Giro and Bell are famous American companies for making helmets. The two brands are subsidiaries of Vista Outdoor. And in 1996 Bell Sports acquired Giro. So, some people often wonder, are Bell and Giro Helmets made in the same company? 

Read on to learn the truth!

History of Giro Helmets

Jim Gentes formed the Giro company in 1985 and headquartered it in California. The company manufactures a wide range of products, including cycling and snow helmets. 

Besides helmets, the company also manufactures other skiing, cycling, and snowboarding-related goods.

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However, in 1996, Bell Sports acquired the Giro company. Also, in 2016, Vista Outdoors bought Giro together with other brands. In 2023, Vista Outdoor announced its intention to shut down the Giro facility based in Scotts Valley. The purpose of shutting the facility is to make Giro a part of Fox Racing. 

Where are Giro Helmets Made?

Giro bike helmets are mostly made in California, USA California. However, the company has other subsidiaries in Taiwan and China. But, the parent Giro company still oversees the entire production process to authenticate its quality. The Giro helmets feature three striking technologies:

• MIPS
• Roc Loc Fit system
• In-mold construction technology

If you need comfortable and reliable helmets for your motorcycle, contact Helmet Gurus. 

History of Bell Helmets

Roy Richter, a racist enthusiast, and engineer, made the first Bell helmet (Bell 500) in 1954. And his passion further pushed him to come up with a full-face helmet in 1968 that you could secure around your head. The company is well known for its revolutionary Bell Star full-face helmet. 

But in 1980 Bell auto parts merged with Riddell football to form Bell-Riddell. The merger didn’t last long. In 1991, the Bell-Riddel motorcycle subsidiary was sold and became what’s known as Bell Helmet, while the parent remaining company was branded as Bell Sports.

Still, in 1999 the auto Racing division was sold and split into two different companies called Bell Racing Europe and Bell Racing Company (North America). 

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But in 2002, Bell Sports acquired back Bell helmets to become Bell Powersports. In 2005, it further acquired Bell Racing Company and became the Eastern Bell Sports in the year 2006. And finally, in 2016, Easton Bell Sports became a subsidiary of Vista Outdoor. 

To integrate Easton Bell Sports and several other brands which are its subsidiaries, Vista Outdoor in 2023, laid off many employees at Bell’s headquarters in Scotts Valley, California 

Where are Bell Helmets Made?

Bell racing motorcycle helmets are manufactured at Racing Force International, Bahrain. However, the Bell cycling helmets are manufactured in the USA, though some components come from China.

Does the Same Company Make Giro and Bell Helmets?

Currently, both the company making Giro and Bell helmets have the same parent owner, Vista Outdoor. However, Giro and Bell helmets are not made in the same company. Even the mold and fit of the two helmet brands are different. 

What is the Difference Between Bell and Giro Helmets? 

The striking difference between Giro and Bell helmets is in the fit. Bell helmets have a design that targets oblong heads whereas Giro is ideal for round heads. 

Even though Giro and Bell helmets are subsidiaries of Vista Outdoor, the two operate independently. That’s why even the fit of the helmets tends to identify with different head shapes.