Bell Racing helmets received a new shield system, called the SRV system, in early 2006. Throughout the last year the majority of Bell's helmet models have converted to the SRV system from the previous detent mechanism. This new system has a slide mechanism that allows the driver to adjust the tension on the shield allowing for multiple opening positions. When properly adjusted and in the locked position, the SRV systems helps reduce the possibility of the shield opening during an impact. The helmets that feature the SRV system are: Dominator, Vortex, Infusion Top Forced Air, Infusion Side Forced Air, M4 Pro, M4 Pro Extra, M3, M3 Extra, GTX, BR-1, BR-1 Side Air, M4 and the M4 Top Air.

Bell helmets that are still equipped with the detent system are the Vortex Side Forced Air, Vortex Top Forced Air, M2, M2 Forced Air, Sport 3, K1 Sport and the Kart 2 Pro.

When ordering extra shields for your helmet, it is important to specify an SRV or detent shield.

The anti fog coating is designed to absorb moisture. It can reach a saturation point and may lose some of its ability to absorb moisture over time. If the anti fog coating appears to be distorted, please go through the following procedure:
1) Confirm that the protective cling on the outside of the shield has been removed.
2) Once the cling is removed, re-examine the shield to see if there is still distortion by looking from the inside out as you would look through the shield if it was on the helmet.
3) If the shield has a haze or milky appearance, run warm water onto the inside part of the shield and wipe off with a soft cloth. You can also use automotive wax to clean the inside of the shield without damaging the fog free coating.
4) Make sure to use warm water or automotive wax and wipe the entire surface area of the inside of the shield.
5) Repeat step 3 if the shield is still not clear.

A helmet should be tight but not uncomfortable. You should feel contact all the way around your head and the pressure should be evenly distributed. Keep in mind the padding will break-in a little. We highly recommend consulting an authorized Bell dealer to assist you with determining proper helmet fit.

Use a flexible tape measure approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Read more about sizing here.

Bell certifies helmets to both the Snell and SFI standards. In both cases, auto-racing helmets are rated as either M, SA or K. M stands for Motorcycle or motorized vehicles. M rated helmets are used for motorized highway vehicles and for racing that does not require a fire retardant rating. M rated helmets require a larger eyeport for a wider range of vision. SA stands for Special Application. SA rated helmets are used in competitive automobile racing and require a fire retardant rating. SA helmets are also subjected to additional testing including a test that simulates a roll bar impact. K rated helmets are used for Karting applications. They are subjected to the same test standards as SA helmets except the do not require a fire retardant interior. Please consult your sanctioning organization for specific helmet requirements. The current Snell rating is 2005.

Both standards are similar in terms of impacts and testing conditions. The impact tests for both standards require 2 drops in a single location from 3.2 meters and 2.3 meters onto flat, hemispherical, edge and role bar anvils that simulate real world impacts. For the Snell SA2005 standard, impacts can not exceed 290 Gs. For the SFI 31.1/2005, impacts can not exceed 300 Gs and the average for all impacts has to be below 275 Gs. Both standards require testing in cold, ambient, hot and wet conditions to simulate racing environments. Both standards require fire retardant testing, penetration testing and shield testing. The majority of racing sanctioning bodies recognizes both the Snell and SFI helmet standards.

More information about the Snell standards can be found at www.smf.org and information on the SFI standards is available at www.sfifoundation.com.

The SFI helmet standard has undergone several revisions over the last few years. The current standard for fire retardant motor sports helmets is SFI31.1/2005. This replaces 31.1A (open face) and 31.2A (closed face) and combines both the open and closed face standards. The current standard for non-fire retardant motor sports helmets is SFI41.1/2005. This replaces 41.1A (open face) and 41.2A (closed face) and combines both the open and closed face standards. The "A" was dropped to show the year (2005) which will also coincide with the current Snell rating. SFI 31.1/2005 is comparable to SnellSA2005 and SFI 41.1/2005 is comparable to SnellM2005.

More information about the Snell standards can be found at www.smf.org and information on the SFI standards is available at www.sfifoundation.com.

Helmets should always be inspected after an accident. Even the most thorough self-inspection can fail to detect signs of damage. On the outside of the helmet you should look for signs of de-lamination or surface cracking and exposed fiberglass / composite material under the paint finish. On the inside of the helmet you should look under the foam fit pad to determine if you can see any signs that the helmet's inner liner has been compressed. If you have any concerns, please send the helmet back to Bell for a free inspection to: Bell Racing Company, Attn: Customer Service, 116 East Neal Drive, Rantoul, IL 61866.

Yes, the NHRA does accept SFI's 31.1/2005 rating for auto racing helmets.
Here is an excerpt from the NHRA 2007 Rulebook:

General Regulations Section 10.7 Helmets & Goggles:

"As outlined under Class Requirements, drivers in all classes, including motorcycles, must wear a helmet meeting Snell or SFI Specificaitons."
NHRA's rule book has a complete listing of Snell and SFI specifications.

Snell recommends replacing your helmet every five years. However, the five-year rule is only a guideline. Remember, the consequences of auto racing accidents can be violent and permanent. As a result, only helmets that are in top condition should be worn in competition. The form of racing you participate in may also dictate the timeframe for replacing your helmet especially if you compete open cockpit environments. We recommend replacing your helmet if it is involved in an accident or shows any signs of structural damage. Even the best materials deteriorate over time. When in doubt, replace your helmet.

This is not a defect. On all Ultra series helmets, the neck roll is "tacked" in place so it may be removed for radio installation without damaging it. If it comes loose, re-attach with any fabric glue or glue gun.

Any current Bell helmet visor with a manufacturing date of January 1, 2006 will have the shield type and date stamped into the shield on the side. If you can not find this stamp, the shield type can be identified by measuring the height at the center of the visor in inches. Please look at the side of the shield to determine the attachment style. It will either be the new SRV shield friction system (introduced in 2006) or the shield detent control system.

Any modification made to a Bell helmet voids our warranty. You have to consult with the manufacturer of the neck restraint device to determine the proper installation instructions. Once a helmet has been modified, the installer assumes all liability.

Bell Racing will install Hans Clips at the factory by special order. If you have existing clips, we will install them for $35. If you purchase the clips from Bell, the fee with installation charges will be $85.

Please do not use paper towels or thinners of any nature. A mild soapy detergent (preferably sprayed on) and a soft rag will be enough to clean the shield. On our chrome shields the rag must be extremely soft and no harsh rubbing action should be used (pat it dry). If a visor strip is applied to a chrome shield it cannot be removed without damaging the coating. Use extreme care and absolutely no solvents.

Helmets should be kept clean and dry. Do not store it in extreme hot or cold environments. Keep helmets away from petroleum products or other corrosives as they can severely damage the inner liner. Even dropping a helmet a few feet off the ground can compromise its structural integrity. We recommend storing the helmet in a helmet bag to help protect it. To clean the interior, we recommend a mild ammonia and soapy water solution.

We would recommend using a professional painter who specializes in painting auto racing helmets. Use acrylic enamels and avoid lacquer paints. Never allow solvent or paint to come in contact with the inner liner as they contain chemicals that can cause serious damage. We also strongly recommend trying on the helmet to make sure the size is correct prior to sending it to a custom helmet painter.

Any authorized Bell dealer can sell you replacement eyeport foam and forehead vents can be replaced at no cost. (To replace a broken vent simply use a dab of "instant adhesive") If the rubber molding has been removed from the bottom of the helmet or eyeport area the helmet must be returned to our service department for replacement. For a $20.00 fee the rubber molding can be replaced and installed by Bell's customer service department.