Opinions on Bell RS-1 Helmet with Transitions Shield

[50dro]

I'm seriously thinking of picking up this Bell RS-1 helmet

With this shield (Transitions photochromic)

Are any of you using these? Let's hear what you think...

 

[konarider94]

Ive been seriously considering picking up a bell star. The new line is going to be launched by the end of this month. Ill pick one up as soon as i can.

 

[50dro]

I've watched some videos (I believe on Sportbiketrackgear.com) of them comparing the RS-1 to the Star and they didn't say there was an appreciable difference. They felt that the RS-1 was the better bang for your buck. Sounds like they're both pretty nice though...

Any idea what's new in their new line-up? Is it just the Star?

 

[netty2424]

I've got a star Dro, and my guess is its going to be the padding comfort more than anything. Bell helmets are already noisy as it is due to the air flow so I'd have to guess its just the level of comfort.

I think the aggressive look of the Bell helmets is by far the best looking helmet out there. Just my opinion.

I've been meaning to buy that transition lens. Thanks for the reminder [up]

 

[netty2424]

And I think oh9bolt runs the transitional visor if I'm not mistaken?

 

[stamen]

I have an RS-1 with the smoked windscreen... best $350 dollars I ever spent on anything related to my bike.... super light as it is fiber glass, so when you turn your head at 80 mph+ it doesn't fly to the side... its got 3 adjustable vents.. and it is sooooooooo comfortable the inside is a sort of micro fiber fabric so it is very soft.. Id say get it [up] no regrets

 

[50dro]

Thanks guys! oh9...Let's hear about that shield!

 

[oh9bolt]

The sheild is worth every penny!!! Darkens while I am putting on my gloves and goes pretty dark if you ask me.

Here is a pic with the trasitions lens.

 

[50dro]

Thanks oh9! Which helmet is that (RS-1, Star, etc)? How do you like it?

 

[oh9bolt]

I have a Star, I just got my wife a Vortex, the newer Vortex has nicer padding compared to my 2009 Star that is about the only difference I can see, both are very well made. As said by netty the bell line I have heard are all a little noisy because of the airflow, I use earplugs so it doesnt bother me. I dont see myself buying a different brand helmet when it is time to get a new one soon.

 

[konarider94]

Ive read the star is a little louder than the rs-1 but it flows a lot more air. People claim you can actually feel a difference when you open the vents. And it wont lift when you turn your head. Those are the biggest two reasons for me wanting one. Supposedly the fit has been improved a lot on the star since the 09 model to match the rs1's great fit. Everyone says the material in these helmets are awesome and I dont think you can go wrong either way. The simple thing like the magnetic strap keeper instead of a snap. And i like the little aluminum lever to crack the shield open. And being a transitional shield would make my life a lot easier. I normally carry safety glasses in case im out past dark and just ride with my shield up.

 

[50dro]

Thanks guys!

So are we saying that the Bells flow better than the competition (let's say Shoei) and therefore the added loudness is acceptable? Keep in mind, I'm coming from a Sparx helmet (paid $65 new for it!) so I'm guessing any $300+ helmet is going to be worlds better to me in almost every way!

 

[netty2424]

The Star flows a lot of air, yes. Which opens up to road noise. But I listen to music or sports radio so I don't really pay attention to it. Ive never worn an RS-1, but my guess is its probably very close to the star design in terms of flow and noise. You can't go wrong with Bell. [up][up][up]

 

[RT Performance]

I have a rs1 and the transition shield.
i have only got to use the shield twice in brite sun it doesn't get as dark as i hoped.
The shell size is huge but light and comfortable.
I think the rs1 is pretty quite the star has some sizing issues they run big

 

[redwing]

I have the Bell Vortex helmet with the transitions shield. The shield is great. Darkens quickly and get's pretty blacked out overall. If I'm riding in to the sun as it's approaching the horizon I still need glasses but other than that it takes care of business. Thumbs up for the shield for sure. No complaints on the helmet either.

 

[Doc13]

I have an RS-1 and have no complaints with it aside from fitment, the mediums gave me a headache an the larges even with the fluffy pads tend to be too loose. Have it on Craigslist with stock cheek pads as well as the large ones for $250 in a Size Large. Honestly it breathes really well and the noise isn't any better/worse than my ICON. Shield works as it should.

My .02

 

[owlmeat]

RT and Doc are spot on, look for a full size smaller in the current Star vs current rt-1. I've worn large my entire adult life, now I wear a med Star. As I recall, one seems to fit rounder heads than the other. I want to say it is the Star. The two look similar, but they are more different than just their venting options.

I love my Bell.

 

[rchuff]

I'm with redwing got mine three months ago.It's a vortex to, like it better than my Aria.

 

[50dro]

Lots of great feedback! Thanks everyone! [up]

 

[konarider94]

I like the reviews from stg