Bell Bullitt Helmet

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I've been thinking about getting one of these for a while now...less for the style than for the visibility. You're the first person I've heard from who can directly compare it to the RS-1 (which is my favorite helmet--fits my head perfectly).

How would you compare the fit between the two? Others seem to indicate that it's a fairly "round" fit...and the RS-1 seems pretty oval. Any thoughts?

Also be curious to hear your thoughts on wind blast from below the chin bar. I've read some reviews where people talk about having wind bother their eyes at speed (due, presumably, to the lack of a chin curtain).

The RS-1 does have more of an oval shape compared to the rounder Bullitt (interestingly, the review on revzilla describes the Bullitt as an intermediate oval). That's possibly why the Bullitt leaves an imprint across my forehead while the RS-1 doesn't and never has. From that, it would seem that the RS-1 is a better fit for me but once on my head, the Bullitt actually feels more comfortable. I attribute that to the Bullitt's padding which is in another league. Plus, the Bullitt feels lighter on my head. I can't, however, feel a difference in weight while holding them at the same time in my hands. Unfortunately, I don't have a scale sensitive enough to accurately weigh each.

In terms of visibility, there's really no comparison. The Bullitt provides so much more field of view than any other full-face helmet I've owned or even tried on. That, of course, also applies to the RS-1. I can't help but wonder if having so much shield lessens the amount of protection. The Bullitt does however pass both DOT and ECE 22.05 standards while the RS-1 passes DOT and Snell M2010. That assures me that both offer very good protection.

The wind from beneath the helmet did not bother my eyes at all. I wore aviator-style sunglasses beneath the shield which I believe would have allowed air to still hit my eyes if it was an issue. On my first ride with the helmet, I rode for several hours in very high winds and for at least one of those hours at freeway speeds. I never had an issue with my eyes.

I took some photos of the two helmets side-by-side. The RS-1 is on the edge of the table so it can rest flat due to the com device. It's hard to tell from the photos but the RS-1 is larger; both in height and length. The difference in the field of view is obvious.
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The graphics on the RS-1 add to the sense of it being more oval shaped but it is in fact true. The field of view on the RS-1 is actually pretty good. The helmets resting on the table is a little deceiving because the angle differs from when riding. The much larger chin bar on the RS-1 descends further down. Still, the Bullitt really does let you see more. It actually crossed my mind that I may need to start wearing sunscreen on my face with this helmet. I have a photochromatic shield on my RS-1 (that also fits my Vortex helmet) and it's fantastic. I wish one was available for the Bullitt.

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Looking at the underside of each helmet and you'd swear that the Bullitt's opening is much larger than that of the RS-1. And maybe it is. But the RS-1, without question, goes on and off much easier. I assume that's because the Bullitt's leather neck roll is stiffer than the fabric neck roll of the RS-1. But, again, once past that neck roll, the inside of the Bullitt really cradles your head nicely. Super comfortable.

Hope that helps!