Bell Vortex vs. Star

[Clickjack]

I am trying to decide between buying a 2010 Vortex  (160.00 + 100.00 Transition shield) or a closeout sale 09 Star (250.00) 

What's the major difference between the Star and the Vortex?

What's the Difference between 09 Star and the 10 Star?

What do you recommend?

[todds89]

I tried both of them on when I was looking for a new helmet. They are very similar. The main differences that I saw were that the Star is definitely lighter, and it has a "wicker" strip that attaches to the top of the helmet like a spoiler. The guys at the shop said it made the helmet very stable at high speed. It also comes with a very nice padded bag.

Both are Snell 2010 and DOT approved.

As for venting, the Vortex vents pretty nicely. I didn't ride in the Star so I can't speak to the difference there.

I bought the Vortex and the transition shield.

Good Luck!

[Triple J]

The Star is a very nice helmet (see my review of a 2010 one below this post). It vents extremely well. It's also very light, and stable at high speeds (just wore mine at a Miller trackday). Personally I'd get the close-out Star. It is a premium level helmet for a budget price...can't beat that!  

I'm not sure of the difference between the '09 and '10 Star. I believe they are essentially the same, but the '10 Star is rated for 2010 Snell, while the '09 is 2005 Snell.

[jim_0068]

Just went through this:

differences between 09/10 star:

'09 had slightly different internal shape and fit weird. I'm generally a large but would need a medium in the older versions.

'09 doesn't have the magnetic clasp for the chin strap

'10 has redesigned ear speaker "pockets" which was supposed to be better

'10 has redesigned liner in respect to where the stitching is to prevent pressure in certain areas.

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Vortex is a middle tier helment and star is a super high end race helmet that you can use on the street. Star vents A TON but conversely that also makes it very loud helmet. It's also very light and has a 2 stage chin vent against the 1 stage vortex and it also has the 3 position lever for "vent, normal, locked" similar to the Shoei system. Also the vortex has a very thick neck roll padding to keep it quieter.

Sportbiketrackgear does a nice review Bell Vortex Helmet Review from Sportbiketrackgear.com for the bell vortex and here is the bell star Bell Star Helmet Review from Sportbiketrackgear.com

Revzilla also has some nice reviews on both helmets and also a short term (i think 45 day) riding review of the Bell star. IMO i think the vortex (as mentioned) is the best for the price with the transition shield. I HATE changing visors or getting "stuck." I think i'm going to get one to compare to my Shoei.


I currently am rocking a Shoei RF-1100 and to be honest i really want to get a vortex with the transition shield because i think i'm only going to give up some slight venting.

[ChrisH]

Just received my Star in the mail, haven't ridden yet since its raining. This helmet seems like a total rockstar IMHO. It feels really light on the head, the padding material feels great, and the fit and finish are great. Can't wait to go ride with this thing!