Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet vs Specialized Align II MIPS
Buy the Specialized Align II if you want the best-tested protection for the money: it earned a 5-star Virginia Tech rating and costs less. Buy the Bell Sixer MIPS if you ride aggressive trail and want a 4-position visor, goggle compatibility and 26 vents. The Align II is the budget pick; the Sixer is the trail-specific pick at a higher price.
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Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
Choose the Bell Sixer MIPS if you ride technical trail or enduro and need a visor, goggle compatibility and a low-profile aggressive shape.
Pros
- 4-position visor and goggle compatibility suit trail and enduro riding
- 26 vents and sweat-guide padding for long climbs
- Progressive layering uses variable EPS densities
- Ionic+ padding is removable and washable
Cons
- No published independent safety rating
- Heavier and more expensive than a budget helmet
- Fixed venting, no adjustable airflow
What separates them
| Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | Specialized Align II MIPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Premium trail price | Budget price |
| Independent safety rating | MIPS Evolve, no published Virginia Tech score given | 5-star Virginia Tech Helmet Rating |
| Visor | 4-position adjustable visor | No visor |
| Vents | 26 fixed vents | 4th Dimension Cooling System |
| Fit system | Float Fit Race with No-Twist Tri-Glides | Headset SX dial with rear ratchet |
| Goggle compatibility | Yes | Not stated |
| Weight | 395 g (size M, CPSC) | Lightweight per reviewers, no figure given |
| Low-light visibility | Matte finish, no reflective details listed |
Price history
- Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet: lowest $59.99 on Nov 1 at eBay.
- Specialized Align II MIPS: lowest $59.99 on Nov 1 at Mill Race Cyclery.
Prices at every store
Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Backcountry.comCheck price at Backcountry.com
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Specialized Align II MIPS
- Backcountry.comCheck price at Backcountry.com
- Mill Race CycleryCheck price at Mill Race Cyclery
Specs compared
| Spec | Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | Specialized Align II MIPS |
|---|---|---|
| Head Circumference | 58-62 cm | — |
| Impact Protection Technology | MIPS, Mips Evolve technology | — |
| Rotational Impact Protection | Yes | — |
| Helmet Size | M, L, S, XL | — |
| Adjustment System | Float Fit Race, Float Fit system | — |
| Shell Material | Polycarbonate | — |
| Construction Type | Fusion In-Mold polycarbonate shell, Full hard s… | — |
| Liner Construction | PROGRESSIVE LAYERING™ (variable EPS foam densit… | — |
| Shell Type | Half-face | — |
| Helmet Color | Matte Blue/Black, Matte Green/Black, Matte Red/… |
Questions and answers
- Which is safer, the Bell Sixer or the Specialized Align II?
- Both use MIPS. The Align II has a published 5-star Virginia Tech rating; the Sixer has no published score in the data here. On available evidence, the Align II is the safer bet.
- Is the Bell Sixer worth the extra money?
- Only if you ride aggressive trail. You pay for the 4-position visor, goggle compatibility and 26 vents. For road or commuting, the Align II covers protection for less.
- Which is better for hot weather?
- The Align II reviewers say it stays cool in summer heat, and its 4th Dimension Cooling System is designed for airflow. The Sixer has 26 fixed vents, so it also ventilates well but has no adjustable venting.
- Can I wear goggles with the Align II?
- Goggle compatibility is not listed for the Align II. The Sixer is explicitly goggle compatible, so pick it if you ride with goggles.
- Which fits better for a large head?
- The Sixer comes in S, M, L and XL and lists 58-62 cm for its range. The Align II uses a Headset SX dial with a rear ratchet; check its size chart, since sizes are not listed here.
- Does the Align II have a visor?
- No. Reviewers list the missing visor as a complaint. The Sixer has a 4-position adjustable visor.