Bell Race Star Flex Carbon Helmet: In-Depth Safety Review

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Updated: July 17, 2025
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What’s going on everybody! It’s your boy Race to Ace with another video.

If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to find a helmet that gives you the best protection in case of a crash—don’t worry, I got you. Today we’re going to talk about a solid option that, in my opinion, is one of the best motorcycle helmets out there.

This article is based on the video by Race to Ace.

But real quick—before you drop money on this helmet, go into a local store and try it on. You gotta make sure it fits your head shape and size properly. That’s non-negotiable.

Bell Race Star Flex DLX Helmet

Premium carbon-fiber street-and-track helmet offering top-tier impact protection, adaptive tinting, and race-ready comfort in a lightweight, aerodynamic package.

Pros:
  • Superior multi-density “Flex” liner for varied-speed impact protection
  • Photochromic ProTint visor auto-adjusts to light conditions
  • Comfortable, cool Virus Cool Jade liner stays fresh on long rides
  • Secure magnetic chin strap and removable cheek pads with speaker pockets
Cons:
  • Fit can be tight—try before you buy for best sizing
  • Ventilation brings more wind noise than ultra-quiet lids
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A Legacy That Goes Back to 1933

Before we jump into the helmet review, let’s talk history for a second. This isn’t just some random brand.

We’re talking about Bell—yeah, that Bell. The company that’s been leading in helmet safety and innovation since the early 20th century.

It all started in 1933 when Roy Richter began working at Bell Auto Parts.

Vintage photo of Roy Richter holding a trophy and model race car
Roy Richter, the man behind Bell Helmets, began shaping motorsport safety over 90 years ago.

Then in 1945, he bought the company for just $1,000. Doesn’t sound like much, right? But if you adjust that for inflation, that’s about $14,836.33 in today’s money.

Fast forward to 1954—that’s when Bell produced its first helmet. That legacy is baked into the gear they make today.

Vintage red and black Bell open-face helmet with visor
The original Bell helmet from 1954—a milestone that sparked decades of innovation in rider safety.

Introducing the Bell Race Star Flex DLX

So let’s get into today’s star—the Bell Race Star Flex DLX Carbon Helmet.

This helmet doesn’t just look good, it backs it up with safety certifications. It meets both SNELL M2015 and DOT standards.

Bell Race Star Flex DLX helmet in matte black on leather surface
A premium helmet blending carbon fiber strength with SNELL and DOT-certified protection for serious riders.

Depending on the colorway or design you’re into, you’re looking at a price range from $600 to $800. But if you’re on a tighter budget, the Tri-Matrix Composite Shell base model in matte black is selling for $429 on Amazon.

Carbon Fiber Construction and Weight

This helmet comes in at 4.8 pounds. It’s made from 3K carbon fiber, so it’s tough but lightweight.

The design is aerodynamic and especially well-suited for riders with an oval-shaped head. Still, the carbon structure allows it to fit a wide variety of riders comfortably.

The Three-Layer Flex Impact Liner

Inside the helmet, you’ve got what’s called a Flex Impact Liner. It’s made up of three different layers, each with a different density.

Back view of Bell Race Star helmet showing DOT and FLEX labels
Engineered to absorb low, mid, and high-speed impacts with layered precision.

Why does that matter? Because it handles impacts at different speeds—whether that’s a slow-speed tip over, a medium-speed crash, or a high-speed slide. That liner’s got you covered.

Ventilation and Wind Noise

Cooling-wise, the Bell Race Star Flex is fitted with three intake vents and two exhaust ports. This creates solid airflow right through the top of the helmet.

Now, you are going to get some wind noise, especially down near the chin curtain. But honestly, for a helmet with this much ventilation, that’s kind of expected.

Virus Cool Jade Liner and Magnefusion Pads

Another thing worth noting—this helmet comes with what Bell calls the Virus Cool Jade Power Mesh Liner and Magnefusion Cheek Pads.

Interior view of Bell helmet showing Cool Jade liner and cheek pads
Moisture-wicking liner and snug cheek pads boost cooling and comfort for long rides.

Once you get this thing on, the fit is snug but comfortable, just like the name implies. That liner pulls moisture and heat away and adds to the helmet’s overall cooling performance.

Favorite Features: Visor, Chin Strap, and Safety Add-ons

Let’s talk pros, because this helmet has a few features that seriously stand out.

Photochromic Panovision Visor — It clears up at night and darkens automatically in the sunlight. Super handy if you ride at different times of the day.

Close-up of Bell helmet visor with ProTint photochromic label
Light-adaptive visor darkens in sunlight and clears at night—perfect for day-to-night rides.

The visor is super easy to remove. You just press a button on the side and it pops right off.

Then there’s the magnetic chin strap. This thing is no joke. It’s easy to snap on and off but strong enough to stay secure at high speeds.

And in case of an emergency? There’s a quick-release system on the cheek pads. Paramedics can remove the helmet easily without jostling your head around.

Close-up of helmet cheek pad with "Pull to Remove" emergency tag
Emergency cheek pads allow fast, safe helmet removal without straining the rider’s neck.

Real Talk: The Downsides

Now, I gotta keep it real with you—this helmet isn’t perfect.

Tight Fit at Entry

It’s a little tough to put on at first. Once you’re inside, the fitment is great. But getting there? Yeah, it can be a squeeze.

Long Ride Pressure Points

After long rides—especially if you’re taking the helmet on and off a lot—I’ve noticed some pressure on my nose and forehead. In my case, it can get a bit agitated or even bruised after a full day of riding.

Motorcyclist wearing helmet and gear during a desert road ride at sunset
Extended rides may cause forehead or nose pressure depending on fit—something to consider for all-day riders.

Now, this might not happen to everyone. It could just be how my head fits inside the helmet. But I want to mention it, because it’s part of my experience.

Noise Levels

It’s also not as quiet as I expected. That added airflow brings in more wind noise compared to other helmets I’ve tried in the same price range.

Cheek Pad Comfort

Last thing—the cheek pads could be a little softer. They’re a bit firm, but that’s partly by design. This is a track-oriented helmet, so you need that snug fit when you’re leaned over on the curves.

Final Thoughts

So overall, do I recommend the Bell Race Star Flex DLX?

Absolutely—if you’re looking for a premium helmet with serious protection, this is a great choice. Yeah, it’s got a few quirks, but the build quality, features, and impact protection system really make it stand out.

Thanks for tuning in, and as always—ride safe. And don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something. See y’all in the next one!

Bell Race Star Flex DLX Helmet

Premium carbon-fiber street-and-track helmet offering top-tier impact protection, adaptive tinting, and race-ready comfort in a lightweight, aerodynamic package.

Pros:
  • Superior multi-density “Flex” liner for varied-speed impact protection
  • Photochromic ProTint visor auto-adjusts to light conditions
  • Comfortable, cool Virus Cool Jade liner stays fresh on long rides
  • Secure magnetic chin strap and removable cheek pads with speaker pockets
Cons:
  • Fit can be tight—try before you buy for best sizing
  • Ventilation brings more wind noise than ultra-quiet lids
Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon
We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

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