Bell SRT Modular Helmet Review

Bell Helmets has something fresh in dealer showrooms this summer with its new SRT Modular helmet. The SRT lid combines some of the features of its premium Star full-face lineup with the around-town convenience of an open-face offering. This gives riders the best of both worlds. Giving that "wind in the hair" feeling when you want it, and comfort and security when you don't. The SRT is the second modular helmet in Bell's lineup, positioned just above the Revolver with an MSRP of $349.95.

Starting outward, the exterior shape is similar to the Star MIPS, including its nifty Panovision visor. This shield affords a wide viewing window with unencumbered peripheral vision. This helps you see what’s ahead—especially on the road where you’re subject to the erratic animal wandering onto the roadway. It also sports a Class 1 optics rating—which helps mitigate optical distortion due to the curved nature of the visor. Impact protection-wise, the visor (and the helmet as a whole) meet current DOT, ECE, and Snell standards. The shell features a fiberglass construction as opposed to the Revolver’s lower-tier construction. Sizes XS through L share the same shell size while XL through 3XL use a separate version.

Pinlock isn’t yet available, but the visor does include a special antifog coating that’s effective even in chilly conditions. A pair of chin vents are manipulated by a large switch further elevating airflow. It’s complemented by a removable breath guard. Another manually adjustable top vent pushes air away from the brow to exit via fixed exhaust vents. Overall, the SRT pushes air well, however it is a bit noisy with an occasional audible whistle. A heavy-duty rubber seal around the edge of the visor makes for a stable pocket of air inside.

A drop-down sun visor is operated by a left-side slide lever which is easily manipulated, even with gloves. Riders seeking even less glare can opt for Bell’s new ProTint visor that automatically darkens based on ambient UV light. Stepping outside and into the sun, it takes about 60 seconds for the visor to tint from clear to dark. The shield mechanism is simple and easy to operate making visor swaps a painless exercise.

Working inside, the general fit of the helmet is similar to its Star brother. The helmet fits a tad small as compared to modular helmets, thus we upsized from small to medium. The interior is plusher than the lower price-point Revolver helmet, and we like that the three-piece interior can be removed for cleaning. Although it would have been nice if the D-ring sock straps were removable as well (instead they're sewn in).

In between washes the liner has a anti-microbial coating to help keep things fresh as well as wick away sweat during warm-weather rides. Of course, the rider can further tailor fit by installing thicker or thinner cheek pads.

Within the EPS, there are generous speaker cutouts so you can install your favorite Bluetooth communication setup. It is important to note that you’ll have to mount this apparatus on the right side of the helmet as to not block the sun visor lever. It’s also worth noting the EPS’s deep air channels.

If you’re seeking a decent modular helmet with a rich selection of features, the SRT Modular is a worthy option. Although it doesn’t sport the quality of a some of its more high-end competition, you can’t deny that you get a lot of function for your dollar.