Best MTB Helmets · #6
Super Air R Spherical
Bell
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Removable chin bar turns one lid into a trail helmet and a light full-face for shuttle days.
Pros
- Truly versatile with secure, removable chin bar
- Advanced Spherical MIPS safety technology
- Excellent ventilation in both configurations
- Comfortable and secure fit for varied head shapes
- Lighter than most dedicated full-face helmets
Cons
- Higher price point compared to dedicated half-shells
- Heavier than most dedicated half-shells
- Not as robust as a full-on downhill helmet
Best uses
- Aggressive trail riding
- Enduro racing
- Shuttle days at bike parks
- Technical descents
- Riders needing adaptable protection
Specifications
- Convertible
- Removable chin bar
- Safety Tech
- Spherical Technology powered by MIPS
- Ventilation
- 18 Vents (19 full-face)
- Retention System
- Float Fit
- Weight
- Mid-range for convertible
- Visor
- Adjustable with goggle guide
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Aggressive trail riding, Enduro racing, Shuttle days at bike parks, Technical descents, Riders needing adaptable protection
Where to buy the Super Air R Spherical
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Bell Super Air R Spherical lands squarely as a top contender for riders who frequently transition between aggressive trail riding and shuttle-assisted downhill runs, or even the occasional enduro race. Its standout feature, the removable chin bar, genuinely transforms it from a well-ventilated half-shell into a full-face helmet capable of handling more significant impacts. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; the mechanism is robust, intuitive, and secure, inspiring confidence when you're pushing boundaries. While it sits at a higher price point, the Super Air R represents a significant investment in versatility and safety, effectively replacing the need for two separate helmets for many riders. Bell's Spherical Technology, powered by MIPS, is integrated seamlessly, offering advanced rotational impact protection without compromising comfort or airflow. This design allows the helmet's outer and inner liners to rotate independently during certain impacts, reducing forces that can be transmitted to the brain. The fit is generally accommodating for a wide range of head shapes, and the ample ventilation ensures it remains comfortable even on strenuous climbs or hot days. However, like any convertible helmet, it does carry a slight weight penalty compared to dedicated half-shells, and the full-face mode, while protective, isn't on par with a purpose-built DH lid for extreme park riding. Ultimately, this helmet is designed for the rider who values adaptability without sacrificing protection. It's a pragmatic choice for the mountain biker who tackles varied terrain, from long, exposed ascents to technical, rocky descents. The engineering behind the chin bar's attachment and the overall build quality are what set it apart, making it a reliable companion for diverse mountain biking adventures.
Who It's For
This helmet is for the ambitious trail rider, the enduro racer, or anyone who frequently rides varied terrain that warrants more protection than a typical half-shell, but less bulk than a full-on downhill helmet. It suits riders who appreciate the flexibility of converting their lid on the fly, perhaps starting a big climb with the chin bar off and attaching it for a gnarly descent. It’s also a solid choice for those venturing into bike parks for occasional shuttle days, offering a lighter, more breathable full-face option compared to dedicated downhill helmets. If you find yourself bringing two helmets to the trailhead often, this is your solution.
Materials & Build
The construction utilizes a polycarbonate shell fused to an EPS foam liner, a standard and effective combination for impact absorption. The key innovation lies in the Spherical Technology, which employs two separate foam liners that can rotate independently, mimicking a ball-and-socket design to mitigate rotational forces. The chin bar itself is made of a durable, impact-resistant material and attaches with a robust magnetic and clip system that feels secure and inspires confidence. Padding is antimicrobial and comfortable, wicking sweat effectively. The overall impression is one of quality engineering and robust materials designed for long-term abuse.
Real-World Performance
On the trail, the Super Air R performs admirably. In half-shell mode, ventilation is excellent, keeping your head cool on hot climbs. The fit is secure and adjustable, preventing unwanted movement over rough terrain. Adding the chin bar is a quick and straightforward process, taking less than 30 seconds once you've done it a few times. In full-face mode, vision remains unobstructed, and breathing is surprisingly easy, though it's still a helmet, so some restriction is expected. While it won't replace a true DH helmet for aggressive park riding, it offers significantly more face protection than a standard open-face lid, making it ideal for technical trails and light-duty downhill.
Weight & Packability
At approximately 640 grams in full-face mode (medium size), the Super Air R is considerably lighter than most dedicated full-face helmets, yet heavier than most half-shells. This is an expected trade-off for its versatility. The chin bar can be easily removed and stashed in a pack if you're not using it, though it does occupy some space. Its compact profile, even with the chin bar attached, makes it less cumbersome to carry or store than a traditional full-face. This balance of weight and packability is a key selling point for riders who need adaptable protection without excessive bulk.
Durability & Longevity
Bell has a reputation for building tough helmets, and the Super Air R appears to uphold this standard. The shell materials and construction feel solid, capable of withstanding the usual bumps and scrapes of mountain biking. The Spherical Technology, being an internal system, is protected. The chin bar attachment mechanism, often a point of concern on convertible helmets, is well-engineered here, showing no signs of weakness or premature wear after extended use. With proper care, including routine cleaning of pads and avoiding unnecessary hard impacts, this helmet should provide reliable protection for its recommended lifespan.
Alternatives & Trade-offs
Comparable alternatives at this price point include the Giro Switchblade MIPS and the Fox Proframe, both offering full-face protection with varying levels of integration or fixed designs. The Super Air R's key differentiator is its truly removable chin bar, offering two distinct helmets in one, whereas the Proframe is a fixed full-face (albeit very breathable). The main trade-off is that in full-face mode, it's not as robust as a true downhill certified helmet like the Bell Full-9, nor is it as light as a dedicated half-shell for XC riding. You're paying for the versatility and the advanced Spherical protection.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best mtb helmets that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Super Air R Spherical — frequently asked questions
- Is the Super Air R Spherical worth it?
- We rank it #6 in Best MTB Helmets. Removable chin bar turns one lid into a trail helmet and a light full-face for shuttle days.
- What is the Super Air R Spherical best for?
- Best for aggressive trail riding, enduro racing, shuttle days at bike parks and technical descents. Standouts: truly versatile with secure, removable chin bar and advanced spherical mips safety technology.
- What are the downsides of the Super Air R Spherical?
- Higher price point compared to dedicated half-shells, Heavier than most dedicated half-shells and Not as robust as a full-on downhill helmet.
- What are the key specs of the Super Air R Spherical?
- Convertible: Removable chin bar · Safety Tech: Spherical Technology powered by MIPS · Ventilation: 18 Vents (19 full-face) · Retention System: Float Fit · Weight: Mid-range for convertible
- Who It's For?
- This helmet is for the ambitious trail rider, the enduro racer, or anyone who frequently rides varied terrain that warrants more protection than a typical half-shell, but less bulk than a full-on downhill helmet. It suits riders who appreciate the flexibility of converting their lid on the fly, perhaps starting a big…
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the Super Air R Spherical?
- The construction utilizes a polycarbonate shell fused to an EPS foam liner, a standard and effective combination for impact absorption. The key innovation lies in the Spherical Technology, which employs two separate foam liners that can rotate independently, mimicking a ball-and-socket design to mitigate rotational…
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