Bell Stoker Mountain Bike Helmet - Closeout

Full disclosure, I have "used" two bell XLV helmets. One of them protected my head in a pretty serious crash involving me getting knocked hard by a motor vehicle. Another kept a hidden tree limb from cutting my head open on a downhill. I DO trust Bell's helmet making technology. My experience is that they make good helmets that did the job when I needed them.Now, I've got a BIG head (sometimes a size 8 hat is too tight (yes, really)). The XLV was always fine. But if I put a sock hat on under it, it would get really constrictive. This helmet, I can do a winter ride with a hat on and the helmet still has room under it. I'm loving it.Plus, my girlfriend actually thinks this one looks cute instead of dorky and wants one styled the same way. And my coworker thought it was a carbon fiber helmet because of the cool matte grey look.So, what can I say? Fits great, looks great, protects the head, not expensive. I would buy this again and again if it were lost, stolen, or broken.

Ordered the white with gray, very nice colors. Paid $31 dollars, can't complain about that. Visit the very user friendly Bell website for the size chart. Very well designed strapping system, excellent fit. I have always owned soft shelled bike helmets and was ready for a more durable hard shell one, the stoker does not have a thick shell, but rather a thinner full covering. It is still lot better than the typical bike helmet with a "plastic cup" thickness shell covering.

I have one in Safety Orange which I used to replace my beloved Bell Variant. I wear it for urban/suburban road biking as well as some occasional trail rides. It's the XL, which even on my large melon is a bit large. Once I got the straps adjusted though it is a comfortable well fitting lid that ventilates well. A few reflective cateyes on the helmet and I was off and riding. No complaints.

I picked this helmet up to replace an old Bell Arc FS that I've been using for years. I did not buy this helmet on Amazon b/c I was unsure of the fit, turns out the local sporting good store had it for the exact same price. My old Arc helmet had a size range of 54-61 and the Stoker did not have the same range, so I was not ready to buy without trying it on 1st. I bought the medium size and it fits great, both with and without my sweatband.This helmet is a few grams heavier than the Arc and covers more of the head so I was prepared for a slightly hotter ride. I was willing to accept the increased heat for the increased protection. I was very happy to have MORE airflow through the helmet!! I noticed it immediately. I think the increased air flow is because there is a slight gap between the top of my melon and the vents. There are small pads velcro'd in that causes a gap.... genius! I wish I had upgraded sooner... in AZ I am used to riding is 100 degree plus temps, so any little bit of cooling helps.One tiny gripe is that all extra air flow causing noise at road bike speeds, a few times I looked over my shoulder b/c I thought a car was behind me. On the trails I don't go fast enough to notice it, or the other noises from riding drown it out. There are some good trails near my house but I have to ride on road a bit to get to them.... not a huge issue, but worth mentioning.I am very pleased with this purchase.

The good - comfortable, easy to fit, ventilation works really well, cost effective optionThe bad - some quality/finishing issues such as the Coolmax wrapping on the liner pads coming off after a couple of months of useThe ugly - I don't know if Bell tested this thing with anyone with a shaved head but I have a lot of problems with the front Coolmax pads not wicking moisture away to the sides of the helmet. The net effect if I scrunch up my forehead or move the helmet around when riding is to get a bunch of sweat down my forehead and into my eyes/sunglasses.The net result here is mixed as I like the cooling/comfort of the helmet but the pads coming apart (don't seem to be removable) and the sweat thing is a real deal breaker to the point where I'm back on the market looking to replace this helmet

You shouldn't notice a helmet once you're wearing it, but this helmet makes itself known in the worst way. It drips sweat right down the inside of your sunglasses. This always happens at the worst time too, when plowing through a rock garden or landing a drop. I've talked to several other people who have experienced this as well. This is almost a deal-breaker.Still gave it 3 starts cuz it was one of the lowest-priced but decent helmets.

I bought this helmet to replace a Giro Feature that gave its life for me. I chose this one just because of the cool colors. But this helmet does not fit well and is not super comfortable. It's not so bad that I am replacing it, but I would not recommend it. I should have bought the Giro Feature again.