Both Bell and Giro are giants in the helmet industry. However, over the years the ownership of the two companies have changed hands greatly.

So, several questions linger in the mind of some cyclists. For example, is Giro and Bell the same company? And does Bell make Giro helmets?

In the post Helmet Gurus traces the origin of the two brands and attempts to clear confusion between the two brands.

Origin of Bell Helmets

The history of Bell helmets goes back to 1954 when Roy Ritcher made the first bell helmet targeting the motorcyclists who were hungry for driving fast. Bell helmet is thus an American company that’s known for making motorcycle and bicycle helmets. Besides, the brand also stocks a variety of cycling related accessories and apparels.

However, over the years, ownership of the company has changed greatly. Even its name has changed, from Bell Auto Parts, Bell Helmet, Bell-Riddel, Bell Sports. Currently Bell sports is a subsidiary of Vista Outdoors.

⇒ Read More: Modular motorcycle helmet at helmetgurus

Furthermore, Vista Outdoor has established a segment for gears and branded it Revelyst.

Origin of Giro Helmets

Giro is an American company with a rich history of making cycling and snow helmets. Jim Gentes founded Giro brand in 1985 with its base in California. Besides helmets, Giro also makes snow and cycling related accessories.

But in 1996, Bell Sports acquired the Giro company. And a few years later (2016), BRG sports sold a fraction of its brand to Vista Outdoor. Thus Bell, Giro, Blackburn and C-Preme became subsidiaries of Vista Outdoor.

However, in an effort to consolidate parts of its brands, Vista Outdoor closed its Bell and Giro facilities at Scotts Valley in 2023.

Is Bell and Giro the Same Company?

Giro and Bell are two helmet companies that operate as separate entities. The two brands have been sharing the same parent (Vista Outdoor) owner as from 2016.

However, in the latest move, Vista plans to spin off its outdoor products segment and call it Revelsyt. Thus, Revelsyt will be the new owner of former Vista Subsidiaries such as Giro, Bell, Fox Racing, Quiet Kat and CamelBak.

⇒ Read More: Ways to buy the best cheap modular motorcycle helmet in the world

Is Giro part of Bell Sports?

In 1996, Bell sports acquired Giro helmet company but let it keep its identity. However, a couple of years down the line, Giro and Bell helmets became subsidiaries of Vista Outdoor.

What is the Difference Between Bell and Giro Helmets?

Bell and Giro helmets have many differences. But the outstanding factor that sets the two apart is in the fit. Bell manufactures helmets that tend to have a rounder fit. On the contrary, Giro Helmets boast an elliptical (oblong) fit.

Further the two brands' helmet sizes differ slightly in dimension. Although Giro and Bell provide helmets from small through extra-large sizes, Bell’s small size helmet is more accommodating.

On the other hand, Giro’s extra-large helmet size is more spacious.

From the disparity in helmet fit and difference in chart size, it's evident that Bell and Giro operate as two independent companies. Although initially Bell sports acquired Giro, over the years the two became subsidiaries of Vista outdoor.