scales my 2XL weighs in at 1632g which is not bad at all . The visor is not pinlock ready , nor is there a drop-down sun visor in this model , which to some makes this helmet seem a bit “ no-frills ”, but the standard visor on the Qualifier hides a trick or two . Firstly , it comes with an anti-fog coating which seems to work well . Secondly , there is no need to invest in a tinted visor , as the standard visor is what Bell calls “ ProTint Photochromatic technology ” meaning as soon as you go outside with this visor , the sun ’ s UV triggers the visor and it starts tinting . In bright sunlight it looks as dark as a fully tinted visor , but at night or on an overcast day it ’ s completely clear . Pretty tick if you ask me . It takes about 30 seconds to go from completely clear to fully tinted , but it ’ s a gradual process , so when you ’ re wearing it , you don ’ t really notice , and riding from bright sunlight into the likes of a tunnel doesn ’ t seem to cause any issues with visibility . Fastening the helmet is a set of D-rings , the removable lining of the Bell Qualifier is a soft suede like material which is very comfortable , and there are cutouts in the EPS for Bluetooth ‘ coms speakers . Other than that it does what it says on the box . But wait , there is one more little trick this helmet has up its sleeve , and that is MIPS technology . MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System , which is essentially a slip layer between the liner and the EPS . It is designed to reduce the rotational energy to the brain if your head hits the ground in a crash . I ’ ve explained it in a very broad sense as I ’ m no scientist , but it seems like another added safety feature in a low-medium priced helmet that they could have charged more for .
the motorway I wish I had remembered my earplugs . Insert comments from KR editor here about always wearing earplugs regardless of helmet or distance to destination [ he ’ s not wrong about that ... Ed ]. The Bell Qualifier MIPS is a nice helmet , made by a company that has clearly been manufacturing helmets for a long time and has a lot of experience to fall back on . It ’ s definitely worth trying on . If you usually wear earplugs then the noise won ’ t bother you , and there are some really cool features on this lid . My advice to anyone though when it comes to helmets , is to try a bunch on , and see which feels best . Find something that has a good safety rating , features you want and fits your budget . Then , if you have a knock , or its over the manufacturer ’ s recommended age , replace it .
Model : Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Price : $ 399 Info : forbesanddavies . co . nz
WEARING THE QUALIFIER So , the Bell Qualifier MIPS helmet is reasonably light , comfortable to wear , ‘ coms compatible , includes extra safety tech , comes with a trick visor and is well priced . What ’ s the catch ? Well , according to my ears , it ’ s not the quietest helmet , and the addition of my Cardo Packtalk Edge seems to have increased the amount of turbulence and noise in the helmet . It ’ s fine around town , but as soon as I get on
100 KIWI RIDER