For 2023 Bell up to date their entry-level Sanction full-face helmet, and so they’re providing it in two fashions. Shoppers can select between the fundamental Sanction 2, or spend somewhat extra and get the Sanction 2 DLX, which features a few added options (most notably MIPS crash safety).
The brand new Sanction 2 and Sanction 2 DLX boast a properly up to date look versus the earlier Sanction helmets. Additionally they supply good air flow and cozy inside padding. Take a look at my launch article for full particulars on the up to date Sanction 2 helmets: On this article, we’ll cowl how they really feel on the paths.
Sanction 2 DLX:
The Sanction 2 DLX match me fairly nicely total and introduced no consolation points all through my take a look at. Though I’ve a slim, shallower head, I do discover Bell’s helmets a bit shallow themselves. Additionally, their sizing splits at 55cm, and my 56cm head matches somewhat snugly of their measurement XS/S. They match me nicely sufficient to experience in comfortably, however perfection could be if my head sat a bit deeper within the shell.
I’d must say the Sanction 2 DLX is fairly good warmth-wise for a full-face DH helmet. Its vents do permit beneficiant airflow excessive of the top, and the chin bar vents are OK, however there’s nothing groundbreaking concerning the Sanction 2’s airflow. I assume for $180-200 Bell’s not giving up the superior air flow system discovered on their a lot pricier Full 10.
I’m often not too enthusiastic about Fidlock buckles, however the Sanction 2 DLX’s appeared higher than others I’ve beforehand examined. Should you even get the 2 ends of the buckle shut to one another, they discover one another and snap in very simply. It’s straightforward to undo with gloves on too, so I appreciated the Fidlock buckle on the Sanction 2 DLX.
The face opening on the Sanction 2 DLX labored effective with a lot of the goggles I attempted. My Smith Squad and 661 Radia goggles match properly, however a bigger pair of Leatt Velocity 5.0’s didn’t work out, winding up sitting too excessive on my face. On the paths, I observed it’s straightforward to seek out the again panel that guides your goggle strap along with your palms.
I’ve ridden a number of helmets with MIPS, and there’s often somewhat noise related to the shifting of the liner. Whereas I bear in mind noticeable creaking from Bell’s Spherical MIPS techniques, the Sanction 2 DLX’s MIPS Important liner is quieter. You’ll be able to nonetheless hear a shifting sound, however to this point there have been no creaks from my DLX.
Bell’s visor is simply seen in its lowest place. Totally lowered it can hold the solar off your eyes, however it may be lifted proper out of view when solar safety just isn’t wanted. The visor lifts up fairly excessive, however not excessive sufficient to stash goggles on the brow. There’s ample room for a POV cam underneath it, however there’s no mount included on or with the helmet.
On the bike the Sanction 2 DLX didn’t appear too heavy. It’s not unhealthy, however not amazingly gentle at 963g (measurement XS/S). Bell is almost spot on about weight, because the sticker claims 960g.
Sanction 2:
The bottom mannequin Sanction 2 is nearly the identical helmet because the DLX mannequin above, however it doesn’t get MIPS, the anti-microbial Ionic padding, or the Fidlock chin buckle. In any other case, it has the identical ABS shell/EPS liner and the identical inside padding format.
I discovered there wasn’t a noticeable distinction within the match between the Sanction 2 and the DLX mannequin. I questioned if the MIPS system would make the DLX match a bit tighter, however it doesn’t appear to. The bottom mannequin Sanction 2 remained completely snug via all my take a look at using.
The Sanction 2 provides the identical air flow, visor, and goggle match because the DLX mannequin described above. One added be aware: I used to be completely satisfied to seek out the Sanction 2’s chin bar sits low sufficient to supply an awesome subject of view. I appreciated the brand new Fidlock buckle on the DLX, however I don’t thoughts the fundamental buckle on the Sanction 2.
Bell’s ventilated DH Air padding retains the entire vents absolutely open (DLX and base mannequin). That stated, your goggle straps do sit over the 2 increased rear vents. One good thing about the non-MIPS liner isn’t any noise in any respect!
With out the MIPS system, the XS/S Sanction 2 full-face weighs a bit lower than the DLX at 941g. The sticker is barely optimistic, claiming 930g.
The Sanction 2 and Sanction 2 DLX full-face helmets can be found now. The Sanction 2 DLX is available in seven colorways (together with some wilder graphic choices), and sizes XS/S, M, and L. MSRP is $180 for inventory colorways, or $200 for particular colours or signature fashions.
The Sanction 2 is available in 5 colours, and this mannequin provides an XXS measurement (in choose colours solely) along with XS/S, M, and L. The Sanction 2 retails for $120.
