Products 15 Apr 2016

Review: 2016 Bell Moto-9 Carbon Flex helmet

Putting Bell's latest and greatest motocross offering to the test.

Bell is committed to providing purpose-built solutions that provide across-the-board head protection for the modern rider. So when it came to evolving their flagship Moto-9 model, Bell wanted to re-think fit and build on the helmet’s longstanding ability to manage energy. The development team sought to achieve a more personalized, adaptive fit, for a wide variety of head shapes.

In creating a first-of-its-kind three layer impact liner, Bell utilised a revolutionary combination of polymer materials to provide a progressive energy management system that’s designed to absorb low, mid and high energy impacts. The Moto-9 Carbon Flex is the most advanced helmet ever produced by the American manufacturer and is quickly setting a new level for rider protection in motocross and off-road racing.

The Moto-9 Carbon Flex is worn by riders such as Matt Moss, Kade Mosig, Jake Moss, Nathan Crawford, Kirk Gibbs and Dylan Wills domestically. Internationally the helmet is also trusted by Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, Jeremy Martin, Alex Martin, Aaron Plessinger, Joey Savatgy and Adam Cianciarulo to name a few. It’s a high caliber helmet used by the highest caliber of riders around the world.

It’s crucial that you’re riding with the best possible head protection available, and Bell has pushed the limits to ensure that is the case when wearing their Moto-9 Carbon Flex. The innovative structure of the helmet not only provides progressive management of energy in a crash, but with added focus on the actual fit of the helmet it now offers one of the most comfortable helmets on the market today.

Having a comfortable helmet is obviously a huge advantage, but this added comfort also means the level of safety has been increased thanks to the closest fit possible to your individual head shape. Bell’s decision to take note of the varying head shapes of each rider and shift a large amount of focus to this issue has definitely paid off in the end result.

The Moto-9 Carbon Flex also continues to use their exclusive Magnefusion Emergency Removal System (MERS) cheekpads, which in our opinion is a vital safety feature in any motocross helmet. In the event of a crash it’s very important to be able to remove the helmet with the least amount of pressure placed on the neck region, the MERS system offers just that and it’s something you should definitely look for in a helmet before making a purchase.

The Moto-9 Carbon Flex also features a lightweight composite carbon shell with their velocity flow ventilation system integrated for maximum cooling performance. The helmet also features a fully adjustable flying bridge visor with air intake vents, an integrated vented roost guard and a removable/washable X-Static XT2 silver liner.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

The helmet also features quickflip visor screws for easy adjustment, a fully ventilated EPS-lined chinbar, a padded chin strap with D-ring closure, a new and improved magnetic strap keeper, industry leading five-year warranty and a padded, lined helmet bag. All of these features are great, espeically things such as the magnetic strap keeper, it’s a small detail that really does stand out and it’s just so simple and easy to use.

Aesthetically the Bell Moto-9 Carbon Flex is definitely one of the best looking helmets on the market today, the overall shape and design of the shell is sleek and simple, just the right amount of detail has been included. The graphic options offered in 2016 contain a mixture of styles and colours to suit every rider’s style, our ‘Matte Blocked Black’ design is super clean and really does suits a range of gear offerings – we’re big fans!

Worried about your goggles fitting nicely within the Moto-9 Carbon Flex eye port? No need to stress about that. We’ve taken the time to test a range of goggle brands and shapes including the Oakley Airbake MX, the Dragon NFX2 and SCOTT Hustle to ensure you will have no issues with your current choice of eye protection.

Overall the 2016 Bell Moto-9 Carbon Flex is an outstanding piece of protection for your head. The innovative technology for maximum protection in a range of impacts, improved comfort, great looks and long list of features really does make this a standout helmet in the market today. This helmet features everything you need and more, if you’re in the market for a new lid, be sure to take a look at this one at your local dealer.

The Moto-9 Carbon Flex comes in at a recommended retail price of $859.95 for the standard graphic range or $899.95 for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki variant. Head to www.monzaimports.com.au for more information and stockist listings.

Recent