Bell MX 9 Adventure Review - Best Budget Helmets

When looking at the Best Budget Helmets on the market, Bell is a name that keeps cropping up, and the Bell MX 9 Adventure could be one of the best value 'adventure' helmets out there. It's based on the well proven MX9 motocross helmet, which means it has some really strong positives, but also of course a few drawbacks. The MIPS safety system is however great to see in a sub £200 helmet. I've been testing the Bell MX 9 Adventure for a number of weeks and here is what I found.

Intro - 00:00
Tech overview - 00:21
MIPS - 01:41
Out on the road - 02:12
Is it noisy? - 02:45
Vision - 05:11
The negatives - 06:16
Conclusion - 07:23

[georgehatcher]

True to life review. I have had mine for two years and use it all year round, just add the balaclava for winter riding. My only gripe is the price of the tinted visors when the helmet is so competitively priced.

[stevenhill]

My first full face helmet was a Bell back in the day. I got it for £25 because it was old stock and an odd me perfectly which tells you something about my head. Happy days indeed!

[cwl]

Excellent review mate! Love the fact that you showed how it can be used as it is, with goggles, street etc. Subbed and Liked!

[aeon]

I have two MX-9 helmets. I bought the MX-9 motocross (version with no visor) specifically for the MIPS insert and to wear with goggles. But found it so comfortable that when the road helmet did its job and needed replacing, an MX-9 Adventure was an obvious choice. I did need a Pinlock visor in my Adventure though. I got fogging and mist on my glasses *and* the visor simultaneously, and was just too much. It's noisier than the helmet it replaced (an AGV) but not so much that earplugs aren't effective. The chill from the lack of neck curtain can be compensated for by wearing a wind-stop tube such as Rev-It's WRAPP. And thanks for pointing out the speaker pockets, I totally missed that feature.

[willgarrod]

Spot on review Tony. I’ve had my MX9 for 2 years nearly, it is my summertime lid. It is comfortable, cool, spacious to look out of etc. it is heavy and drafty also although I always wear earplugs so noise isnt much of an issue. Really like it’s style on my SuperMoto, tend to only use it in summer and use my LS2 Challenger on colder days. Great lid and a firm favourite of mine.

[Jaffa]

I've got one of these helmets. I find it very good. As you said, in the cold you do get a bit of a draft in the chin area, but I use a neck tube around my nose and mouth, which keeps me warm, which has the added advantage of keeping he visor from misting up. Normally lift the visor at traffic lights to get rid of/stop any slight misting that might have occurred.
Great review as always.

[theblytonian]

4 vents issue is KISS simple easily resolved in cold/wet weather with a roll of 3M™ Vinyl Tape 471. Costs a pittance, and as permanent or temporary a solution as you choose. Comfortable lightweight silk or Nomex balaclava stops the under-chin airflow ingress. A more expensive solution, but I have worn one under my road helmets (Arai RX-7 Evo) for any distance for the past 40 years. Helps with comfort, noise and of course any wind or neck chill issue Noise of course has already been addressed (earplugs) as has peak removal (less drag) for highway travel at speed.

[chrislambert]

Had mine for 2.5 years and it’s been well worth the money - especially if able to pick up discounted deal. In winter I use a neck tube pulled into a balaclava and always with earplugs.you can even wear with goggles and keep the visor too for faster road sections on route to the next green lane. Wouldn’t personally want to ride for long distances at motorway speeds but there’s no wind protection on my Yzf 250.

[rodbowes]

Good review, I think that the only thing that you didn't tell us was the fit of the visor to the helmet - there's nothing worse than rain coming down the inside of your visor! As a comment - the times when I would really like to have a peak is when there is low sun, typically late autumn into winter, which you suggest is when this helmet may not be warm enough. Finally, MIPS sounds like a really good safety factor, but I wonder how effective it can be if you have the fit as tight as is recommended when buying a helmet.

[freedomspyder]

It's ok. I need to rig a little flap or pad to stop bugs from hitting top of helmet, and sliding down behind the visor. And need to buy some more earplugs. Shopping for a suitable goggle, for the dirt.

[ADVBrett]

Great review mate, I had an MX-9 and my biggest issue was the rain getting in behind the visor. I see this is the newer version of what is a very good lid. I'd do one again.

[low-costgearbudgettour]

It's a great helmet. I own the Bell MX9 adventure MIPS. I got a good discount as the graphics (Roland Sands) weren't popular I suppose. Unfortunately, I hadn't measured my head in years and incorrectly assumed I was still the same size. Stupid mistake. I needed a size bigger so it caused me headaches after 1 hour of riding. Not Bell's fault. I like the peak for low-sun blocking, the visual area is amazing. It's a very protective lid for a fair price. For off-road use, it's perfect for little bumps which won't hurt the polycarbonate shell unlike a carbon helmet. Bit heavy though if you're looking to shave weight. Spending more won't get you more protection but it might save you 400 grams of excess weight.

You can cover the vents in winter and wear double lens goggles for winter use. Plus the other accoutrements for sealing up the neck.

[JP]

Excellent video! Just ordered one—appreciate the review! Mine comes with a transitions shield. Liked and subbed! Thank you!

[andrewewan]

Great, honest, professional review.
as always !!! .. keep them coming.. stay safe..

[garethjones]

Agreed, it’s my most recent helmet and best so far 👍

[revoltmachine]

i have 2 of these and love them.. very lightweight and great visibility.. definitely an off road biased helmet, as it is a bit noisy at speed.. only other real complaint is that the first visor detent is quite a ways open.. would be nice to be able to slightly crack the visor open.

[dusty_rhodes]

Ahh great timing! I was just looking at this helmet online to decide whether to buy or not. I’m just putting a toe in the adventure riding scene and a cheap, well ventilated helmet was my first thoughts. Cheers

[leegingerninja]

Great review ( as always) 🙂👍🏻. Agree with all the points you've made 👍🏻. I love my MX9. I think its a bit of everything lid, perfect for hot and cool days, on and off road 👌🏻😎

[Screamifyoumeanit]

Great vid... I'm finding my AGV a bit tight tbh... Especially with coms ear pieces... I quite like the look of these, esp the one with orange stripes!

[markstrailsandtales]

Excellent Review, just a quick question, can goggles be worn just by lifting up the visor, I ride to the trails with my visor down (a cheap O'Neill helmet) and then lift the visor and fit the goggles, I have to get this helmet ordered into Infinity as its not a stock item and I don't want to waste their time if the goggles can't fit with the visor fitted. I am looking to replace my Arai Tour X4 as its the most uncomfortable helmet I have ever owned. Tea Pot One put me onto you in one of his podcasts, I am glad he did,