Bell Variant MTB Helmet

Understated and over-featured is the Bell Variant MTB Helmet in a nutshell—Bell’s go-to, go anywhere, do everything bike helmet. Whether on an all-mountain epic or urban assault mission, the Variant’s got the goods to get ‘er done, including the super adjustable Twin Axis Gear (TAG) fit system, VPV visor, Fusion In-Mold Microshell construction and trail-tuned ventilation. The Bell Variant MTB Helmet is the Official Helmet of the Trek Dirt Series mountain bike camps.

·          Twin Axis Gear (TAG) -  Bell’s next generation Twin Axis Gear (TAG) fit system adjusts to the head on two axes – circumferentially as standard fit systems do, but also vertically to better accommodate differences in the up/down position of the occipital lobe. For added comfort Bell co-molded the system arms with soft rubber and positioned them higher to better accommodate eyewear. The result is the most adjustable, comfortable and easy-to-use fit system ever.

·          Variable Position Visor (VPV) – Bell’s top-of-the-line Variable Position Visor allows for 15 degrees of horizontal adjustment by using an imbedded clutch mechanism that holds the visor firmly at the desired angle. Changing the VPV’s angle just takes a simple up or down tug.

·          Fusion In-Mold Microshell – In-molding is the process of bonding the helmet’s Microshell to its EPS foam layer to provide a sturdier, more solid helmet. The EPS foam is shot into the thin Microshell cap when it’s in the mold – thus the name – rather than formed separately and taped on later. This process was pioneered by Bell and is now the industry standard for all high-end helmets. All but Bell’s toddler helmets are now made with this construction method.

·          Internal Reinforcement – In order to maximize venting and minimize bulk, high-end helmets feature internal reinforcement structures. These composite skeletons fortify helmets the same way rebar makes concrete stronger, allowing for bigger vents, more advanced styling and lighter weight, while still meeting stringent safety standards.

·          Channeled Ventilation – Specially designed ventilation channels on the interior of the helmet’s liner bring cool air in through the front, pass it over the head and flushes warm air out of the rear ports. You’ll find some form of this feature on almost all Bell helmets, but higher end helmets feature deeply sculpted channels that keep air moving whether you’re bombing it at 30 mph, of huffing it uphill at single digit speed.

·          Cam-Lock Levers – Bell’s Cam-Lock strap levers make it easy to adjust the straps around your ears. Simply open the cam…position comfortably and close the lever. Done.

·          Registered Graphics – Getting helmet graphics to hit the right spot on the helmet without distorting or warping is more challenging than most people realize. It’s why you see many of Bell’s competitors only doing helmets in solid colors or with very simple graphics. Bell Designers have pioneered methods for registering graphics, so that they can make some of the most graphically complex and visually appealing helmets in the world.

·          In-Mold Bottom Wrap – In-Mold bottom wraps bring a new level of durability, solidity and aesthetics to helmets. By bonding Microshell material to the lower half of the helmet, In-Mold bottom wraps cover what on most helmets is a less durable, exposed EPS foam.

·          Vents: 24

·          Use: MTB Trail Ride, All Mountain, MTB Endurance/Marathon, Urban/Commute

·          Weight: 10.8oz / 305g

·          Certification: CPSC; CE EN1078