For 2023 Bell up to date their entry-level Sanction full-face helmet, they usually’re providing it in two fashions. Shoppers can select between the essential Sanction 2, or spend a little bit 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 provide 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 offered no consolation points all through my check. Though I’ve a slender, shallower head, I do discover Bell’s helmets a bit shallow themselves. Additionally, their sizing splits at 55cm, and my 56cm head suits a little bit snugly of their dimension 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 should say the Sanction 2 DLX is fairly good warmth-wise for a full-face DH helmet. Its vents do enable 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. When you even get the 2 ends of the buckle shut to one another, they discover one another and snap in very simply. It’s simple 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 positive 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 simple to seek out the again panel that guides your goggle strap together with your arms.
I’ve ridden a number of helmets with MIPS, and there’s often a little bit 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 thus far there have been no creaks from my DLX.
Bell’s visor is simply seen in its lowest place. Absolutely lowered it is going to preserve the solar off your eyes, however it may be lifted proper out of view when solar safety will not be 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 below 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 dangerous, however not amazingly gentle at 963g (dimension 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, nevertheless 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 structure.
I discovered there wasn’t a noticeable distinction within the match between the Sanction 2 and the DLX mannequin. I puzzled if the MIPS system would make the DLX match a bit tighter, nevertheless it doesn’t appear to. The bottom mannequin Sanction 2 remained completely comfy by all my check driving.
The Sanction 2 gives the identical air flow, visor, and goggle match because the DLX mannequin described above. One added be aware: I used to be joyful to seek out the Sanction 2’s chin bar sits low sufficient to supply an awesome subject of view. I preferred the brand new Fidlock buckle on the DLX, however I don’t thoughts the essential buckle on the Sanction 2.
Bell’s ventilated DH Air padding retains the entire vents absolutely open (DLX and base mannequin). That mentioned, your goggle straps do sit over the 2 greater rear vents. One good thing about the non-MIPS liner is not any noise in any way!
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 gives an XXS dimension (in choose colours solely) along with XS/S, M, and L. The Sanction 2 retails for $120.
