Bell Moto-10 Spherical helmet: Special edition with MIPS tech

[advrider]

Bell is selling a special-edition version of its Moto-10 helmet for spring 2021. The company says the new Moto-10 Spherical is Bell’s “most advanced off-road helmet.” So what’s the deal?

The biggest thing here is Bell’s new Spherical technology, which is derived from MIPS. Wait, what’s MIPS? As we told you back in February,

“Based out of Sweden, MIPS is still working on becoming a well-known name in the moto industry. Well-informed riders are likely to be familiar with the company’s technology, but at this point, most of the big-name motorcycle helmet makers aren’t licencing its technology … MIPS doesn’t make helmets itself (at least, not for now). Instead, MIPS makes helmet liners that reduce rotational forces in a crash. Instead of focusing on direct impacts to the head, MIPS liners stop your brain from damaging twisting forces in a crash. MIPS offers its technology to a wide range of helmet manufacturers, saying 111 helmet makers use its technology worldwide. Although motorcycle helmet manufacturers have been slow to adopt the technology, it’s widely available in the bicycle world and for other helmets, including hard hats.”

So, Bell’s new Spherical helmet is designed to protect your brain from twisting damage, not just blunt force. Bell says it functions like a ball-and-socket joint.

Bell’s not new to this tech; it’s been licensing MIPS designs for a while now. However, it seems Bell is now putting its own twist on the technology. See more here.

Along with added safety, the Spherical technology is also supposed to improve airflow. The helmet has a carbon-fiber shell, with segmented construction that’s also supposed to improve airflow. The new Thermal Exchange Airflow System is also supposed to direct sweat away from your face.

Other cool features: There’s a set of soft bumpers on each side of the helmet. As per the press release, “We constructed two NMR™ (No Missed Races) bumpers on either side of the helmet. These bumpers are made with a softer EPP material that compresses under load but bounces back to its original form, helping to reduce the likelihood of further injury caused from the helmet contacting your body.” Bell also says the helmet’s eyeport is the largest available.

At this point, Bell says it will only make 1,000 of these helmets for the worldwide market, and pricing seems to be in the $850 US range. Perhaps if it’s a success we’ll see similar products emerge in coming months? Find more details at Bell’s website.

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