There is a moment on every long summer ride where a full-face helmet can begin to feel like punishment. A red light in the direct sunlight. Airflow lost. Why am I wearing a bubble on my whole head just to go on a casual Sunday ride? That is exactly the area the ANYPASS Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is made to cover. The ANYPASS is a three-quarter shell helmet that leaves your jaw free, includes a legitimate DOT sticker, and has a retractable sun visor that few helmets at this price level come with. With 56 reviews (at 4.5 stars) on Amazon, there is ample buyer experience to give you an idea of how to use and wear this helmet.
Safety and Build Quality
The most important thing is the certification. The ANYPASS is compliant with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation for impact absorption and penetration resistance as defined in Federal Motor Vehicle Standard No. 218. The only way a helmet becomes legally acceptable for on-road use is through compliance with the DOT regulations, and this helmet meets them.
The shell is an impact resistant ABS plastic molded over multiple layers of density-specific expanded polystyrene (EPS). ABS is probably the most commonly used material in affordable helmets today. It isn't about looking nice or being a show-off carbon fiber, it's strong, lightweight, and cheap. Each layer of EPS does the work of absorbing impacts in different ways, and comparing a well-layered piece of padding to a single piece of padding is always a better choice. Compared to others at the same price point for a three-quarter shell, this helmet's build quality is average, simple, tried-and-true, and honest.
Before you buy, please note that this is a three-quarter shell helmet, not a full face. Your scalp and top of your head will be protected, but your chin and jaw will remain unprotected. An open-faced helmet defines an open-faced helmet. If you are seeking total facial protection, you're in the wrong category.
Fit and Comfort
What people love the most about this helmet is its two-part visor system, and it is one reason so many motorcyclists prefer this helmet over less expensive open-faced helmets. Alongside an outside clear visor for general riding, the ANYPASS comes equipped with a built-in, retractable tinted sun visor that slides down when excessive sunlight hits your eyes. That's a big deal. Instead of changing glasses or shades or switching shields mid-ride, you slide the sun visor down and continue to ride. More than one reviewer stated that the retractable visor alone gives you more bang for the buck.
Along with the top vents providing cooling air flow into the helmet while pushing heat away from your head, the three-quarter design enables air to pass over your head and jaw since part of your face remains exposed. In warmer climates this makes a lot of sense. As a result of this design, the ANYPASS was intended for riders traveling in warmer climate areas during longer periods of the year.
Inside, the ANYPASS includes removable and washable moisture-wicking pads. Many motorcyclists fail to remember that after months of riding in hot weather, these pads collect sweat and dirt. Being able to remove them makes it possible to keep your helmet hygienic and prevents it from smelling bad like a gym bag. The chin strap has an adjustable quick-release buckle which makes it simple to remove and attach with one hand. Removing and attaching it quickly at traffic stops and service stations is far easier than fighting d-rings every time you step onto your motorcycle. Available sizes for this helmet are medium, large, and x-large, roughly 57-62 cm of head circumference. Most adult-sized heads will fit inside.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Because 56 reviewers (with an average rating of 4.5 stars) have purchased this product and posted comments about it, the message conveyed from satisfied buyers about their experiences with this product is overwhelmingly favorable. The large majority of buyers state that they believe they receive sufficient value for their purchase price. A number of riders have complimented the ANYPASS as offering both DOT certification and built-in sun visor capability at a budget price. Most agree that those are excellent characteristics. Several reviewers complimented the ease of use of the dual visor functionality for practicality, and generally reported comfortable riding qualities for casual rides.
Buyers have also praised the quick-release chinstrap saying it was easier to fasten and unfasten than conventional chinstraps and buckles. Many reviewers also complimented the ventilation offered by this helmet, particularly those who ride in warmer climates. Finally, numerous reviewers expressed gratitude that it had a genuine DOT sticker giving credence to the helmet as opposed to novelty shells with fake stickers that some reviewers had previously purchased.
Aforementioned complaints typically fall into categories such as sizing (some buyers stated it ran smaller than anticipated and suggested selecting a larger size if choosing between sizes) and lack of face or jaw protection as an open-faced helmet, which is self-explanatory. Since comparisons were drawn between complaints related to pricing and features included within this helmet, we find the 4.5-star rating reasonable.
Who Should Buy This Helmet
This helmet has been created specifically for riders who wish to have the benefits of an open-face helmet (openness) without sacrificing safety certification or convenient riding functions. Cruisers, scooters, street motorcycles and e-bike riders will find this helmet suitable for cruising around town on warm days. Its slim profile makes it unrecognizable as some form of novelty product. However, this helmet is also suited for riders who live in warm weather climates, since everything about this helmet helps create airflow to keep your head cooler on extremely hot summer days. Additionally, as this helmet is incredibly easy to take on and off quickly, it will suit perfectly for short trips and errands where a full-face helmet would be unwarranted.
However, this is not for everyone. Aggressive riders, speed enthusiasts, riders that travel at highway speeds frequently, or riders who transport passengers that they are concerned for may subject themselves to potential projectiles, debris, insects, or cold winds by wearing an open-faced helmet. For those types of riders and riding scenarios, a full-face helmet would likely be the safest alternative. Essentially, you lose face and chin protection for airflow, lightweight, and convenience when purchasing an open-faced helmet. Compare this to other alternatives using our motorcycle helmet comparison chart, or visit our review section for more breakdowns on various gear.
For information about what DOT certification entails and why it matters, refer to NHTSA's motorcycle safety section (https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ANYPASS helmet DOT compliant?
Yes. The ANYPASS open-faced helmet is compliant with Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for impact absorption and penetration resistance as outlined in Federal Motor Vehicle Standard No. 218, thereby rendering it legal for on-road usage.
What does the dual visor system do?
Outside of daily riding with an outside clear visor, you also receive a built-in retractable tinted sun visor that slides down when excessive sunlight enters your eyes, eliminating the need to swap shields or shades while riding.
Does this helmet run small?
Numerous buyers noted that the sizing was slightly smaller than anticipated, suggesting buying one size larger if in between sizes, as is typically normal with lower-priced helmets.
Can I remove or wash the helmet liner pads?
Yes. The pads are detachable and washable moisture-wicking pads, which helps maintain cleanliness of your helmet lining after months of sweaty rides.
What type of riding is suitable for this helmet?
The ANYPASS is best suited for cruisers, street bikes, and e-bikes, primarily for use in warm climates.
What materials is the shell made of?
The shell is constructed from high-impact ABS molded over a multi-density EPS foam liner, an established and affordable method of constructing entry-level helmets.