Bell

Zephyr MIPS Helmet

With MIPS solidifying its place in the mainstream, it was only a matter of time until someone brought another eye-catching safety feature to the table. This year, Bell forges ahead with the Zephyr MIPS Helmet and its dual layer Progressive Layering technology. Bell claims that this construction method, which utilizes two layers of variable density foam instead of the traditional single density layer, better dissipates impact forces in some crash situations. Pairing Progressive Layering with the thin, low-friction MIPS liner means Bell puts safety firmly at the forefront of the Zephyr's design.

Safety is always a priority, but Bell knows that riders won't wear even the safest helmet if it's ugly and uncomfortable, and gives the Zephyr a modern, highly vented, and streamlined design that just plain looks fast. Inside, the highly adjustable Float Fit Race system integrates with the MIPS liner to minimize bulk while movable padding adds a final customized touch on fit.

Last, and surely not least, Bell incorporates its new Sweat Guide Padding, which is a simple extension of padding under the front of the helmet that ushers sweat forward so it drips in front of your glasses instead of on them. This sounds like a small detail at first, until you remember that mid-summer interval session that left you squinting into the sun with salt-covered lenses sitting unusable in your helmet vents and realize that a tiny patch of padding is a pretty big deal.