There’s a helmet revolution going on, with several new products designed to reduce impacts in the types of crashes motocrossers actually deal with. The standard DOT Snell standards and such are actually more in line with street bike riding, and while that type of protection isn’t bad, stiffer helmets don’t do as well in the slower speed stuff we deal with in the dirt. The key is finding the balance of both, and that’s why Bell is calling its Moto 9 the Flex, and says, simply: less energy = more protection.

There are three main features: 1) A first-of-its kind, three-layer impact liner designed to manage energy from three potential impact scenarios: low, mid and high-speed; 2) segmented construction, automatically conforming to a rider’s head for a better fit and more predictable energy management; 3) a “slip zone” within the impact liner to allow for subtle movement between the inner layers to reduce rotational energy transfer from angular impacts. Also, that new segmented and flexible liner features the proven Velocity Flow Ventilation system to make an even cooler helmet.

So now, less chance of, wait for it, ringing your bell. Had to do it, sorry.

MSRP is $649.95-699.95. You can learn more at bellhelmets.com.