There's a certain point in mountain biking when an ordinary trail helmet just doesn't quite match your ambitions anymore. The jumps get bigger, the descents get steeper and that perfectly sensible line around an obstacle suddenly becomes considerably less interesting. Bell understands this progression rather well, which is why they've created the Sanction 2 Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet. Proper full-face protection, aggressive styling and some genuinely clever design features, all wrapped up in a helmet that's ready for a bit of action.
The Sanction 2 has been designed from the ground up with three things in mind: fit, breathability and protection. Bell's Ventilated DH Air padding helps create a comfortable, secure fit, while 14 strategically positioned vents keep air moving when the riding gets energetic. The removable cheek pads make cleaning straightforward, and the clever Flying Bridge visor improves airflow while allowing additional impact-absorbing material in a key area of the helmet. It's a thoroughly considered design built for downhill riding, bike parks and BMX racing. Bell has even given it dedicated downhill and BMX safety certifications, so there's some serious engineering behind that rather intimidating appearance.
Key Features
Full Face Mountain Bike Protection – Comprehensive helmet design provides coverage around the head, face and chin for demanding gravity riding
ASTM F1952 Downhill Certified – Meets the recognised downhill mountain bike helmet safety standard
ASTM F2032 BMX Certified – Tested to meet the safety requirements for BMX riding and racing
CE EN1078 Certified – Complies with the European safety standard for cycling helmets
Flying Bridge Visor Technology – Innovative visor construction improves flexibility and airflow while allowing additional impact management material in a key impact area
14 Ventilation Openings – Carefully positioned vents help maintain airflow during demanding rides and energetic bike park sessions
Ventilated DH Air Padding – Specially designed interior padding provides a secure, comfortable fit while helping air circulate
Removable Cheek Pads – Easy-to-remove padding makes cleaning and maintenance straightforward. Particularly useful after a day of dust, mud and questionable weather.
Purpose-Built Full Face Construction – Developed specifically for gravity-focused mountain biking and BMX riding
Protective Chin Bar – Integrated full-face design provides additional coverage around the lower face
Flexible Visor Construction – Flying Bridge technology removes the traditional central visor post and screw arrangement
Aggressive Helmet Styling – Sleek shell design and understated colour options give the Sanction 2 a distinctive gravity-inspired appearance
Comfort-Focused Interior – Carefully developed padding helps maintain a secure and comfortable fit throughout a riding session
Gravity Riding Design – Built to handle the demands of downhill trails, bike parks and technical riding
BMX Racing Compatibility – Certified construction makes it suitable for BMX racing and demanding track riding
Wide Size Availability – Available in a range of sizes, with selected colourways offered in XXS for smaller riders
Easy-Clean Interior Components – Removable cheek pads make keeping the helmet fresh considerably less complicated
Bell Helmet Engineering – Developed using decades of experience in bicycle helmet design and racing
The Bell Sanction 2 is a proper full-face helmet with a clear purpose. It's designed to keep riders comfortable, well ventilated and protected while tackling the sort of terrain that makes mountain biking so much fun. Bell has put the effort into the details that matter, from the removable padding to the innovative visor design, leaving you to concentrate on the riding. The helmet can handle the serious stuff. Unfortunately, choosing the right line through a rock garden is still entirely your responsibility.