Most modern motorcycle helmet graphics are grim—which is why I almost always gravitate towards solid helmet colors. But when I heard that my favorite helmet designer, Hello Cousteau, had created a graphic for the new Bell Race Star DLX Flex, I couldn’t resist.
Hello Cousteau, a self-proclaimed “bored interior designer” with a love for classic automobile and motorcycle racing, gained popularity by designing helmet graphics and uploading them to Instagram. His account quickly gained attention from major helmet manufacturers, including Bell. As a result, Bell commissioned Hello Cousteau to create graphics for two of their helmets, one of which is the Bell Race Star DLX Flex.
The Bell Race Star DLX Flex is a race-bred helmet designed for everyday use. It features a 3K carbon shell, Bell’s proprietary ‘Flex’ liner for impact absorption, and a photochromic shield that adjusts its tint according to UV light exposure. It is available in various colors and designs, but the “Hello Cousteau Algae” graphic stands out for its stunning design inspired by the designer’s coastal surroundings.
The graphic features a light blue hue representing the ocean, with organic shapes resembling seaweed wrapping around the shell. It offers a more tasteful and sophisticated design compared to the neon graphics commonly found in the market. The only drawback is the presence of large Bell logos on each side, but they have been seamlessly incorporated into the overall design.
In terms of construction, the Bell Race Star DLX Flex is built with a 3K carbon fiber outer shell, making it 10% lighter than its predecessor. It comes in five different shell sizes and six different EPS liner sizes to ensure a proper fit. The helmet’s silhouette is racy yet neutral enough for everyday use.
Comfort-wise, the helmet features an anti-microbial liner that is both premium-looking and removable for easy washing. It comes with a removable neck roll, chin curtain, and nose guard to prevent fogging. The Race Star DLX Flex fastens using a double D-ring strap with a magnet for securing the end of the strap, which is more user-friendly than traditional press studs.
While the helmet provides a snug and plush fit overall, it may not be suitable for individuals with larger ears, as it tends to rub against them during wear. However, the cheek pads are swappable, and Bell offers eight different thicknesses to fine-tune the helmet’s fit. The cheek pads are soft enough to accommodate glasses, and there are recesses designed for speakers.
In terms of ventilation, the Bell Race Star DLX Flex features vents at the chin, forehead, top of the head, and back. These vents can be easily opened or closed, and they effectively prevent overheating and fogging. The helmet is not the quietest on the market but offers adequate noise reduction for most riding conditions. Its aerodynamic design minimizes buffeting, particularly when riding naked bikes.
The Race Star DLX Flex comes with a ‘deluxe’ feature—a premium ‘ProTint’ photochromic shield. This shield adjusts its tint according to UV light exposure, providing shade in bright sunlight and clearing up in low light conditions. The shield offers excellent visibility with no noticeable distortion and minimal fogging. The shield-swapping mechanism is also highly convenient and easy to use.
Overall, the Bell Race Star DLX Flex offers both style and performance, albeit at a premium price of $919.95 for the Hello Cousteau Algae version. The helmet is well-built, packed with ride-focused features, and includes upgrades such as the photochromic shield and a padded Bell helmet bag. While comfort may vary depending on head shape, the helmet’s overall design and functionality make it a solid choice for motorcycle riders.