So many choices!
I have owned six full-faced helmets and three half helmets in my 12.5 years of riding. Due to life situations I always be on a tight budget, but over the last two years or so the budget for riding gear has increased. So my first five full-faced helmets leaned more to the economical end of the spectrum.During the June 2016 Moto Oz Beat The Heat Tour the chin air vent cover of my AFX Freedom Helmet, which I wore for approximately four years, fell off. I liked the helmet, but decided to get a new one.
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I did more research than usual and narrowed my list. I decided to buy within the mid-range ($200 - $350) of helmets. While talking about my options with a friend he praised his Bell helmet, especially the Transition visor. That got my attention. I ride a lot including mornings and evenings.I had one Bell helmet in the past and like it. With my friend's recommendation the Bell helmets moved to the top my list. I had to decided which one. I found the Qualifier helmet fit great. I had the option of the Qualifier with the standard visor or the Qualifier DLX with the Transition Adaptive Shield. I purchased the Bell Qualifier DLX Rally Helmet with the Matte Titanium Rally color scheme.
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| Image from BikeBandit.com |
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| In the shade |
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| In the sun |
Features of a quality helmet
The transition from clear to shaded and back is not instantaneous, but is pretty quick and sufficient. When shaded only the most sensitive eyes would need to also wear sunglasses. Not have to take two visors when knowing there will be some evening/night time riding is so convenient.The padding is soft, comfortable and snug. By far this is the most comfortable helmet I have owned. The fit is snug without being too tight and the padded wind collar reduces slippage and wind noise. The removable lining provides moisture wicking and is washable.
The three vent locations (chin, forehead and top of the head) allow for adequate ventilation. With all helmets more air flow increases wind noise. The Qualifier DLX is a good combination of reasonable air flow with less wind noise.
| Final Thoughts |
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Being in the market for a new helmet, I will give this one a look. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeletemy only complaint of the Bell Helmets is the wind noise. I have always worn SHOEI but recently purchased a Bell Star Carbon Fiber. I love how light it is which gives me much easier head movement in windy conditions. The magnetic chin strap clasp is also one of my favorite features. Your recommendation of the transitional shield was excellent advice albeit a little hard on the wallet ($130.00) but definitely a must for morning to dusk riding.
ReplyDeleteHope the info is helpful.
ReplyDeleteI like the concept of transition visors but had always read of the delay...and wondered how fast they'd transition when going through tunnels for instance....
ReplyDeleteThe transition is not fast enough to make a difference going through a tunnel unless it is a really long tunnel.
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