So, you want to ride a motorcycle? Perfect. But before you go sprinting to the nearest dealership to get the latest and most badass motorbike your money can buy, make sure that you’re equipped for the occasion. No, I’m not talking about leather jackets or kickass shoes or the almost all retro-looking pair of gloves on the particular market.
Whether you’re using your two-wheeler as a daily commuter or even an occasional ride out of the city, there’s one thing that’s easily the particular most important equipment that one should have when riding: a good helmet.
In case you are in the market for your first helmet, consider the Bell Qualifier. Made by the particular American company, Bell, the Qualifier is its entry-level lid specifically catered for new and intermediate riders who don’t want to spend so much on gear.
There are plenty of reasons why the particular Bell Qualifier makes for a great first helmet but in this case, let me give you six – based on my observation after wearing one on the long trip with several media personnel using the Bell Qualifier, courtesy of Dan’s Bike Shop.
Rated with a certification that will matters
The Bell Qualifier is certified with an ECE rating associated with 22. 05. While you might think that you only need the ICC sticker that the Philippine government mandates, ECE certification guarantees that the headgear you’re wearing is safer. That’s because ECE accreditation holds a more stringent set of tests in comparison to the more common DOT rating in the US.
Simply put, ECE-rated helmets are usually relatively more secure than DOT-rated ones. Don’t even start with non-rated lids that could endanger your own precious grey matter.
Several designs to choose from
The Bell Qualifier comes in 17 design options – from plain glossy black ones to something because loud as the Z-Ray, adorned with lightning stripes. There are several sizes to choose from as well, which starts with Small for heads measuring 55-56 cm within diameter up to XXL measuring 63-64 cm in diameter.
The one that you see here is size XL which comes in the particular Ascent Matte Black/Grey color. Just be wary of the matte colors, though, as they don’t want to be touched so often.
Sufficient ventilation
One of the best features of the particular Bell Qualifier is its ventilation system called “Velocity Flow. ” It has two vents right above the eyebrows that will you may easily open and close, while another one is found on the particular chin. To complete the airflow, there are four exhaust vents at the back of the head protection.
During the particular ride, the ventilation program noticeably worked to keep the head cool even within slow paces. The earlier part of our ride was under brisk sunlight, so ventilation was important at that time.
One downside of the ventilation, among other things, is that the Qualifier’s noise suppression needs improvement, especially at high speeds. But then again, from someone who owns a classic round-shaped motorcycle helmet, it’s already a huge advantage over the cheap ones you can buy in the particular market.
Anti-fog that works
The latter part associated with our ride went through 1 of the worst rain showers I’ve encountered while riding. That, plus the fact that we went through Tagaytay right after that rainfall. The protective cap on my action camera has been instantly cloudy after minutes.
Surprisingly, the Qualifier’s shield didn’t fog at all, which had been quite essential given that rains are commonplace here. I just wish I could say the particular same about my eyeglasses.
Replaceable/upgradeable parts
Helmets wear out after multiple uses but the good thing the following is, the Qualifier comes with detachable, quick-drying cheek pads and liners that you can wash (for hygiene, of course). And when the time comes that you have to replace them, you will find replacements you can purchase as well.
That goes the same with regard to the shield with anti-scratch feature, which, in the particular case associated with the Qualifier, comes with a quick-release system that will doesn’t need any tool. The mechanism and the safeguard itself aren’t the most premium in the market, but at least replacements are readily available. You can even upgrade in order to Bell’s awesome Protint cover, which automatically turns dark depending on the sunlight.
It just makes total sense
The Bell Qualifier may not be the safest motorcycle you can buy, nor is it the particular lightest at around 1, 600 grams. It certainly isn’t the quietest away there; it’s not even the particular most stylish given the rather functional shape.
Yet for P6, 290 (SRP at Dan’s Bike Shop), the Bell Qualifier ranks high for these things We mentioned considering the pricing of its competition. Sure, there are several much cheaper options out there, but along with the value that this lid brings to the table, along with the esteemed reputation of the Bell brand, the Qualifier should be in the top of your list for your first helmet.
