Bell Influx

Price Paid:  $50.00

Favorite Ride:
anything that isn't a trainer

Summary:
I was in a head-on collision with a Buick Park Av while wearing this helmet. I broke my face on the hood and my neck on the roof, but nothing in between. I love this helmet.

Price Paid:  $40.00 at dickssportinggoods.c

Summary:
I got last year's model on sale from dickssportinggoods.com. The helmet does seem somewhat bulbous and mushroomy on my head as compared to other racier helmets such as the Sweep, but I wear a large, so that may be why. I can see the front of the helmet while I wear it, but it doesn't really obstruct my view. The straps would always end up looser after my ride than before it, but I fixed that by asking Bell for some spare rubber O rings. Three O rings will hold the strap in place better than one, I've found. Overall, I have no real complaints. It's light enough and it doesn't look too bad.

Strengths:
-Great value (at $40)
-Last year's yellow/black matches my bike.
-GPS sizing system works well

Weaknesses:
-Straps stretch unless you put on some extra O rings.
-Bulbous (in size L anyway)

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Bike Werehouse San D

Favorite Ride:
Specialized A1 sport

Summary:
I crashed at 40 mph on a decreasing radius turn, and the influx saved my life. It was a cheaper helmet, with an OK look to it, but it fit awesome, especially with bell's GPS system, which is much more preferable to Giro's stupid roc lock thing.

Strengths:
Fit, price, GPS system

Weaknesses:
Style

Similar Products Used:
Giro Monza (high price bracket)

Price Paid:  $65.00

Summary:
This helmet was marketed as a mountain bike helmet. It can be used for both road and MTB. I use it for road racing and it's great. I htink the most important thing with any helmet is the fit, and this thing fits my head like a glove. It has good ventilation, and it doesn't feel like a drag. the only negative is, it could use a little more padding on top aspect inside. They do give you extra pads for the sides. I've had more expensive GIRO's for racing, but I like this much better. I thought why buy a bell, there not that great, but i tried it, and I have a whole new perspective/respect on their products

Strengths:
Fits well
easily adjusts

Weaknesses:
Needs a bit more padding up top, but you can add a little. i think this is more of a problem if you have thin hair like me.