When it comes to helmets, Bell is one of those legacy brands that have been around forever. If you’ve been riding for a while, you’ve probably worn or at least considered one. I’ve been a Bell fan for years and have a few in my rotation—my Qualifier for daily commutes, my Eliminator when I’m in the mood for a retro vibe, and my MX9 for off-road fun.
I think that the brand has always been about blending safety, style, and performance, making their helmets a go-to for riders of all kinds.
But recently, they dropped something new: a touring helmet called the Lithium. And, lucky me, I got my hands on one early. At least I did here in the Philippines. I do have some caveats to this helmet's otherwise pretty solid performance.
The Bell Lithium: A New Take on Touring—For Bell, At Least
Bell designed the Lithium as an entry-level touring helmet, sitting just above the Qualifier in the lineup. It’s also one of the few Bell helmets to feature a drop-down visor, making it more versatile for changing light conditions.
But perhaps more importantly, it’s Bell’s only true-to-form full-face touring helmet, which fills a gap in their lineup. Touring helmets need to be comfortable for long rides, have solid ventilation, and offer a good field of vision—all things the Lithium aims to deliver at a budget-friendly price.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Lithium’s design is a noticeable departure from Bell’s usual look. It’s more angular, a little sharper, and honestly, if not for the Bell logo, you might mistake it for something from AGV. Bell usually leans towards a more rounded or classic aesthetic, so this fresh, modern design is a bit of a curveball.
But it’s not a bad thing, and that’s because it actually looks pretty sleek. The sharp lines and aggressive shape make it look sportier, which, to be fair, some riders will love, while others may not find to their liking. The drop-down visor is a welcome feature, as no more fumbling with sunglasses or swapping visors when the sun sets. That little touch alone makes it a practical choice for everyday riders.
As for the overall fit and finish? It’s okay, and that’s about it. It’s noticeably better than the Qualifier, but nowhere near the premium feel of the Eliminator, which is twice the price. But at this price point, you can’t expect top-tier finishes. The exterior shell feels solid, and the gloss finish with red flames on mine gives it a bit of a retro feel.
First Wear
Now, about the fit. This thing was tight. I’m a size large across all my Bell helmets, but the Lithium was almost uncomfortably snug at first. I could barely move my cheeks, and it felt like my head was being vacuum-sealed into place. But after a few wears, it started to break in and conform to my head shape, making it much more comfortable.
In hindsight, I should’ve gone for an XL, but given the limited availability of this particular model at the time of review, this simply wasn’t an option. So yeah, take note of this. If you’re an intermediate oval like me, and you’re usually a size large across Bell’s lineup, you may want to consider going up one size specifically for the Lithium.
Nevertheless, the helmet feels light, sporty, and offers great visibility thanks to its large eye port. I appreciate a good field of view in a helmet, especially for long rides, and the Lithium delivers in that aspect.
One thing that caught me off guard, though, was the main visor’s locking mechanism. It’s positioned in the center rather than off to the side, which takes some getting used to. The first time I tried opening it, I had to come to a complete stop just to figure it out. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something that takes some muscle memory to get right.
As for the drop-down visor, it works well, but Bell really dropped the ball on its lever placement. It’s on the left side, right where most folks install their comms systems. That means your Bluetooth unit will either be awkwardly far back or way too close to the front—not ideal if you like a clean, seamless setup. I personally like my comms system to blend in smoothly, so this placement irked me a bit, so much so that I didn’t even bother installing a comms system. Looks like I’ll be using this lid on my solo rides.
On the Road
Once I got rolling, the Lithium felt light, breezy, and overall comfortable. The cheek pads are snug, but not uncomfortably so after the initial break-in period. The ventilation is decent, though not mind-blowing. It keeps air circulating well enough for city rides, but on hotter days, I could see some riders wanting a bit more airflow.
The main visor is Pinlock-compatible, which is a great touch for all-weather riding. I’m always a fan of helmets that come ready for Pinlock inserts because nothing ruins a ride faster than a fogged-up visor. However, once I hit the highway, I quickly noticed one downside—noise.
The Lithium is noticeably louder than I expected. Wind noise creeps in at higher speeds, and while it’s not unbearable, it’s definitely there. If you’re sensitive to helmet noise, this might be a downside. That said, I found wearing a pair of earplugs helped reduce the whistle significantly. Given the price point, some compromises were expected, and noise isolation seems to be one of them.
To Buy Or Not To Buy?
So, who is the Bell Lithium for? If you’re after a neutral-looking, versatile, and relatively affordable helmet from a reputable brand, this is a solid option. It offers a lightweight feel, good visibility, and practical touring features like the drop-down visor and Pinlock compatibility.
At $160 USD, it’s one of the cheapest full-face touring helmets from a big-name manufacturer. The price alone makes it appealing for riders looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing safety or brand reputation.
It’s not perfect—there are some quirks, like the visor lock placement, the tight initial fit, and the higher-than-expected noise levels. But for the money, it’s a solid first or second helmet for both new and experienced riders.
Would I recommend it? Yeah, with some caveats. If you can live with the quirks, it’s a practical, well-rounded lid that covers all the basics. If you’re looking for a near-silent touring helmet with premium materials, you’ll need to shell out more cash—maybe even double or triple the amount. But if you want an affordable, do-it-all helmet from a legendary brand that continues to stay relevant today, the Bell Lithium is a great choice.
Source: Bell Helmets
