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Painting Guidelines for Bell Racing Helmets with the SmartLock™ System
At 1st Race, we’re proud to be the official Bell Racing Helmets agent in South Africa, supplying world-class motorsport gear trusted by champions worldwide. Bell’s legacy of innovation and performance continues with the SmartLock™ system, a precision-engineered visor locking mechanism designed for optimal fit, function, and safety.
Recently, Bell Racing Helmets issued an important advisory regarding the painting of helmets equipped with the SmartLock™ system — a reminder that attention to detail is essential in maintaining helmet performance and safety standards.
⚠️ Do Not Remove the SmartLock™ System During Painting
When preparing a Bell helmet for painting, it’s crucial that painters and teams do not remove the SmartLock™ system.
Removing this component can allow excess paint to reach the shell area behind the SmartLock™, which may:
- Affect the proper closure and alignment of the visor
- Interfere with aerodynamics and sealing
- Compromise the helmet’s overall safety performance
To prevent this, the SmartLock™ must remain in place throughout the painting process.
Recommended Procedure for Painters
Bell strongly recommends the following painting guidelines for helmets featuring the SmartLock™ system:
- Leave the SmartLock™ in place — do not attempt to remove or disassemble it.
- Carefully mask the SmartLock™ component before applying paint.
- Avoid paint buildup near moving parts or seals to ensure full visor functionality.
This ensures the helmet retains its factory-level precision and protection integrity.
Bell Racing Helmets is currently developing official step-by-step instructions for exceptional cases where SmartLock™ removal might be required.
Until those guidelines are released, the SmartLock™ must remain securely in place during all painting processes.
Why This Matters
The SmartLock™ system is a key part of Bell’s helmet innovation, designed to ensure a secure and reliable visor closure at any speed.
Even minor interference from excess paint or improper handling can affect the safety, comfort, and performance of the helmet.
By following these simple but critical steps, you help preserve the same engineering excellence that has made Bell Racing Helmets the choice of 15 out of 20 Formula 1 drivers in 2025, as well as countless Le Mans and rally champions.
Trust the Experts — 1st Race, Official Bell Agent in South Africa
As the official Bell Racing Helmets agent in South Africa, 1st Race provides racers, teams, and painters with expert guidance, product support, and access to the full Bell range — from karting helmets to FIA-approved motorsport helmets and communication accessories.
For any questions regarding helmet painting, maintenance, or fitment, contact our team for trusted support.
📍 Visit us at Zwartkops Raceway
📞 010 786 0321
✉️ sales@1strace.co.za
