Bell Custom 500 Helmet Review: Better Than The Bell Scout Air?

Looking for a new motorcycle helmet? Look no further than the Bell Custom 500 Helmet! In this detailed breakdown, we’ll show you what’s new with this classic helmet design. 

With a low-profile shell, updated fitment, and multiple sizes and color options, the Custom 500 is the perfect canvas for any rider. 

We’ll dive into the construction, sizing, fitment, face shield, and interior of this helmet to give you a comprehensive look at its features and benefits. 

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Custom 500 or just starting your search for a new helmet, this breakdown is a must-read for any motorcycle enthusiast.

Bell Custom 500 Features

This helmet has been around for a while, and it’s been a staple in the motorcycle community for a good reason. 

It’s reliable, stylish, and functional. But now, Bell has made some changes that you’ll find interesting.

The biggest change to the Custom 500 is the fitment. This new version is now a low-profile design, which is a significant departure from the previous version. 

I have both the pre-2014 design and the new version with me, and you can see the difference between the two. 

The new version is very simple, with not a lot of external changes other than the addition of the first snap for a flat shield.

Despite the changes, you’ll still get many colors, including metallics, graphics, and custom artist designs. 

The Custom 500 is still a canvas for creative expression, and that’s what makes it so special. Bell has always been known for its attention to detail and quality, and that hasn’t changed with the new Custom 500.

Overall, the new Bell Custom 500 Helmet is a great addition to their lineup. It’s still the same reliable and stylish helmet that we all know and love but with a modern twist.

This iconic helmet is a game-changer. And one of the most significant changes is the shell construction.

Bell has updated the outer shell of the Custom 500 with a new style of composite fiberglass. This has allowed them to achieve a low-profile design that sits dramatically lower on your head than any other DOT open-face helmets on the market. It’s amazing how such a small change can make a big difference in terms of comfort and style.

In addition to the new fiberglass shell, Bell has also updated the EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam. 

They are now using five different EPS and shell shapes for six different sizes of helmets, ensuring a more accurate and comfortable fit for riders of all sizes. 

This attention to detail is something I really appreciate as a rider, as a proper fit can make all the difference in the event of an accident. 

Overall, the new shell construction of the Bell Custom 500 Helmet is a testament to Bell’s commitment to improving rider safety and comfort.

Shell Sizing

Sizing for the Bell Custom 500 helmet is crucial to ensure a perfect fit. The helmet comes in various sizes, ranging from XS to 3XL, which corresponds to head sizes between 53-66 cm. 

One thing to note is that the extra small and small sizes share a shell, which allows the helmet to sit lower on the head compared to other DOT open-face helmets in the market. 

This is made possible by the latest and greatest shell shape from Bell, which is also used in their RS1 and New Star helmets.

The low profile design of the Custom 500 is noticeable from both the front and side. It’s important to get the right size for a comfortable and secure fit, as a helmet that’s too loose or too tight can compromise safety. 

With five different EPS and shell shapes for six different helmet sizes, Bell has ensured that the Custom 500 provides a tailored fit for various head shapes and sizes.

Overall, I appreciate the attention to detail that Bell has given to the sizing of the Custom 500 helmet. 

As someone who has struggled to find a helmet that fits perfectly, it’s reassuring to know that Bell has designed its helmets with various head shapes and sizes in mind.

Fitting

The new internal fitment shape ensures that the helmet fits lower and more snugly on the head, with a much more contoured shape similar to the latest and greatest shape we’ve seen on the RS1 and New Star helmets.

However, I have had issues with the fit of the new Custom 500 helmet. 

I found that the helmet was too narrow, it squeezed around my making it uncomfortable. I also found it lacked padding making it uncomfortable due to the uneven shell crevices on top and the hoop band around my head circumference. 

Without any real cushioning, the five shell sizes become useless unless Bell uses your head for the shell mold. 

Some riders have even had to replace their old-style helmets, which were comfortable from the first to the last time they wore them, with other brands that fit better and cost less.

When it comes to the face shield on the Custom Bell 500, there are a variety of options available to customize your look. 

The helmet features five snaps on the outside to attach different types of shields, whether you prefer a bubble or flat design. 

Additionally, you can choose from various visor configurations and options to suit your needs.

One interesting feature to note is that the color of the helmet or graphic you choose will affect the color of the shield trim. 

For example, the trim on my helmet is rubberized, but it might be chrome on an older version. However, there are chrome versions of the new Custom 500 available for those who prefer a more classic look.

Interior

The interior of the new Custom 500 is mostly unchanged from the previous version, featuring a non-removable quilted diamond design. 

While this may not be as modern or customizable as some other helmets on the market, it still maintains the classic look and feels that riders love about the Custom 500.

Bell has recently released the Bullitt helmet for those looking for an even more retro option. 

However, it comes with a significantly higher price tag of over $100. 

While the Custom 500 is a blank canvas that Bell has done a lot of creative work on, the Bullitt is a true piece of art with its unique design and premium features.

It’s important to note that the new Custom 500 is DOT certified, ensuring its safety and reliability on the road. With its lightweight composite fiberglass shell, new shell shape, and improved EPS, the helmet offers both style and protection for riders looking to embrace the classic look of an open-faced helmet.

Helmet Shape

When it comes to the shape of the new Custom Bell 500 helmet, there are a few noticeable differences from the previous version. 

As I examined the helmet, I saw that the new one feels a little longer and narrow, while the older version is a bit squattier. 

This new shape allows the helmet to sit lower on my head while still providing the same level of protection as before, thanks to the EPS outer shell combo.

Features and Benefits

Features	Benefits
Low-profile shell design	Achieves a low-profile design that sits dramatically lower on your head than any other DOT open-face helmets on the market. Reduces wind drag and resistance, allowing for more fluid and comfortable movement.
Multiple sizes and colors	Allows for a tailored fit for various head shapes and sizes. Provides a canvas for creative expression with various metallics, graphics, and custom artist designs.
Updated fitment	Provides a more contoured shape that fits lower and more snugly on the head. The helmet features five snaps on the outside to attach different types of shields, whether you prefer a bubble or flat design.
Composite fiberglass shell	Lightweight shell material improves comfort and reduces the overall weight of the helmet. The updated shell design provides improved safety and reliability.
Improved EPS foam	Bell uses five different EPS and shell shapes for six different sizes of helmets, ensuring a more accurate and comfortable fit for riders of all sizes. Proper fit ensures maximum protection in the event of an accident.
Face shield options	Provides a variety of options to customize your look, including various visor configurations and options to suit your needs. The color of the helmet or graphic you choose will affect the color of the shield trim.
Non-removable quilted diamond design	Maintains the classic look and feel that riders love about the Custom 500.
DOT certified	Ensures the helmet’s safety and reliability on the road.
Narrow oval internal shape	Provides a snug fit that also provides more protection for the sides of the head.
Snug fit	Provides a comfortable and secure fit, which is important for safety.
Attention to detail	Bell has designed its helmets with various head shapes and sizes in mind, ensuring a perfect fit. The attention to detail is a testament to Bell’s commitment to improving rider safety and comfort.
Streamlined design	Allows for more comfortable and free movement, reducing wind drag and resistance.
Various shield options	Provides options to customize your helmet, including various visor configurations and options to suit your needs.
Lightweight	Reduces the overall weight of the helmet, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Ratcheting tightening device	Allows for a custom fit that helps keep the helmet secure and comfortable on the freeway.
Removable ear flap	Comes with a removable ear flap that also has a neck collar that can be zipped off, which is great for when you don’t need the extra protection. The inside of the ear covering also has speaker pockets, so you can put your speakers inside the ear flaps if you choose to.
Snaps for flat shield	Provides five snaps on the outside to attach different types of shields, whether you prefer a bubble or flat design.
Classic open-face look	Provides a classic look that many riders love, making it a must-have for any motorcycle enthusiast.

My Likes And Dislikes

One of the things I like about this helmet is the retro look and the quality construction. I found it comfortable, but it can feel a little snug and tight around the forehead.

The helmet is low profile and sits low on the head, which I liked, but I wouldn’t recommend it for highway riding, as it can be quite loud and does not have great airflow.

I also had trouble wearing glasses with this helmet, as it can be tight around the temples.

The main problem I found was that I don’t think it provides enough padding in the forehead and temple areas.

Overall Impression

In conclusion, the Custom Bell 500 is a classic helmet that has been updated with modern features and materials. 

With its vintage style and numerous customization options, this helmet is a great value for the price. 

The fiberglass composite shell is lightweight and durable, while the EPS liner provides ample protection in the event of an impact.

The helmet’s fitment has been refined, with a lower, more contoured shape that hugs the head for a secure fit. 

However, some riders may find the narrow shape and lack of padding uncomfortable. The five-snap design of the face shield allows for different configurations and options, depending on your preference.

Overall, the Custom Bell 500 is a great choice for riders who want a classic, retro-inspired look with modern upgrades and safety features. 

While it may not be as luxurious or high-end as some other helmets on the market, it offers a great balance of style, value, and protection. 

And with its long history and iconic design, the Custom Bell 500 is sure to be a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts for years to come.

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