I liked my first Bell Z20 MIPS helmet so much I purchased a second one a couple years later. In SE Texas, the warm months are very humid. I like its design that channels excess sweat to a point that keeps it from dripping on the inside of one's sunglasses. The air vents keep my noggin as cool as any others I have worn. I crashed wearing my first Z20 helmet and suffered a separated shoulder, but fortunately had no dain bramage [sic]. I am disappointed that Bell no longer includes a spare set of helmet pads like my first Z20 had. I almost took off a star for that. That must be a new trend with helmet manufacturers.
This is my first Bell helmet after wearing Giros for 24 years. It fits my larger than large head (and I always wear a cap or headcover) and was easy to adjust once I figured out the rear helmet-to-shell connector wasn't in place. It ventilates well so I'm still using windstopper head covers or caps. I haven't tested its MIPS crash protection features and don't intend to anytime soon. It is much larger than my elderly Giro Atmos but doesn't feel heavier.
Bell has always been the helmet I used. I opted for the fluorescent orange with reflective paint since I commute year round, which means winter commutes are in the dark. The fit is great and the ventilation is excellent.
The Bell Z20 MIPS is one of my favorite road helmets.It is well ventilated, light,has good looks and fits my roundish head comfortably.The height adjustment is effective but I wish the rear straps that are fastened to the back of the helmet were adjustable for an even better fit.
I purchased the Ghost Matte/Gloss Hi-Viz Reflective color scheme that is very visible whether riding during the day or at night.
I have the fluorescent yellow version of this brain bucket. I am very happy with it. Fit is wonderful. But the most important reason I purchased this, is that it really stands out, especially in low light situations. The reflective material is superb--it is unobtrusive in regular light but goes supernova when a headlights hit it during night rides.
Reflective layer is great on the exterior but that is where the good part ends. Rest of this helmet is just plain disappointing. In short: it is the least ergonomic and least comfortable helmet I owned in the last two decades and I had several lower priced helmets from the same manufacturer. The MIPS frame, although padded at some places, is not padded just above your temples where it would need it the most and also skull-crushing in the back even after a short ride. After loosening the MIPS interior "webbing" it becomes unstable on the head. Just could not find the sweet spot with this helmet at all. Weight is also unremarkable, the latch is hard to operate under your chin, you need both hands. Overall a poorly implemented product, especially for the price. Bell could have saved money by not including a fancy silk-like helmet bag (who needs that seriously) and put more design thought and money into the ergonomy of the MIPS interior framing.
After two decades of using several Giro helmets for mt. biking, I decided that it's time to invest in a new helmet as I started to log some miles on my road bike. Following some research, reading loads of reviews, and trying on a few dozen helmets, I decided to go with Bell and found this Z20 on sale. There is a reason why this was one of Bicycling Magazine's top-ten helmets of the year in 2017. First, it's equipped with MIPS. Very light. Vents wonderfully. When my head itches during a ride, for the first time, I was able to scratch my head (a big plus). I have a round head and Bell helmets fits so much more comfortably than Giro helmets. Two thumbs up, well done!!
I haven't yet and hope never to use this for what it designed (protection in a crash) but the helmet fits me well and seems well ventilated (the second most critical feature in Central Texas during the summer). As an added safety benefit, the design of the back of the helmet allows me to attach a rear light intended for mounting on a seatpost ... this is a real winner from a visibility perspective (just today, someone in a passing pickup truck slowed, rolled down their window, and commented on the visibility of my daylight blinky light mounted up high on the back of the helmet). My only disappointment with the helmet is in the touted ability to store sunglasses in the pair with rubber grippers to help hold the glasses more firmly ... the glasses fit but the sizelocation of vents are such that the glasses I have tried are way to loose and will readily fall out when I look down ... definitely not secure enough to hold glasses while riding.
Saved by the Bell! Bell helmets have saved my life twice. They are light, comfortable, and perform exactly as intended. They have saved me from a rampaging pickup truck and this winter protected me from a violent fall caused by a patch of ice. Why risk your life with any other brand? I will always wear Bell.
I bought this helmet because of its high rating in Virginia Tech's helmet testing. I bought M size and it fits my 59cm oblong head well. I've done just 3 rides with it so far, It's so light and well ventilated that I reach up and touch it occasionally to make sure it's still there. Cosmetically, I like the mix of high-viz color where it shows and matte silver where it doesn't. Still, I tell myself everytime I ride Falling is not an option to remind myself to pay attention and ride safely.
Comfortable, light-weight and well ventilated. This works very well for the everyday ride and longer weekend rides. Maybe a bit more wind noise at higher speeds, but this likely is part of the good ventilation. Easy to adjust to keep it snug around the skull.
Living in Arkansas we have plenty of hot and humid days. My skull was roasting in my helmet, so I read reviews and this one was highly rated for ventilation and sweat control and they were 100% correct! I liked it so much my best friend bought one and I got one for #1 son who loves it as well. TOTALLY satisfied with this purchase!!!
Love this helmet. Comfortable with lots of features. Air flows free and keeps your head cool. I live in Florida and thats important. Fits better than the Giro it replaced. Both have MIPS. This one is better in my opinion.
Love this helmet. Comfortable with lots of features. Air flows free and keeps your head cool. I live in Florida and thats important. Fits better than the Giro it replaced. Both have MIPS. This one is better in my opinion.
The 2020 GhostHi-Viz Bell Z20 is a masterpiece. I'm really happy with the Ghost reflective elements which literally light you up in the night. The fit is great too. I have a large head (7 58 - 7 78) cap size) and this helmet in size L fits me like a glove. A little snug, but very comfortable and lightweight. I highly recommend the Bell Z20 MiPs helmet.
