3 replies to this topic

[Sphinx]

Well, I finally upgraded my M2 to an M4. These are the Racer Series ones with the larger eyeport. I had a few quick observations. I'm not sure if they are material observations until I get a chance to use mine in the real world.

Obviously, the M2 is my baseline. Unpacking the M4, I noticed that it is in a black protective draw string bag that didn't come wih the M2. It also includes a tear off posts kit in the box. First thing I noticed is that the M4 is noticably lighter than the M2, though both are fiberglass. The M4's padding material seems less dense than that in M2. The "pad" that goes right over your head looks to be a simple cut piece of foam in the shape of an oval. The M2's is made of a denser material and its edges are "sealed down" and cut for the shape. I wondered where the M4 was made - it isn't obviously marked. There is a marking on the bottom of the box that says Made in China. Not sure where my M2 was made, but I'm thinking it was the US. My guess is that my next helmet will be US made. I might have even skipped this one had I known this up front, but I'm willing to trust Bell's reputation for now. (I only get 1 chance at this anyway. )

The M4 has better venting. On the M2, there were forehead and chin level vents. The M4 adds two vents on the top of the head.

The visor is held in place differently. The M2 had three detents in the visor, while the M4 has no such detents. This is an upgrade discussed on their website.

Fit is interesting. I was told by my vendor and Bell that they should both be sized the same (XS in my case). I did notice that the M4 feels "looser". That could be due to the less dense foam pushing back on my head/face. Around my ears, for example, my ears would always fold down with the M2 (if I put it on without a balaclava). Not so the M4. Both feel about the same around my cheek and head. I do believe that if I went with an XXS on the M4, it would have been too tight.

The M4 is predrilled for HANS posts. Nice. The paperwork also says that it has extra room for a microphone, but I think the old one did too.

All in all, if it wasn't for the Made in China part, I'd have no hesitations with this helmet. But then again, for all I know, my old one might have been made in china and that I was none the wiser.

[trey]

I'm like you , have a M2 and ordered an SA2010 M4 , both size large

The M2 fit perfect , the M4 is so loose I could almost pull it off my head.

M4 went back for a Medium ... Has not come in yet ... I'm hoping it fits like a large M2

[Sphinx]

I'm like you , have a M2 and ordered an SA2010 M4 , both size large

The M2 fit perfect , the M4 is so loose I could almost pull it off my head.

M4 went back for a Medium ... Has not come in yet ... I'm hoping it fits like a large M2

Your post had me spend about a 1/2 hour trying on both helmets back and forth. I did reach the conclusion that old M2 was probably on the too-snug side. So, I'm happy with the fit of the M4.

HANS post installation is different on these newer helmets. The old ones required removal of the internal padding for drilling the holes, and installing the backing plate. My suggestion is to watch the video on the HANS site. You gently shove the backing plate using an open ended 10mm wrench without the need for removing any of the padding. That's important because the attachjment point is between the outer and inner shell. In my old model, it was between the outter shell and 1/2 on soft padding and 1/2 under the harder inner shell.

[trey]

This weekend was my 1st opportunity to wear the new M4 in size M ( vs. old M2 size L )

After 26 sessions in 2 days , my conclusion is that the M4 size M is very similar to old M2 size L

Yes , the HANS anchor was a little different , but nothing too dificult