The BwondMand half helmet with retractable visor gives you a classic German look that most buckets do not have. It's the classic German half shell that you envision when you think of a cruiser rider rolling into a small-town diner. Plus, it includes a tinted visor that folds down when the sun becomes too much to handle, and then stores itself when it's not needed. At an extremely affordable price, you will get a lot of retro charm in this single helmet.
This helmet would be ideal for cruiser, bobber or touring bike riders who want that classic WWII silhouette look without breaking the bank. Since it is DOT certified, lightweight and will not try to be a full face track helmet (that is not its purpose), you cannot go wrong. I will summarize below what you are getting.
Build Quality and Safety
First and foremost in helmet discussions is safety. So we will start there. The BwondMand is DOT certified, which means it satisfies the minimum requirement for street riding in the U.S. As mentioned earlier, no one is going to pretend this is a racing certification. However, for casual cruisin' this is all you need.
The helmet shell is made from high-strength ABS. The same material that most affordable helmets are constructed from and has proven itself at this price point. The shell is tough and durable. It withstands the day-to-day bumps and scrapes of garage storage and is not brittle. Knock it around some time and worry less about developing hairline crack in the finish.
Do not expect perfection. This is a half helmet. This type of helmet only protects the top of your head and back. Your face, jaw and chin are left unprotected. This is the compromise that you take on with any half helmet. If you want maximum facial protection, this is NOT the helmet for you. If you want a lightweight classic lid for short hops and laid-back cruisin', it is sufficient.
Overall build-quality seems to be just right for the price. The finish is clean and smooth. The stitching is neat and even. Nothing rattles. Considering the cost, this German-style half helmet exceeds expectations.
Comfort and Fit
Fit is where half helmets succeed or fail and this one hits the mark in the basics. The classic German design rests low on your head and wraps snugly around your skull. Many riders reported that their sizing was accurate, so you should feel confident ordering your regular size, and if you fall between two sizes, many said to go up a size for comfort.
The adjustable chin strap made from soft materials is another plus. Stiff webbing can be annoying and dig into your neck on cheaper helmets. With this one, you can set the strap to whatever tension you prefer, enough to hold firmly during high-speed riding yet loose enough not to choke you at red lights. Details like these show themselves over hours of riding.
As far as ventilation goes, this is one of the better half shells available. Due to the fact that your entire face is exposed to the air, ventilation will be superior compared to full-face helmets. To improve ventilation further, the BwondMand features vents to allow air flow in warmer temperatures. Cold weather calls for a balaclava or liner under this half-shell regardless of temperature.
According to reviews, comfort is a major factor cited among riders who purchased this helmet. Riders described it as being very light and easy to forget you were wearing it. That's exactly what you desire from a "shorty."
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Reviews paint the best picture of what riders really experience with products such as this, and this product has a consistent story told by its 134 ratings at 4.4 stars. Here are some of the common threads expressed by riders:
Many riders loved the styling of this half shell as it looks like a traditional German model. They stated they were looking for the vintage look and got it. Many riders complimented this helmet saying it photograph great in photos taken while parked, etc... If style is important to you, this helmet delivers!
Another favorite feature of many riders was the retractable visor. The visor shades bright sunlight when riding during peak daylight hours and stores itself when not needed. Many riders noted that it was convenient and effective.
Buyers praised value, as well. For the price paid for this helmet, riders felt that they received excellent value. The DOT certification, convenience of the visor, durability of the high-strength ABS shell make this an incredible bargain.
Fit was where riders experienced mixed results. While most riders found that it fit them perfectly based on their size choice, a smaller percentage of riders said that it ran either slightly small or large depending on their head shape. Ordering your correct size may help alleviate any issues.
Finally, a few riders complained of wind buffeting and quality of chin straps. However, many more riders indicated that both were satisfactory for the price.
Who Is This Helmet For?
Based upon previous comments about this helmet, it has clearly defined its target audience. It appears designed for cruiser riders seeking that classic WWII silhouette without having to spend premium dollars. Additionally, those seeking additional style options for their passengers will appreciate the similarity in design between this helmet and typical cruiser half-shells. Finally, anyone seeking an affordable secondary helmet or passenger helmet will enjoy using this one.
Not recommended for riders requiring extreme levels of protection, extended periods of comfort on long distance rides or helmet-based communication systems.
How does it compare to other half helmets? Check out our Helmet Comparison Chart to see how this compares to other helmets that provide similar functionality.
In summary, if you are a cruiser rider who has always wanted to achieve that classic German look, the BwondMand German style half shell helmet provides an inexpensive route to acquire it along with a tinted visor. It meets DOT standards for safety. It's comfortable for casual cruising, and owners have given it high ratings.
We have plenty more gear review information posted on our blog if you are interested in learning more about what works on bikes. We also have other motorcycle helmet reviews if you want to learn more about budget-priced helmets.
If you're ready to purchase one now and see how it performs on your bike, click on current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BwondMand half helmet DOT approved?
Yes. The BwondMand German style half shell helmet meets DOT certification requirements, thereby making it safe for street riding within the United States.
Does the visor come with the helmet?
Yes. The tinted retractable visor comes included at no charge with the helmet. When not needed due to excessive sunlight, it will fold down and store itself.
How does the sizing run?
Most buyers report sizing correctly. A smaller number of buyers indicate that sizing runs slightly small or large depending on head shape. If you fall between sizes, many buyers recommend sizing up for increased comfort.
Is it good for winter riding?
Due to being a half helmet, your face remains completely uncovered while riding. Therefore, you will likely require a balaclava or liner under this half-shell in colder climates. Ventilation allows cooler air to enter in warmer climates, making this a better option than many full-face models in those conditions.
Can I wear sunglasses with this helmet?
Since this is a half helmet with an open face, yes. Sunglasses fit easily under the visor, providing additional glare protection from overhead sun exposure.
Can I use this as a passenger helmet?
Yes. It provides light weight comfort with ample style at an affordable price point as a secondary passenger helmet option and matches well with a rider's half-shells.