MIPS is becoming an increasingly common addition to helmets but what’s different here is that it’s integrated into the fit of the helmet, rather than an add-on system.

Supplementing this is a new foam construction, which Bell have called ‘Progressive Layering’ technology. Instead of filling several single layer moulds with EPS foam to provide the shell, the California-born brand’s developed a dual-layer design, maximising the properties of two foam densities for improved impact absorption. There’s even a slight visible gap between the two, acting as a further location for the dissipation of rotational forces.

Elsewhere, the helmet boasts all the usual performance refinements. There are a total of 18 vents within the sleek exterior that provide good levels of both wind venting and profiling for effective use at high speed, while their large nature will appeal to those wanting maximum cooling on high, hot mountain passes.

Ideally, despite the size of those vents and the tech underneath, the Zephyr actually provides a relatively small footprint on the head, with an overall fit that’s highly adjustable. Instead of simply taking the form of a dial that pull the helmet around your head, a dial is supplemented by separate cradles that can customise the height and width of the fit.

The result is a fit that, as long as you get the overall size right, is easy to get optimally sorted, even if you’ve struggled to get your noggin into standard size helmets previously, with the benefits of MIPS thrown in.

Overall weight comes in at a claimed 280g for a medium, in a helmet that arguably leads the market in terms of integrated features.

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