Sixer MIPS
Origin
The Sixer was conceived to fill the gap between Bell's XC-oriented Stratus MIPS and the gravity-oriented Super DH MIPS. Bell engineers in Scotts Valley, California targeted a helmet that gave proper rear-of-head coverage for fast descents without the weight and heat of a convertible full-face. The 'Sixer' name nods to a six-pack of beer — the helmet was designed in California's beer-and-bikes trail culture, and the launch campaign played on the everyday-trail-rider positioning. Mid-tier all-mountain helmet — more coverage than XC, lighter than convertible, priced to compete with Giro Montaro and Fox Flux at their respective MIPS price points Bell Helmets, Scotts Valley, California (part of Vista Outdoor Inc. at launch; later split with Revelyst spin-off in 2024) Sixer is American slang for a six-pack of beer — the design team wanted a casual, approachable name that signalled the everyday-rider positioning rather than a race-team aesthetic Giro Montaro MIPS, Fox Flux MIPS, Smith Forefront 2 MIPS, Troy Lee A2 MIPS
The verdict
- Excellent rear-of-head and temple coverage — most reviewers (BikeRadar, Pinkbike, Vital MTB) cite the Sixer as the benchmark for trail-helmet coverage in its price range
- Float Fit DH retention is precise and stable — the cradle adjusts vertically as well as circumferentially, giving fit options most competitors don't offer
- 26 vents move air well despite the larger shell — riders report it stays cool on long climbs in summer, comparable to ventilation-focused competitors like Smith Convoy
- Under-visor GoPro mount is genuinely useful and lower-profile than top-of-helmet alternatives
- Goggle integration is best-in-class for the price point — wide goggle channels, visor parks goggles cleanly when flipped up
- MIPS slip-plane provides industry-standard rotational protection certified by the MIPS labs
- Pricing is mid-tier (~€110-130) which makes it accessible compared to Giro Manifest Spherical (~€250) or POC Tectal Race SPIN (~€220)
- Strap routing is clean and stays flat against the cheek — minimal jaw irritation on long days
- X-Static anti-microbial padding holds up well to summer sweat sessions and washes cleanly
- Replacement pads and visors are widely available through Bell distributors
- Heavier than top-tier competitors — at ~410g M it's 30-50g heavier than Giro Manifest (~380g) and significantly heavier than XC helmets (Giro Aether ~290g)
- Bell uses a rounder head-shape mould — long-oval heads (a common European head shape) report pressure at the brow or temples; cross-shop with Giro Manifest or Fox Speedframe if in doubt
- Standard MIPS (not MIPS Spherical or MIPS Air Node) — newer Bell helmets and competitors use lower-friction or ball-and-socket versions; the Sixer's slip plane is functional but not Bell's latest tech
- Only three sizes (S/M/L) versus four or five on Giro/POC — fewer options to dial in fit for unusual head sizes
- Visor adjustment is positive-click but not stepless — some reviewers want finer control
- Padding feels marginally less plush than premium competitors — adequate but not luxurious
- Shell shape is moderately bulky — looks bigger on a small rider's head than the Smith Convoy or Giro Manifest
- Bell crash-replacement programme is limited in EU — varies by distributor
- Has been on the market since 2018 without a major revision — feels slightly dated next to 2024 launches with MIPS Air Node and breakaway pegs
Who it’s for
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