In 2018, Bell dropped the Super DH. It is basically a beefier version of the Super 3R that looks more like a dirtbike helmet, rather than just a trail helmet with a chinbar. The Super DH MIPS is both BMX- and DH-rated. The Bell Super DH MIPS helmet now seems better suited for enduro racers, anyone who wants one helmet for climbing and descending, or riders who want to take one helmet on a trip to ride both bike park and singletrack while saving room in their duffel bag.
Bell Super DH MIPS Helmet Specs
- Available in seven different colors
- Sizes: small, medium, large
- Fidlock magnetic buckle
- Includes a breakaway action camera mount
- MIPS spherical system
- Certifications: ASTM F-1952-15, ASTM F2032-15, CE EN1078, CPSC Bicycle
- Weight: 880g total. 480g for half-shell, 400g for chinbar
$300$325 (Available at Competitive Cyclist and other retailers)
Bell full face helmet on the trail
The appealing thing (to me) about the Bell Super DH MIPS is the fact it can serve as one helmet for two different types of riding. Several times a year I’m somewhere like Winter Park where I need to bring both a full-face helmet to hit the local trails and a half-shell for the bike park in order to optimize protection and comfort.
The Polycarbonate shell gives the helmet a lighter feel versus a traditional fiberglass or carbon full-face helmet, and with the DH rating, it doesn’t feel like it sacrifices anything by being lighter. In fact, the Bell Super DH helemt is almost 200g lighter than its big brother the Full-9 Fusion MIPS and still shares the same safety rating.
This isn’t to say that the Bell Super DH MIPS is the best helmet to spend a full day pedaling around in. It’s wider and less vented than most trail helmets out there, so for those interested in a helmet for 100% trail riding that they can occasionally attach a chinbar to, the Bell Super 3R is a better choice. The Super DH is for riders who want a full-face helmet that they can occasionally wear as a half-shell.
The “Overbrow” ventilation works well, allowing air to slip in from the top of the forehead to the back of the skull and seems to help with temperature regulation. Venting for a gravity helmet like this is actually quite good. Again, it’s not on par with a trail or XC helmet, even worn as a half-shell, but for a helmet with DH protection, it’s pretty good. With the chinbar on for gravity riding, ventilation is not a problem and the helmet gets plenty of airflow for a full-face.
The Bell Super DH MIPS is one of the most comfortable helmets I’ve worn in the past few years. I was pretty happy about this because I previously owned a Super 2R and it was one of the poorest-fitting helmets I’ve owned. The Bell Super DH helmet padding is thicker and more comfortable, doesn’t chafe your forehead, and is easily forgettable on long rides.
The cheek padding is also very cushy and the package includes an extra set of pads. They snap in and out easily in case of an emergency or if they’re just getting smelly and need to be washed. I also love the Fidlock buckle. It’s easy to snap on or off with gloves on.
The MIPS Spherical system is a huge step up from a regular MIPS system for this kind of helmet. Instead of the plastic yellow sheet in between the rider’s head and outer shell like a regular MIPS helmet, the MIPS Spherical system has a thin, foam liner and the rotation seems smoother than regular MIPS.
The conversion can be a little harsh on the finger tips, but it’s not that much of a pain and takes less than thirty seconds to convert it in either direction. The only downside to the chinbar is that fanny pack wearing enduro-ers will have a hard time carrying it, unless they switch to a hydration pack.
Bell Super DH Helmet Review Conclusion
The Bell Super 3R will suit singletrack riders who occasionally ride at a bike park and don’t push the limits too hard, better than the Bell Super DH will. The Bell Super DH is more of a gravity helmet that can be reduced to half its size when it’s time for a trail ride. But for someone who only wants one helmet, period, the Super DH is still very comfortable as a half-shell, so either way, it’s a good choice.
- Price:
300$325 - Available at Competitive Cyclist and other retailers
Check out our mountain bike helmet buyers guide and our picks for the best mountain bike helmets.
