Bell Zephyr Mips helmet

The Bell Zephyr MIPS helmet might be one of the more expensive options out there but it's well ventilated, fairly low profile, and it boasts an excellent new MIPS-integrated fit system.

Just to get you up to speed on MIPS – or Multi-directional Impact Protection System for long – it's 'a revolutionary technology that lets the helmet slide relative to the brain, adding more protection against rotational violence to the brain caused by angled impacts', according to the team behind it. I'll come back to MIPS in a mo.

> Find your nearest dealer here

One unique feature of this helmet is that it uses a new patented manufacturing technique called Progressive Layering Construction. There's a high density EPS (expanded polystyrene) outer shell, and a lower density EPS inner shell next to your head. The two elements are produced separately, each in-moulded in its own polycarbonate shell, before being joined together. You can easily see where they meet and you can very slightly move the two parts separately.

Bell says that by using EPS of two different densities it can custom tune impact management and design a better helmet.

The next thing you need to know is that the Zephyr features a MIPS liner integrated into the Float Fit Race retention system. Sorry for the jargon, I'll explain it.

The Float Fit Race system is the bit of the helmet you can adjust to change the fit. You get three points of adjustment: a clicky dial at the rear, 22mm of up/down movement of the cradle at the back of your head, and you can also alter the lateral position of each of the two occipital pads (at the rear) independently – so you can have the pad on the right positioned further out than the pad on the left, for example, if that better suits the shape of your head.

The system works on the entire circumference of your head. I found it to be comfortable and very simple to adjust, even on the fly and in big winter gloves.

The lightweight straps sit flat against your face and neck thanks to Bell's Tri-Glide dividers. I really like them. Twisted straps are the devil's work. As well as adding to the neatness, Bell says that these improve aerodynamic efficiency – twisted straps add drag – but it doesn't make any overall aero claims for the helmet.

Unusually, MIPS is integrated into the new Float Fit Race system. It's not an add-on. Little yellow tabs allow the Float Fit Race inner to move relative to the EPS.

The idea is that this 'manages a wide range of impacts while giving the designers the opportunity to create larger and more effective vents'. It also makes for a lower profile and a closer fit; adding MIPS usually makes a helmet 1.7mm tighter.

We can't comment on the safety aspects of this helmet, although it of course meets the relevant standards. The whole MIPS thing convinces me, but you can make your own mind up on that.

The Zephyr certainly provides plenty of ventilation. View the frontal profile of the helmet and the vents take up a king-sized amount of space. The air that comes in is channelled over the top of your head to keep you feeling cool most of the time. This is a very airy helmet.

You get X-Static antibacterial padding inside, one interesting feature being that a tab of that padding extends from the inside of the helmet across the bottom of the EPS right at the front of the helmet. The idea is that sweat moves down to this section of padding because of the angle of your head as you ride, and then drips off in front of your eyewear.

It's a clever idea and it does work to an extent, but it doesn't eliminate the problem entirely. I still got sweat on my specs occasionally but not as much as usual, so it's a definite positive.

> Buyer's Guide: The best performance helmets

Weighing in at 288g (size medium), the Zephyr is lightweight but not super-light, although MIPS always adds a little. It certainly didn't feel in any way heavy in use.

Overall, the Zephyr has really impressed me over the past few months. It's comfortable, easy to adjust, low profile and very well vented. If you can afford a high-end lid and you're convinced by the arguments for MIPS, it's definitely one you should consider.

Verdict

Innovative, well-vented lid with an excellent new MIPS-integrated fit system