Helmets are a necessary tool when it comes to Gravity riding. A good helmet that fits well and protects your head is priceless and Bell aims to deliver a lot of top end features in their $200 Transfer 9. We have our overview of the Transfer 9 inside for you all to learn more about as part of our 25 Days of Sickness.

words / photos Jason Nixon

Basking in the shade of Bell’s Full 9, their top of the line downhill full face helmet, the Transfer 9 takes a lot of what makes the Full 9 great and packages it into a more cost conscious package. We’ve taken a look at the Full 9 before so be sure to check that out as well for comparison. While protection remains the same compared to the Full 9, the Transfer 9 aims to reach a market that is looking for a more economical price point.

Bell 2014 Helmet Range Overview

2014 Bell Transfer 9 contents include:

• Helmet
• Helmet Sack
• Helmet Camera Mounting Kit

FEATURES:

• 3D-Formed Quick Snap Cheekpads
• Breakaway Camera Mount Attachment
• Flying Bridge Visor™ with Breakaway Screws
• Integrated Compatibility with Eject® Helmet Removal System
• Overbrow Ventilation
• Padded chin strap with D-ring closure
• Removable
• Washable XT-2® Extended Wear Interior
• Soundtrax compatibility allows you to run speakers in your helmet
• Velocity Flow Ventilation
• Available in sizes XS-XXL in 6 different color options (Glow Green 64 pictured in this overview)

CERTIFICATION:

• ASTM F1952-00
• ASTM F2032-06
• CE EN1078
• CPSC Bicycle

Bell was able to achieve the $200 price point by adjusting some of the features and integrated pieces on the Transfer 9. If you look at both the Full 9 and the Transfer 9 side by side there are subtle differences that are easily spotted where they were able to perform some cost saving techniques including providing a helmet sack instead of a helmet bag.

Starting with the detail on the helmet color options available on the Transfer 9 you’ll notice a simpler layout of colors and designs in comparison to the Full 9.

Over Brow Venting

The Transfer 9 has ample venting through its 9 vents. In comparison, their more expensive Full 9 offers 10 vents.

Functionally this helmet still packs almost all of the features of the Full 9 including the over brow venting, Eject compatibility, audio porting, and more. The brow venting is still used but the design is more cost focused.

The front brow ports lack a venting pattern over the inlet holes for example and no removable foam was included in the mouthpiece. Observing the helmet’s piping around the helmet it’s also apparent that additional cost savings was done here as well as there is a more simple tone throughout the helmet.

Eject compatible and venting channels

The chin area in the Full 9 has a more sculpted design that also features more pronounced vents to help push more air through the helmet in comparison to the Transfer 9.

The Transfer 9 includes a helmet camera mount similar to the Full 9 but it’s not as integrated or as custom. The helmet camera mount installs via a sticky adhesive instead of a clip-on version as used on the Full 9.

Included are mounts for GoPro as well as Contour. The helmet camera mount attaches to the stationary baseplate that you adhere to the helmet. The helmet camera mount is removable but the baseplate will remain once installed.

The Bell Full 9 utilizes magnetic cheekpads and the Transfer 9 opts for a more price conscious snapping button-style attachment. The padding is fully removable still so cleaning the pads won’t be a problem.

Weight wise the Transfer 9 is a little bit heaver than the Full 9. Our large helmet rang in at 1231.2 grams.  Although not an apples to apples comparison, our XL Full 9 was 1197.8g

The Transfer 9 also gets integrated audio ports where you can install soundtrax speakers inside the helmet.

Gallery

Overall the Bell Transfer 9 offers a lot of the same features you’ll find in their top of the line Full 9.  Price wise, $200 is more affordable for riders and at the end of the day more money in your pocket means more lift rides, beer, and anything else you may have to purchase.  The Transfer 9 still maintains all of the protection you’d expect out of a top of the line helmet but in a more wallet friendly package.  Fitment on the Bell DH helmets has worked out very nice for me and is one of the best fitting downhill helmets ‘I’ve ever used and the Full 9 has been my go-to helmet most days.  The Transfer 9 is a great addition to the Bell helmet range so check it out if you get a chance if you’re in need of a new helmet this year.

See more at http://www.bellhelmets.com