Gear Spotlight: Bell Racing GP.2 Carbon Fiber Helmet

Not long ago, a racing helmet with full carbon fiber shell construction would have commanded a price tag of well over a thousand dollars. Now Bell Racing, one of the most trusted brands in racing gear, has introduced the GP.2 Carbon helmet into their lineup for 2014, and it's a bit of a game changer. By using Bell's own high-pressure resin transfer molding system, the company is now able to offer the virtues of carbon fiber shell construction at a much more accessible price point. Let's take a closer look at the GP.2 Carbon:

 

 

One of the core features that makes carbon fiber desirable as a construction material is its impressive strength given its light weight. Until recently however, working with carbon fiber was a costly and labor intensive proposition, and the prices of carbon fiber items relative to their non-carbon fiber counterparts reflected that. With recent advances in construction techniques, the costs involved with using carbon fiber have declined to the point at which manufactures have started to offer some rather economically priced gear, like this Bell GP.2 racing helmet, which offers all the virtues of carbon fiber construction without breaking the bank to get it.

 

 

The Snell SA2010 and FIA8858-certified GP.2 Carbon combines the latest helmet design with an innovative and effective air intake and ventilation system. Because of its aero chin bar and advanced aerodynamic performance, the GP.2 is a great option for open wheel, formula racers and karters that need a lightweight, feature-packed helmet.

 

Additionally, the GP.2 Carbon features a soft and comfortable inner lining, great fitment options due to its fully replaceable padding, and various top-forced air configurations, making the GP.2 Carbon a great choice for those competing in closed cockpit racing disciplines too.

If you've been wanting to pull the trigger on a carbon fiber helmet, but concerns about price, versatility of use, modularity in terms of fitment, or lack of brand trust have held you back from taking the plunge, you are officially out of excuses with the introduction of the Bell Racing GP.2 Carbon helmet. Its price is well within the realm of what you'd typically spend for good composite helmet, it offers a superb level of adjustability and modularity both in terms of comfort and applicable racing uses, and it comes with all the inherent benefits that make carbon fiber helmets desirable to begin with. It's also extremely light weight at 3.3 pounds, offers excellent strength and protection, and sports a pretty great look as well.

 

The GP.2 Carbon's appearance can also be customized by swapping out the clear air intake for either a white or matte black piece, and Bell also offers additional aesthetic customizability with their top air kit nozzle options too.

 

While the GP.2 Carbon comes out the box with great aerodynamics, those looking to take it a step further can also add Bell's aero kits. The chin bar gurneys, top gurneys and rear spoilers can be added to configure the helmet for various types of open wheel and open compartment racing These aerodynamic kits provide even greater helmet stability at high speeds.

 

The GP.2 Carbon's interior has been designed so that it can also be adapted for use with ear cups if so desired, making it even easier to get just the right fit, and further ensuring that your helmet can do its job to its full capacity,

 

If we haven't made it abundantly clear yet, the GP.2 Carbon should be on the your short list if customizability, price, and performance are features you would consider important in a helmet. We certainly do.

 

 

The Bell Racing GP.2 Carbon helmet comes with a clear shield, clear air intake, and HANS anchors pre-installed.

 

You can find the Bell Racing GP.2 Carbon helmet for $799.95 in the Winding Road Racing store.

 

Be sure to take a look at the sizing chart, which can be found here. All the helmets and helmet accessories available from Winding Road Racing can be found here.

 

Need a little more insight on what to look for in your next helmet? Be sure to take a look at our Helmet Buyer's Guide and 10 Best Auto Racing Helmets Guide too.