Bell Sixer MIPS Helmet

For years I've relied on a headband with a silicone sweat gutter to keep the salt out of my eyes while riding. This is the first helmet I've found that successfully keeps sweat out of my eyes (and off of my glasses) with no assistance. Bell nailed the ventilation, and the "Sweat Guide" padding actually does what it's supposed to do--wicks sweat out away from your forehead to a point where it can drip harmlessly in front of your glasses. Really impressed by this, so if you're a sweaty rider or spend a lot of time in hot climates, the Sixer is worth a look.

The fit does feel a little more tight, especially on the sides of the head, than other helmets of a comparable size. I'm not sure if this is solely due to the helmet's shape or if the padding is also a factor. After a couple of rides I stopped noticing it, but it was slightly off-putting at first. 

The straps are unremarkable (in the good way), and the retention dial does exactly what you'd expect. Adjusting the height of the retention dial can be a little finicky. That's true of most systems, though. 

I don't ride with goggles, so I can't speak to the helmet's goggle compatibility. Stashing sunglasses with the arms in the vents works OK--secure enough for fire-road climbing, but not so secure that I'd trust them there on singletrack. 

Overall, I've got no real complaints. The 2018 colors weren't fantastic, but the 2019 options are looking better, so it seems Bell's on top of that. The Sixer is the best helmet I've ever tried for ventilation and sweat management, and it checks just about all the other boxes for a modern half-shell as well.