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Best Bell motorcycle helmets, from Qualifier to Race Star

Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick

Top picks at a glance

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  • Closest match for the job

    Bell Race Star DLX Flex: 3K carbon, 5 shell sizes

    Five shell sizes and six impact liner sizes are listed, the most in the Bell lineup here.

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

  • Most for the money on paper

    Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS: MIPS full face near $200

    At about $200, it is the lowest cost route to a MIPS-equipped Bell full face in this guide.

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

  • Most complete listing

    Bell Lithium MIPS: drop-down sun shield, poly shell

    It is the only full face Bell here with a drop-down sun shield listed.

    See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon

Bell sells helmets for almost every kind of street rider, and the lineup can be hard to sort. The Qualifier DLX MIPS and Lithium MIPS are the value full face models. The Race Star DLX Flex is the carbon flagship. The Bullitt GT and Custom 500 cover retro full face and open face styles, the SRT Modular covers flip-up touring, and the MX-9 Adventure MIPS covers dual sport. Prices in this guide run from about $175 to about $950. This guide compares each one on what its Amazon listing states: DOT, ECE 22.06 or Snell marks, the shell material, any weight figure, the number of shell sizes, and the shield or visor setup. Where a listing does not say, the table reads Not stated. Start with the helmet type you need, then use certification and shell sizes to narrow it down. Bell lists several models with three or more shell sizes, which helps smaller and larger heads get a better fit.

Compare the picks

Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.

The picks in detail

Pick 1 · BELL

Bell Race Star DLX Flex: 3K carbon, 5 shell sizes

See price on Amazon

Bell's flagship sport helmet with a 3K carbon shell and the three-layer Flex impact liner. It suits sport and track day riders who want Bell's top shell and the widest size spread in the range.

What the listing offers

  • Five shell sizes and six impact liner sizes are listed, the most in the Bell lineup here.
  • The listing describes a three-layer Flex liner designed for low, mid and high speed impact scenarios.
  • DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 are both stated.

Limits to know

  • At about $950, it costs several times more than the Qualifier DLX MIPS.
  • No weight figure or shield details are given on this listing.
See it on AmazonListing title: BELL Race Star DLX Flex Helmet, Matte Black, Large

Pick 2 · BELL

Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS: MIPS full face near $200

See price on Amazon

Bell's value full face with the Mips energy management system, speaker pockets and adjustable venting. It suits commuters and newer riders who want a MIPS-equipped Bell for about $200.

What the listing offers

  • At about $200, it is the lowest cost route to a MIPS-equipped Bell full face in this guide.
  • Integrated speaker pockets are designed to fit communication devices, per the listing.
  • The removable, washable liner and padded wind collar are listed features.

Limits to know

  • Shell material and weight are not stated on this listing.
  • The listing does not cover shield type, Pinlock readiness or a sun visor.
See it on AmazonListing title: Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Street Helmet (Devil May Care Matte Black/Gray...

Pick 3 · BELL

Bell SRT Modular: fiberglass flip-up for touring

See price on Amazon

A fiberglass modular helmet with a Panovision Class 1 shield and recessed speaker pockets. It suits touring riders and commuters who want a flip-up Bell with a wide view.

What the listing offers

  • The chin bar flips up, so you can talk or drink at a stop without removing the helmet.
  • The Panovision Class 1 shield is listed for a wide field of view.
  • Recessed EPS speaker pockets are listed for Bluetooth units.

Limits to know

  • This listing states DOT only; a different SRT listing mentions ECE 22.06, so confirm on the label.
  • No weight is listed, which matters for a modular on long rides.
See it on AmazonListing title: BELL SRT Modular Flip-Up Motorcycle Helmet - NR Gray, Large

Pick 4 · BELL

Bell Lithium MIPS: drop-down sun shield, poly shell

See price on Amazon

A polycarbonate full face with MIPS, three shell sizes and a drop-down sun shield. It suits commuters who want a built-in tint for bright days without stepping up to a modular.

What the listing offers

  • It is the only full face Bell here with a drop-down sun shield listed.
  • DOT and ECE 22.06 certifications are both stated.
  • Three shell sizes and a MIPS layer are listed at about $240.

Limits to know

  • Polycarbonate is the basic shell material in this lineup.
  • The listing does not give a weight or say if the shield is Pinlock ready.
See it on AmazonListing title: BELL Lithium MIPS Helmet, White, Large

Pick 5 · BELL

Bell Bullitt GT: retro full face with ECE 22.06

See price on Amazon

The updated Bullitt with a new shield gasket, closable vents and tool-less shield removal. It suits cafe racer and retro riders who want vintage styling with DOT and ECE 22.06 listed.

What the listing offers

  • DOT and ECE 22.06 are both stated for this updated retro model.
  • A new shield gasket and closable vents are listed changes from the older Bullitt.
  • Eyewear arm pockets are woven into the liner for glasses wearers.

Limits to know

  • Shell material and weight are not stated on this listing.
  • Retro shield shapes can limit view compared with the sport and touring picks.
See it on AmazonListing title: BELL Bullitt GT Ozzy Retro Motorcycle Helmet - Blue Atll, X-Large

Pick 6 · BELL

Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS: dual sport with ECE 22.06

See price on Amazon

Bell's adventure helmet with MIPS, three shell sizes and speaker pockets. It suits riders who mix pavement and dirt and want a Bell dual sport at about $250.

What the listing offers

  • The only Bell here made for dual sport riding, at about $250.
  • Three shell sizes and a MIPS slip-plane layer are listed.
  • Both DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 are stated on this listing.

Limits to know

  • The listing does not describe the peak, shield or goggle fit.
  • No shell material or weight is given on this listing.
See it on AmazonListing title: BELL MX-9 Adventure MIPS Helmet, Matte Black, Large

Pick 7 · BELL

Bell Custom 500: open face at 982 g in medium

See price on Amazon

A fiberglass composite open face helmet at a stated 982 g in medium, with a 5-snap pattern for shields and visors. It suits cruiser and scooter riders who want a light classic three-quarter helmet.

What the listing offers

  • A stated 982 g in medium makes it the only Bell here with a published weight.
  • The 5-snap pattern lets you add aftermarket shields and visors.
  • At about $175, it is the lowest priced helmet in this guide.

Limits to know

  • As an open face helmet, there is no chin bar, which a full face or modular includes.
  • The listing does not say a shield is included, so budget for one if you want it.
See it on AmazonListing title: Bell Custom 500 Helmet (Gloss RSD Wreakers Matte/Gloss Black/Gold - Me...

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Lid & Visor chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.