Product Test: Bell Moto-9 FLEX, a work of art for your head!
The Moto-9 FLEX from Bell is described as the most advanced helmet on the market that is specially made to absorb every shock. A helmet that Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, Aaron Plessinger and many others have trusted for years. Concussions and head injuries are no longer taboo in motocross and Bell is very aware of that.
Testing the Moto-9 FLEX Bell helmet seemed risky at first glance. When you are asked to test a motorcycle, you test it in all areas and do everything you can to get to know it completely. Was this also expected from a helmet? Did I have to hit the ground on purpose? Fortunately, I was allowed to wear the helmet for a few sessions and I did NOT have to fall on purpose. I was reassured.
A helmet that automatically takes the shape of your head with a progressive layer system. Three different layers of three different thicknesses to better absorb shock during a fall. The inspiration of the three layers was copied from the suspension system of a 'Trophy Truck', where mainly the EPO and EPP absorb the small and medium shocks. The EPS, on the other hand, is responsible for the largest shocks. I can hear you thinking, three layers, very technological, but how do I ventilate my head during a twenty-minute cross session?
The ventilation of the Moto-9 was already perfect, but now Bell engineers have completely revised and improved it. Finally, everyone realizes that the impact during a fall is usually not perpendicular. The impact usually occurs with a rotation that causes the head to make rapid short rotations that can lead to a 'whiplash'. The ingenious design of the Moto-9 FLEX allows the inner layer to absorb this rotational shock, which can quickly absorb the first and most dangerous shock. Bell is clearly pushing the boundaries of a safe helmet by applying new techniques and opening its own research center. As a motocross rider I can only encourage this because no matter how we look at it, motocross is and remains a risky sport and my head is very dear to me.
The first thing I noticed was the noise reduction of this helmet, with some helmets you have the feeling that they are shouting next to your ear. With the Moto-9, everything is filtered in such a way that you can maintain ideal concentration at the start and it gives you a safe feeling. You also automatically get a safe feeling when you put on the helmet and connect it immediately, thanks to the adaptable shape of the FLEX system. I have ridden numerous sessions longer than 20 minutes and with other helmets I often had the problem of sweat running into my glasses. Thanks to the ventilation, I never felt like I was sweating on my forehead. In addition to the ventilation, the adaptable shape and the sound insulation of the helmet, there is another beautifully authentic item on the helmet, the 'screws'. Screwdrivers are unnecessary, you simply lift the tab and loosen the 'screws'. Finally, I would like to congratulate the engineers on the beautiful design of the helmet. If I may be honest, I think the Moto-9 is one of the most beautiful helmets on the market.
The price for this Moto-9 Carbon Flex varies between €550 and €750. Perhaps the only negative side of the helmet, but there is no price on safety. It is a helmet that is definitely worth the money and Bell is also one of the top brands on the market. In our gallery you can view the helmet that I tested in detail and all the colors in which it is available.
+ Relief
+ Flex system
+ Customizable shape
+ Sick design
– Price tag
Click for distributors in your area here!
Text: YD
Photos: Bell Helmets
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