Bell Sweep, Sweep R and Sweep XC Helmet Review
Bell Sweep: 9.7 / 10
Advantages:
- Comfortable
- Fairly light
- Easy dial adjustment (see last image below)
- Snug fit
- Removable VPV visor
- Good airflow
- Cheaper than other top-of-the-line helmets (Giro Atmos, Giro Ionos)
Disadvantages:
- Sorry, nothing bad here
Okay, I want it to be clear from the beginning. Here are all the differences between the Bell Sweep R and Sweep XC helmets. The XC has a removable visor. That’s it.
It seems Bell has decided to discontinue the Sweep R and Sweep XC models in 2009. Instead, there will be one Bell Sweep 2009. It’s the equivalent of the XC. At the time of publishing, you can still purchase the R and XC models at Amazon.
The Bell Sweep 2009 comes with the new Twin Axis Gear (TAG) fit system. This is a fancy name for a handy system that lets you, as Bell states it, “dial in the exact fit as well as adjust the mechanism’s horizontal position on the back of the head”. In short, it allows for a better fit.
The picture of the Bell Sweep in the beginning of this article shows it with the visor attached. It makes it look a little bit elongated. When the visor is removed, it looks as if it’s a whole other helmet. The Bell Sweep 2009 is available in the following colors:
Click on a thumbnail for a larger view. Press arrow keys or click on the left/right of the picture to see previous/next one.
And two high resolution images of Bell Sweep (might take a while to load on a slow connection):
Let’s take a look at the specs to see what you will get when you buy the Bell Sweep helmet.
Bell Sweep Helmet Product Specifications:
- Vents : 20
- Sizes :
S (20”-21.75” / 51-55 cm)
M (21.75”-23.25” / 55-59 cm)
L (23.25”-24.75” / 59-63 cm) - Certification : CPSC
- MSRP : $140
- Fusion In-Mold Microshell
- Clear Geared Positioning Fit System (GPS)
- Twin Axis Gear (TAG) fit system
- Channeled Ventilation
- Weight : 280g
Bell’s Sweep (Sweep R, Sweep XC) is one of the best and most comfortable helmets currently on the market. It’s comparable to Giro’s Atmos, but for $35 cheaper. I highly recommend it. I just checked, and Amazon has almost all the colors and sizes of the new Bell Sweep 2009. They also have the Sweep R and Sweep XC for a little less, the 2009 model being new and all.
