Adjustability: as with any bike helmet worth its weight, being able to adjust the fit on the fly is key. Bell could not have made things easier: with their reliable dial and TAG fit system, I was able to loosen up and cinch down this helmet if I needed to add a beanie or if I attached the chin bar and psychologically felt obligated to get the helmet as tight as possible.

Chin Bar: As I mentioned, my initial impressions of attaching and using a chin bar seemed dubious. I warmed up to the idea rather quickly, and to quote Eddie, “I feel naked riding without one now.” It is easy to stow the chin bar on the outside of, or even inside of, a relatively small pack. Even better, it only takes about 20 Mississippis to attach it, and even fewer to remove it. In the time it takes you to consume an energy gel at the top of a long climb, you can install that chin bar and significantly increase your facial protection for the obstreperous descent.

Certification/Safety: Although there are helmets specifically designed for downhill racing, Bell went above and beyond to certify the 2R with CE EN1078 and CPSC standards, and has invited critics to examine their theoretical and real-world testing dynamics, most notably documented in this recent viral video:

Even better, the helmet is ICEdot compatible (sold separately), which is an emergency notification system that can activate a user’s health information using a code PIN on the helmet. As long as you register the PIN, and you are wearing your helmet, EMS can get your health data in case of an emergency.

Weight: At 694 grams, this is a very light helmet for what it can protect you from, and far less than most downhill helmets.

Ventilation: 23 vents ensure that good air flow keeps your head cool, using the brow ports and the chin vents. It works a little too well in the winter. 🙂

[see_also id=”198642″][/see_also]

Things that some users may not like:

Nutrition access: If you’ve ever used a DH helmet, you already know that some of them make it difficult to slurp down a gel shot or take a sip of water. When riding lift-serviced downhill runs, however, you have plenty of time to remove your helmet on the lift and power up between runs. With the 2R, you are more likely to be riding trail or enduro, and if you use the chin bar all or most of the time, you may find it difficult to put anything in your mouth without muscling the helmet around on your head. It can be done, but it’s cumbersome if you drink from a hydration pack whilst riding technical terrain.

Noise: Overall the helmet is quiet, but using the chin bar amplifies the sound of your breathing. While not something you typically worry about with a traditional DH lid if you are mostly focused on clearing the next gap, the sound of your (loud) breathing may bother you if you wear the chin bar in undulating terrain and climb with it. Turn up the headphones, or get used to it.

Price: At $199 MSRP, this helmet isn’t cheap, but neither is a trip to the ER or replacing your front teeth. Also, it isn’t a full-on downhill helmet, and it was not designed to be. You should consider purchasing a beefier helmet if you frequently ride lift-served DH trails.

Bell - Super 3R/2R Chinbar
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Color: The helmet I tested was “infrared,” which is somewhere between a salmon and fuchsia color. Riders I know have complained that it looks nothing like the cherry apple red that Bell advertises, and they are correct. Infrared certainly attracts attention, but I agree with the riders who would like to see a standard red as well. The good news is that the 2R comes in several other color schemes, many that mimic the patterns of the popular Bell Super.

Bottom Line

Before starting this review, I was stolidly skeptical. Using this helmet, however, has not only convinced me that the 2R is a good idea, it has made me rethink what style of helmet I need for different trails. Most of the time I can get by with a traditional lid, but having a chin bar provides another layer of safety for technical trails. The good news is, the 2R provides the best of both worlds for enduro and trail riding, and I don’t think I can personally go back. Eddie agrees.

Other recent reviews have hinted that this product as a “game-changer,” a phrase that is often overused. But in this case, I agree. The 2R is reshaping how riders think about helmets and safety, and that is a good thing. The 2R has since been released with a MIPS version for only $229, which is an even better idea.

The 2R helmet gets a lot of attention on the trail and starts a lot of conversations, and more surprising, most people comment on how cool it looks. If you ride chunky, techy trails and like to charge hard, the 2R should be on your wish list.

Thanks to Bell for sending the Bell Super 2R over for review!