Bell Super 2

It ranks #5 (B tier) on our consolidated bike helmets board, drawn from 2 independent outlets.

Mountain bikers who want a robust trail helmet that lasts. It is the highest-ranked mountain bike helmet on our bike helmets board, at rank five in B tier, and reviewers note robust construction, long-term durability, good ventilation and a reliable warranty program. Road riders should look at the Trek Velocis MIPS instead. Riders who want the very highest impact rating in a trail helmet should also consider the Smith Forefront 3 MIPS, which a mountain bike guide ranked best overall but which has fewer research runs behind it on our board.

Long-term durability is one of the consistent findings for the Bell Super 2, alongside its robust construction. As with every helmet, retire it after any crash that hits the head, and plan on three to five years of normal use before the foam and straps age out.

Yes. It is a trail helmet with a visor and extended coverage at the back and sides of the head, and our research places it firmly in the mountain-biking community. It is not a full-face helmet, so for downhill or bike park riding a full-face model is the safer choice. For a lighter trail helmet at a lower cost the Fox Racing Speedframe Helmet exists on our board, but it sits in D tier with shell wear and warranty complaints.

Reviewers describe a reliable warranty program for the Bell Super 2, which stands out on a board where several helmets draw warranty complaints. Keep your proof of purchase, and note that no helmet warranty covers crash damage, which is replaced rather than repaired.

Rinse the shell and liner with lukewarm water and mild soap, then air dry away from heat. Pull out the pads and hand wash them, they dry quickly. Do not use solvents or put any part in a dishwasher, and store the helmet indoors out of sunlight to slow foam ageing.