Bell Falcon XR MIPS MTB Helmet – Matt Blue-Gray

When Bell started designing the XR Spherical, they wanted to create a helmet that could do a bit of everything from cyclocross racing to world travel to that next KOM hill sprint with mates at the weekly lunchtime ride. The Falcon XR combines many of the features – generous “Deep Road” Fit ventilation, Fidlock magnetic closure, Ionic+ antimicrobial pads – in a helmet that is as useful as it is economically attractive. This versatile model presents the same “all-rounder” ethos and slim profile as the XR Spherical and offers the integrated Mips Evolve System for higher head protection in certain impact scenarios.

Highlights:

• Fusion in-mold polycarbonate shell with EPS inner shell
• MIPS Evolve security system – integrated in the fitting system
• Float Fit adjustment system
• 18 vents
• MIPS Evolve security system – integrated in the customization system
• Ionic+ anti-bacterial comfort pads
• Sweat Guide padding
• Fidlock magnetic closure
• No-Twist Tri-Glides harness system
• Integrated glasses holder

Specifications:

• Area of application Cyclocross, gravel, road bike, triathlon
• MIPS Yes
• Material outer shell polycarbonate
• Number of ventilation openings 18
• Pads Sweat Guide padding
• Adjustment system float fit
• Locking system Fitlock magnetic closure
• Head circumference 52 – 56cm (size S), 55 – 59cm (size M), 58 – 62cm (size L)
• Weight approx. 310g (size M)

Technologies:

Fusion In-Mold Polycarbonate Shell
The EPS foam is injected into the thin microshell shell while it’s still in the mold (or “mold”, which explains the name) rather than molding it separately and then gluing it on later. This process was first introduced by Bell and is now the standard for all demanding helmets.

Ergo Fit system
After a thorough revision, the ErgoDial is now called the Ergo Fit. In addition to a significantly improved adjustment mechanism (no more pressing and turning), it is now also significantly slimmer and less conspicuous.

MIPS
The MIPS safety system was developed to provide additional protection for helmets in numerous accidents. In certain impact situations, the MIPS system can reduce dangerous forces that might otherwise be transmitted to the helmet wearer’s head.

1. Conventional helmets are designed and tested for a straight impact. In most cases, however, the impact is at an angle, which can cause rotational movements for the head.

2. This rotational movement can cause brain injury.

3. The low-friction shell is designed to help reduce rotational movement of the head in certain cases of angled impact.

Straight impact – oblique impact

The brain is typically more sensitive to rotational movement than linear movement because it has a shear strength similar to that of water or gel. When rotational movement causes different parts of the brain to move at different times, the tissues can be stretched, causing concussions or other brain injuries.

Rotational motion is a common cause of concussion and more serious brain injury from an oblique impact to the head. The MIPS system consists of a low-friction shell that is fixed inside the helmet. The low-friction shell is designed to slide slightly inside the helmet in the event of an accident, allowing forces to be directed away from the head. It is said to help reduce the risk of brain injuries.

Most conventional helmets are designed for a straight impact, but in most cases the impact is at an angle. The low-friction shell can reduce the rotational forces of an oblique impact.

Security system with the brain as a model

Unlike conventional helmets, which are primarily designed and tested for a straight impact, the low-friction shell of the MIPS system mimics the brain’s own protection system against rotational movement. The cerebrospinal fluid is our natural defense system that allows the brain to move offset to the skull.