Bell Eliminator Helmet Review

The Bell Powersports Eliminator helmet is the newest addition to their lineup of motorcycle helmets for street riders. Over the past six months and 10,000 miles, I’ve been able to test the Carbon edition of this helmet out in just about every climate. From snow and low 30’s temperatures in Colorado, to the Arizona desert’s blistering summer heat, a heavy rain storm or two, and average temperatures in between. Here’s a few of my thoughts, as well as answers to questions I’ve been asked on social media, regarding the new Eliminator!

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Styling

The Eliminator has roots and inspiration driven from Bell’s car racing history. From vintage to present day racing helmets, similarities are easily noticeable. Their CEO even referenced this during the Bell Dealer Meeting & Eliminator Launch I attended at their Headquarters in 2018. 

Ventilation

The top of the helmet features nine holes that offer constant ventilation, and four mesh-covered slits in the front near the nose and chin areas. Zero vents throughout the helmet can be closed at a moments notice, so your airflow is guaranteed to be great, even in the colder months.

While these holes are perfect during the warmer “riding season” months, when it rains, it pours (into your helmet). After riding through a heavy rainstorm for only a few minutes, my head was soaked from all the water that had seeped in from the top. Bell did create a solution to this, by adding the optional Vent Cover to the top of your lid. Pros: problem solved, even though I live in an area where it doesn’t rain much. Cons: it isn’t included with the helmet, and now I have another thing I need to remember to pack on the bike.

Shield / Visor options

The helmet features an interchangeable face shield. When the shield is fully closed, it “snaps” down onto the rivet via the hole n the shield. This is personally where I have the biggest complaint about the Eliminator. While this feature is nice, it’s also a bit of a pain to unlock while riding. I have yet to unlock the shield single handed, and usually requires the use of my right hand to hold my helmet down while I pry the shield up. With that being said, that’s a pretty minor complaint to have about a helmet. Pros: I can change the shield out. Cons: I’ll need a few allen wrenches every time I want to swap the shield out

There is no ProTint transition shield option available currently, however Bell does plan to produce one in the future for the Eliminator. The Carbon Eliminator comes with a clear AND smoked shield upon purchase, while the regular Eliminator only comes with the clear shield. There is also an optional visor available for purchase, eliminating the face shield altogether.

Fitment

The Eliminator runs slightly larger than other Bell helmets I’ve worn. I wear a small in the Race Star, which is known for it’s extremely aggressive fit. The Eliminator on the other hand, is less snug on my head in a size Small. However, I wouldn’t say that the helmet is too big for my head. It stays in place while riding with no lift or wind drag when my head is turned. Bell’s sizing charts are pretty reliable for each helmet’s fitment.

Aerodynamics

The Carbon Eliminator is exceptionally lightweight and is impressively aerodynamic for it’s shape. You’ll notice that like the car racing helmets the Eliminator was inspired by, it too has a duck bill chin. In the car racing world, this feature improves aerodynamic performance of a helmet. Does it help on a motorcycle? It definitely seems like it! In comparison to my Race Star, it’s actually a very comfortable helmet for long distance riding. This is also more of a “lifestyle” helmet than the Race Star, which is meant for optimum aerodynamics while racing at high speeds.

Eyewear Compatibility

Although the Eliminator feels roomy, it fits well without creating any pressure points throughout the shell, even with glasses on. This helmet falls under Bell’s “eyewear compatible” category, meaning you should be able to wear prescription glasses or a preferred pair of sunglasses via the eyewear arm pockets that are woven into the interior liner. I don’t know if mine go in those holes or not, but it’s comfortable nonetheless.

Wind Noise

Although it may be comfortable and fit “loose” compared to my Race Star, it is not nearly as quiet. This doesn’t bother me much, as I tend to have ear plugs, headphones, or my Sena Bluetooth system on in my helmet. I’ve been asked how it compares to other company’s helmets (Simpson Bandit and M30, Biltwell Lanesplitter and Gringo, etc) that are similar in style. I think that the overall quality of the Eliminator greatly exceeds any of these similar helmets. However the noise levels (to me) are definitely lower in this helmet as well. In comparison to the Bell Bullit? It’s definitely quieter, but still not the quietest.

Using a Bluetooth Communication System on the Bell Eliminator

While every bluetooth communication system is different, I use a Sena 10cPro on my helmet. The bottom of the helmet is too thick to use the clamp provided by Sena, however the adhesive mount works perfectly. All of the interior padding snaps out easily for washing and/or bluetooth install. And, there are recessed speaker pockets. I’m also able to hide the extra wires to my Sena easily, underneath all the padding.

Again, depending on your hearing abilities and shape of your head, you may need to add the foam “extensions” in order to push the speakers closer to your head, eliminating the wind noise that is slightly prevalent with the Eliminator. 

Eliminator Specs

First thing to note, is that there are two different Eliminator helmets available. One shell is made of 6k Carbon, while the “Regular” version is made of a Fiberglass Composite Shell. Both are DOT Certified. Additional specs include:

• Liner: Anti-Bacterial Liner
• Cheek Pads: Contoured Cheek pads for superior fit and comfort
• Shield: Provision Anti-fog shield with class 1 optics. Extra Dark Smoke Shield included with Carbon Eliminator.
• Sizes: XS – 3XL
• Shell Sizes: 3

And the Final Verdict is…!

This helmet definitely took me by surprise. I never thought I’d love it as much as I do. Even with the Bell Eliminator’s small quirks, they’re easily worked around for every day and long distance riding. Yes, the inability to close the vents may cause my lips to chap a little more than normal on long ride days, but that’s nothing too worthy of a negative review from me. The Bell Eliminator stayed in constant rotation with my other helmets this summer, and will continue to for the foreseeable future.

WHERE TO BUY

Price: Carbon: $599.95 // Check Price on Amazon // Check Price on J&P Cycles

Regular: $399.95 // Check Price on Amazon // Check Price on J&P Cycles