Bell Race Star Flex DLX
Reviewer: Jack Rydell
Overall:
- Safety: 5
- Comfort: 4.3
- Ventilation: 4.8
- Noise: 3.5
Pros:
- Koroyd Flex liner — genuine safety upgrade over standard EPS
- ECE 22.06 certified
- Transitions photochromic shield included as standard
- Exceptional ventilation for a sport lid
- Lightweight composite shell (~1,400g)
- Tool-free visor change in seconds
Cons:
- Above-average noise at motorway speeds — earplugs recommended
- Premium price point
- Intermediate oval fit only — not suited for round head shapes
- No internal sun visor
The Bell Race Star Flex DLX is one of the most technologically advanced full-face helmets on the market. It sits at the premium end of the Bell lineup and targets sport and track riders who want serious protection without sacrificing aerodynamics or ventilation. After extensive on-road testing, here’s our honest assessment.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Race Star Flex DLX feels immediately purposeful. The shell is constructed from a carbon fibre and fibreglass composite, making it noticeably lighter than most helmets in this category. At around 1,400g (size medium), it’s competitive with the best in class. The fit is firm and precise — this is a helmet built for riders who take their safety seriously.
The Flex Technology
The headline feature is Bell’s Flex Impact Liner system — a layer of Koroyd material integrated between the outer shell and EPS liner. Koroyd is a co-polymer thermal-welded structure that crushes progressively on impact, absorbing more energy across a wider range of impact speeds than traditional EPS alone. It’s a meaningful safety upgrade over standard construction, not just a marketing term.
The helmet also carries ECE 22.06 certification, which is currently the most rigorous consumer helmet standard available. Bell have done the work to earn it.
Ventilation
The Race Star Flex DLX runs cool. Four intake vents across the chin bar and crown, paired with two exhaust vents at the rear, create a genuine airflow channel through the helmet. At motorway speeds this is one of the most comfortable helmets we’ve tested in warm conditions. The vents are large and easy to operate with gloves on.
Noise Levels
This is where the Race Star gives some ground. Optimised for airflow, it’s not the quietest helmet on the road. At 70mph it sits in the moderate range — noticeably louder than a touring-oriented helmet like the Shoei Neotec, but on par with most sport lids. Earplugs are recommended for longer runs.
Comfort and Fit
The liner is plush and moisture-wicking, and the helmet runs true to Bell sizing (intermediate oval head shape). The Transitions Photochromic shield is a standout inclusion — it adjusts automatically from clear to dark in sunlight, eliminating the need to carry a spare visor. The shield change mechanism is tool-free and takes seconds.
Verdict
The Bell Race Star Flex DLX is a genuinely premium helmet that earns its price tag through meaningful safety innovation, excellent ventilation, and a top-tier shield system. It’s best suited to sport and track riders who prioritise protection and airflow. If noise is a primary concern or you ride mostly in cold, wet conditions, a touring-oriented helmet will serve you better. But for warm-weather sport riding, this is one of the best options available.