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

Looking for a lightweight open-faced helmet that doesn’t compromise on safety and materials? Look no further than the Bell Scout Air.

This helmet weighs in at just 1 pound 12 ounces, making it one of the lightest helmets available in its category. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Scout Air, examining its construction, fitment, interior, and more. 

We’ll also dive into what makes this helmet stand out from others in its price range, including its fully removable and washable interior and high-quality components. 

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best low-profile half helmet for you? Let’s find out!

Bell Scout Air Review

What Customers Think

• Nice but noisy
• Need To Go Up A Size
• Amazingly Light Helmet

Check Best Prices

Bell Scout Air Features

The Scout helmet from Bell’s camp is a product that caught my attention. Not only does it have an interesting design that resembles an “O Maj” from the 90s movie Judge Dredd, but it is also the lightest recorder I have seen. 

The helmet weighs only 1 pound 12 ounces, making it a joke lightweight, thanks to its matrix composite D-O-T ECE rating.

When compared to a custom 500 helmet, which has a more retro feel but is still a 3/4 around the ears and jawline, the Scout is 10 ounces lighter, which is a significant difference. 

Additionally, for only about $20 more, you get a helmet that is 10 ounces lighter than a custom 500. This fact alone should drive anyone looking for a new helmet to consider the Scout.

Shell Construction

Lightweight and Matrix Composite

First off, let’s talk about the weight. The Belle Scout helmet is unbelievably light, coming in at just one pound, 12 ounces. 

That’s thanks to its matrix composite construction, which is a step up from the typical polycarbonate design found in most helmets at this price point. And despite being so light, the Belle Scout still manages to feel sturdy and well-built.

Check Prices

Peak Visors

The helmet comes in five different shell sizes, which means you can get a perfect fit no matter your head size. 

Plus, it comes with two peaks right out of the box, which is a nice touch. And if you’re looking for a different type of visor, there are plenty of options available.

Sizing

One of the first things to note about this helmet is its shell construction. It comes in five shells, and the use of a matrix design rather than a poly carb design is a nice touch. 

Additionally, the helmet comes with two peaks in the box, and many different visor options are available. 

Putting on the visor brings me back to Stallone in the 90s with Judge Dredd, which is pretty cool. However, when it comes to fitment, there are a few issues with this helmet.

Previous Article: Gmax HH-65 Review

The Nitpick – Fit

Now, onto my one complaint about the Belle Scout: the fit. While the multiple shell sizes should help ensure a good fit for most riders, I found that the helmet runs a bit small. I usually wear a medium, but I had to go up to a large with the Belle Scout. 

It fits a full-size small, so it is important to use the size chart and go up a full size from what you would normally wear with Bell helmets. 

Check Prices

Secondly, while most Bell helmets sit low on the brow and close to the eyebrows, this helmet sits a little bit higher. 

It doesn’t provide that low-profile brain bucket look that some riders might prefer. If you’re looking for a more retro option with that lower fit, the Custom 500 might be a better choice.

That being said, once I found the right size, the helmet was incredibly comfortable and didn’t move around at all while riding.

Overall, the Bell Scout Air Helmet is very basic but functional. The helmet is super lightweight and offers a lot of airflow through the open-face design. 

The Peaks are easily removable, and the longer shield option is available as well. At around $150, it is a great value for a quality helmet with premium components. Pay attention to the sizing chart and go up a full size to get the right fit.

Interior

Moving on to the interior of the Bell Scout Air helmet, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the guts of the helmet are completely removable, unlike many other helmets in this price range. 

While some manufacturers choose to make non-removable, non-maintainable, and non-washable helmet interiors to cut costs, Bell has gone against this conventional cheapness by making everything removable from the neck roll and comfort liner. 

By simply unsnapping the front of the liner, I was able to remove the guts of the helmet completely.

The interior design of the helmet is not the most technical, but it is fully removable, washable, maintainable, and replaceable. 

The cheek pads and neck roll are made of leather and microfiber and are easy to remove and replace. 

The ear pockets are a little bit tight, but the helmet fits well overall. The interior features also include 3D sonically welded cutaways that allow you to breathe easily in the helmet, even though there are no vents in this open-faced helmet. 

The rest of the guts have foam padding that is also removable and washable, making it easy to keep the helmet fresh and clean.

Check Prices

Bluetooth

As for adding a Bluetooth communicator to this helmet, it might be a little bit trickier because of its no-frills design. 

However, with its focus on being lightweight, the Scout Air is one of the lightest helmets in its category, weighing in at just 1 pound 12 ounces. 

This makes it a great option for those who prioritize comfort and don’t want a heavy helmet weighing them down on long rides.

If you’re looking for something even lighter, the next option up is the Custom 500, which weighs in at just two pounds six ounces. 

While it’s slightly heavier than the Scout Air, it’s still incredibly light and feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. Plus, it’s a little bit cheaper, coming in at around $120.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a lightweight, no-frills helmet and don’t plan on adding a Bluetooth communicator, the Scout Air is a great choice. 

However, if you want something even lighter and cheaper, the Custom 500 is worth considering as well.

Features and Benefits

Check Prices

Conclusion

My overall thoughts on the Bell Scout Air helmet are positive. It’s incredibly lightweight and has a great style that I really like. 

However, the deciding factor for you might be the fit scheme. The helmet is designed as an intermediate oval, but it sits a little bit higher than some of the other helmets in the Bell lineup. If that works for you, then this could be a great choice.

One thing to keep in mind when ordering the Scout Air is that it runs small. Be sure to use the size chart and go up a full size to get the right fit. 

Despite this, I appreciate that the helmet’s interior is fully removable, washable, and replaceable. 

This is a departure from other manufacturers’ conventional cheapness to save costs.

While installing a Bluetooth communicator on the Scout Air may be a bit tougher, it’s still a solid option for riders who prioritize lightweight and style. 

However, if you’re looking for a more traditional low-profile helmet, the Custom 500 might be a better choice. 

Overall, the Scout Air is a great helmet offering a unique style and function blend.

Bell Scout Air Review

What Customers Think

• Nice but noisy
• Need To Go Up A Size
• Amazingly Light Helmet

Check Best Prices

Previous Article: Gmax HH-65 Review

Next Article: Bell Custom 500 Helmet Review