Bell Star becoming the fourth Bell helmet in their current line up to get their MIPS treatment. But we’d look forward to SHARP testing to see how well Flex works in comparison to other top-flight sportsbike helmets. They seem work to at least some extent as they’ve passed the Snell test. Most top of the range helmets from other manufacturers opt for multi-density EPS but well done to Bell for trying to advance shock absorption using different materials (as long as they work!). In addition to polystyrene, there’s a lining of polyolefin to give low speed impact protection and polyproplyene for improved mid speed energy absorption. You can buy many of the Bell Stars with a slightly confusing range of shock absorbing liners with standard expanded polystyrene (EPS) liners as well as with Flex and MIPS liners (*see MIPS section below). The shock absorbing lining is just as important. Obviously, the shell is only one part of the equation when it comes to protection. #Bell star order size up proIt also means the Race and Pro Stars are very light indeed. From what I’ve read elsewhere, the latter seems more accurate. That said, Bell Europe gives the weights as 1.25Kg for the Star and Race Star and 1.15Kg for the Pro Star. So you can be pretty sure it’s going to do the business if you do go for a slide. The Pro Star has been FIM Homologated, meaning that it’s the same helmet that pro racers use on track. Having said that, Bell US say all three helmets weigh 1.5Kg, so there needs to be another reason to go for the Pro Star version. Essentially that’s carbon fiber that’s formed flatter than standard weave so it’s flatter and lighter but stronger.Ĭarbon fiber used to be just carbon fiber right? Not any longer! The Race Star’s being a 3K carbon fiber shell (3K refers to the top, visible styling of the weave) whereas the Pro Star uses some trick carbon fiber called TeXtreme. Pro Star – Tracer designĪnd we’d expect the Pro Star to do equally well too because both the Race Star and Pro Star have carbon fiber shells. That’s obviously an excellent performance, especially considering the plain ole Star is their entry-level version and should give you real confidence that the Bell Stars are going to do an excellent job in an accident. Bell has been improving and evolving their composite expertise for many years now and the Bell Star is the latest example.Īll helmets in the range have been Snell 2015 certified and both the composite Bell Star and carbon fiber Race Star have been tested by SHARP where they scored a maximum five stars. So, even though it’s the ‘entry-level’ version of the three, that’s no cheap helmet construction. That’s a composite of carbon, aramid (Kevlar) and fiberglass. And if you buy from either, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).Įven though they share the same design and helmet shape, each helmet has a very different construction.įirst off, the entry-level Bell Star is a composite fiber helmet. Please click below to drop onto the Bell Star helmets pages at our recommended store and Amazon. Bell Star & Race Star – SHARP 5 star safety rated.Here we pick apart what each helmet offers and what owners think of theirs so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. They share the same shell shape, eye port, ventilation and the same fastener – so what’s the difference between the three (apart from the price) and which should you go for? They’re all sportsbike-focused helmets though, aimed at the type of rider who spends most of their time seeking that perfect line rather than that perfect view from the saddle.īut in their latest incarnations, they all pretty much look the same. Over that time, the ‘plain’ old Bell Star has been joined by the Race Star and the Pro Star. So they know a thing or two about motorcycle helmets. The Bell Star Sportsbike Helmets Review: the Bell Star, Race Star & Pro Starīell has been making Star helmets for a long time.
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