Review: Bell Sixer MIPS

 

Introduction

The Bell Sixer, released in 2017 together with the cheaper 4Forty and convertible Super DH, is Bell's top-of-the-line trail helmet, which supersedes the Super 3R. This time Bell have decided to do away with the removable chin guard and make a proper, open, trail helmet with all the bells (pun intended) and whistles. The result is as sleek, breathable and excellent fitting trail lid!

The Sixer is available in a variety of finished with new colors and even a Fasthouse collaboration range if you're into that sort of thing from the Moto world for 2019. Mine is a 2018 and at the time the color range was different, so I opted for the safe flat black. All models are equipped with MIPS and come with a light / GoPro mount as standard, which is something the 4Forty does not have and was one of the reasons I chose the more expensive Sixer instead as I need to ride with a light during the cold, dark winter months here in Northern Europe.

I paid about 120EUR for my helmet. It was on sale at the end of the year 2018 with the new 2019 colors coming out. MSRP is 150USD / 150-233EUR, so it's almost up there with the best like the POC Tectal.

Fit and finish

MIPS is a company offering their rotational protection technology to different helmet manufacturers. The benefits of the system are subject to much controversy and some people dislike the feeling of having the retention system move somewhat independent of the helmet shell, but this time Bell have taken a slightly different approach to the system. The principle remains the same: The shell and retention system are able to rotate independent of each other, but the MIPS liner found in the Super 2 and 3 is no longer there. It has been replaced by 4 yellow wishbone shaped lugs, which attach the liner to the helmet shell. This is a good system as it allows the retention system to sit closer to the helmet shell making it less bulky. The retention system itself is also different from the Super. The dial used to tighten the helmet is still there, but this time it affects the entire liner, not just the rear part. The rear part is also adjustable to 4 different heights. This results in a "custom fit" for all head shapes and is truly an excellent feature!

I'm usually a size Large in Bell, Met and Giro helmets, and the Sixer is no exception. At 60,5cm head circumference the Large is perfect for me, leaving just enough room for a buff scarf or helmet cap for those cold winter days.


The shell of the helmet is composite covered Styrofoam, with what Bell refer to as progressive layering that combines different density foams into one helmet shell, covered by an injection molded hard shell that's permanently bonded to the foam. This supposedly helps dissipate impact forces along a larger area. The hard shell also extends to the inside of the helmet, unlike in the cheaper 4Forty. There is also a rubberized area at the back to the helmet to help with goggle strap retention, so yes, this helmet is fully compatible with goggles if that's your thing. ENDURO!

The peak / visor is attached with 2 screws / hinges, but unlike the Super they are not just plastic thumb screws that will always come lose, but rather proper hinges with firm clicks between the 4 positions the visor can be adjusted to. The peak stays in place nicely once adjusted and is easy to adjust on the fly. A definite improvement over the Super!

The chin strap is permanently fixed to the helmet with a standard buckle. Each strap is divided into 2 parts, which are held together by Bell's no-twist tri-glides: Essentially 2 sliders, which slide on the straps and keep them positioned properly.

The pads are similar to the Supers, with silver or similar anti-microbial treatment, removable and washable. What's new is the front pad has a small tab that attaches to the underside of the front of the helmet and helps guide sweat away from your eyes. Bell call this, simply enough, the sweat guide.

The supplied GoPro / light mount clicks into place on one of the top vents and seems to stay on quite well, though I have yet to test it out on the trails.

Ride impressions

This is my go-to trail helmet and as such, I expected nothing but excellent fit and good ventilation. I must say, I got both! Especially the new retention system is excellent, as it works regardless of your head shape and different thickness pads are not required to obtain a perfect fitting helmet. It can be adjusted so that the helmet even stays on without the chin strap and gives a nice, firm fit all around your head. The shell does rotate a little once you're wearing the helmet, but this is similar to all MIPS equipped helmets and really not an issue. Otherwise this is probably the most comfortable trail helmet I have tested!

Ventilation is excellent and now that I started, I'll compare it to the Super 2R. Or would if there was actual comparison. There is none, the Sixer breathers so much better, especially with the 4 brow ports directing air straight into the helmet. The only downside with the many ventilation ports is that none of them area really placed to hold your glasses.

Conclusion

Coming from a Super 2R I already knew Bell would be a good fit, but I didn't expect it to be this good! I can't find anything I would change with this lid apart from maybe repositioning some of the vents so that you can easily place your glasses on the helmet when not wearing them. If you're looking for an open trail helmet, I highly recommend checking out the Sixer! The less expensive 4Forty has similar fit, but does not have a GoPro mount.