Bell Falcon XR & XRV MIPS Evolve Helmets

It's Not Custom

Before I say anything more about Bell's Falcon helmet lineup I just have to put it out there that no, I did not get a helmet custom painted to match my Waltworks V2. You know it's true because if I did, it would be a full face.

As it turns out, the folks at Bell just have really, really, good taste in colours, although 'Matte Purple' doesn't sound half as exciting as 'Cosmic Lilac.' Sadly, while they make eleven different colourways in the Super Air R Spherical none of them are this awesome. So, I only get accused of full-on vanity when I'm commuting.

Even then, I find that between the matte blue/grey Falcon XR and the lilac Falcon XRV, I generally reach for the XR. Not because of any colour preference but rather for the gravel and commuter riding that I use a bucket for, I prefer the look of the visorless setup. Let's be up front, the XRV lid's visor is purely cosmetic and provides zero protection from rain, sun, or low-hanging branches.

For the purpose of this review, I'll be considering both lids as one. Choose the aesthetic you'd prefer as the fit, feel, and function are identical.

Get The LED Out

The Falcon lids use MIPS Evolve and a BELL-branded Fidlock buckle but the detail most folks notice is the semi-integrated Blackburn Grid LED light. The light has four different modes and is daytime visible. It's relatively easy to remove to charge or swap between the two lids and it's available separately.

On that note, Bell has four different options for the Falcon lids which are in turn available in a host of colours. The Falcon can be bought with or without a visor - XR vs. XRV(for visor) - and with or without the Grid LED light. Whether the Blackburn light comes with a lid or is purchased separately, the 30-lumen LED adds 20 USD to the bill.

While I'm on the subject, I wish that Bell would integrate their light mounting standard into all their trail helmets as well. With how much I ride to and from the trails I'd be very keen to have this same high-and-bright LED setup on a Bell Super Air R.

I'm not saying they need to add a bunch of SKUs for full-face helmets with integrated lights, but I'd gladly buy the 20 USD add-on Blackburn flasher if there was a port for it and I can't think I'm the only person in that boat.

Fit & Features

Helmet fit is personal: test ride, then decide. All the other fit caveats apply but as someone who generally prefers pad-fit helmets I have to say the Bell 'Float Fit' system makes the Falcon the most comfortable bucket I've worn. Sweat management is excellent, the straps stay flat, and I never had any of the hot spots and headaches that generally come for me on long rides wearing a ratchet-fit lid.

Aesthetics are also personal, and that's a reference both to the choice between a visor or none, and also the Falcon's appearance with is neither smooth-legs-and-Lycra nor Enduro-Bro.

The Falcon helmets come in small, medium, and large and I'm wearing a medium as I usually do.

The Falcon lineup uses MIPS Evolve technology that is a nice improvement on the previous MIPS slip plane. It fits better, it breathes better, and, most importantly, it doesn't squeak or creak.

If I was the head of Bell I'd cut a giant swath through my Falcon options and only sell the XR version with the Blackburn LED included. I might feel differently if the XRV version had a proper visor instead of the super stubby stock unit but even then folks looking for a visor aesthetic will probably be more inclined towards their mountain bike-styled open helmets.

Even if they did decide to keep both the peaked and un-peaked looks I'd think that most customers for the Falcon would be well served by the Blackburn blinky at some point in their riding experiences. It's high, tight, and bright and I'd highly recommend getting the LED for the extra twenty bones.

All told the fit is perfect for me and I very much like the features it delivers. The Falcon XR MIPS LED sells for 140 USD including the Blackburn light and the XRV MIPS LED adds another ten dollars to hit 150 USD. Subtract 20 USD if you'd rather not have the blinky option.