Bell Volt Helmet

This helmet is outstanding. I always used the Giro Atmos and I thought that vented well, the volt vents well and is also very comfortable. The giro didn't fit my head perfectly and when I switched to Bell, all my head discomforts and hot spots went away. I highly suggest at least trying it out for a ride or so, also, not to mention it's their highest end helmet but it's well worth the extra dollars for comfort. On the first ride that I used it on, I forgot that it was there completely.

Overall, this is a good helmet. The retention system is easy to use, both off and on the bike. The venting is quite good, although I don't notice any real ventilation difference vs. the Bell Sweep R or the Giro Atmos (I've logged 10k miles with each type). This Bell, like the Sweep R, manages sweat significantly better than the Giros. The Bells have better pads in the front that soak up sweat, while the Giros have big gaps between the pads, which forces the sweat to stream right down into your eyes or onto your glasses. Overall, I'd say this helmet is about the equivalent of the less expensive, but still nice Sweep. It's better than the Giros with their poor sweat management.

The only real flaw with the Volt (and Sweep) is that Bell has eliminated the R or race versions. As a result, their helmets now are multi-purpose, which means they come with MTB visors, and unfortunately, holesplugs in the helmets where the visors should attach. Besides being somewhat unsightly on a road helmet, the mounting holesplugs actually create a whistling sound as air passes over them at speeds over 25mph. Bell needs to bring back road-specific high-end helmets.

I've tried others (Giro) and worn Specialized, but Bell helmets offer me a much better fit. I emphasize this because I'm recovering from a crash where the Volt likely saved my cognitive function. Specialized makes some nice helmets, but I always felt mine sat too much atop my head and failed to provide sufficient side coverage for me. Last year I splurged on the Volt and noticed three things immediately the fit to my head was perfect, the coverage was much greater, and the helmet practically felt air conditioned.

In my crash this last week in downtown Chicago, I was unconscious for approximately 1 hr and awoke in the ER with no memory of the event after inexplicably needing to brake strongly and suddenly. My large-size Volt shows that the impact was at the top left temple, an area that might not have been fully protected with my previous helmet, and I shudder to think of the possible outcome.

The visor is another aspect of the Volt that I find is an advantage, although another reviewer differs. Since I often ride with regular prescription glasses during the week, the visor is a major benefit. With Jawbones and contacts for weekend rides, I sometimes remove the visor, but this enthusiast riding alone doesn't experience 25mph often enough to notice any whistling noises specific to the Volt.

In summary, I'm buying another Volt so that it will be ready to ride when I am!

You cannot go cheap on a helmet and the Bell Volt rocks. It keeps your head cool better than many. I rode in 95 heat the other day with my Bell Volt for the first time and less sweat was dripping down my face. It fits snug and is very comfortable.

I just am a Bell guy...... they fit my head perfectly.....this is the second Bell that I have bought from you and they are both spot on and high quality......nothing more I can say than that...........

I can't tell the helmet is there, which is all I ever ask from a helmet. It has industry standard cooling, and fortunately I haven't had a chance to crash test it.

I really like the design too.

I like the rollerdial at the back to snug up the fit.

Large size is comfortable, adjusts quickly for riding with or without winter cap. Design does not compromise safety.

Four star for rating because no one has figured out how to make the straps work perfectly on any helmut. These straps are better than most though.

I finally got around to getting a helmet again, now that I started cycling with my son. I figured that I can't argue he should wear his helmet if I don't wear one. I I've had helmets in the past, but I've not been keen to wear them, finding them to be uncomfortable and too hot. The Bell Volt is by far the most comfortable helmet I have had so far, and overheating has not been a problem so far. I have not used the helmet in mid-summer yet, but we have had days when it has been in around 80's. Contrary to 89Gator, I found the included mountain bike visor very useful to block the sun during my commute which is eastwards in the morning and westwards in the evening. I can't comment on the noise issue as I rarely have a chance to get to 25mph in between the many stop signs here.

I bought this helmet as the daily special that's why I gave it 5 stars in the value rating. If I bought this retail I would probably say 4 stars, because there are cheaper helmets that do the job just as well. First off I come from a Giro Prolight helmet, and I must say the fitting system on this bell is far superior. It holds true and tight with or without a hat underneath. The helmet is so light and comfortable I forget I have it on sometimes, and actually one time forgot it at home because I thought it was on my head when I left. It fits nice and low, looks great, and vents like a champ. What more do you want in a helmet?

I mainly use it on my road bike, but as I started cycling on a MTB, sometimes I use it for off road expeditions... totally a positive approach to cover the oposite aspects of cycling (and everything in between!!).