You might find a DOT-certified half helmet that actually looks okay for less than a premium. That's basically the marketing promise that the CARTMAN half helmet with Eagle Graphics delivers. After reviewing the specifications and almost 2,000 customer reviews on Amazon, it generally meets expectations. It is rated at 4.7 stars overall. That's pretty darn good for a budget-priced half shell.
You rarely see ratings of this caliber for cheap half shells. The CARTMAN is intended for riders who want the wind on their face and clear lines of sight, without having to wear a full-face helmet.
Full-face helmets and half helmets could hardly be farther apart. An inexpensive half shell is light on the head, cooler in warm weather, and super easy to put on for a quick trip to the grocery store. There is absolutely no question about what you're sacrificing. None whatsoever. The CARTMAN is a half-shell design with an ABS shell that includes an eagle graphic and that gets comments. Let's analyze how the specs and consumer opinions compare to cost.
Specifications and Build Quality
Certification is important, it's literally the most important aspect of buying a helmet. As stated earlier, the CARTMAN is DOT certified under FMVSS No. 218. That is a genuine sticker and testing program, not a novelty sticker you'll find on many cheap lids. Therefore, in terms of certification, the CARTMAN beats out every other helmet in this price range.
The lightweight ABS shell is typical for budget helmets and does everything you'd expect. Most importantly, it keeps the weight down, which you'll definitely appreciate on a long ride, especially if your neck isn't burning from trying to hold it up.
Underneath the ABS shell lies a thick EPS foam liner. That EPS layer is the real impact-absorbing component, and it needs to be as thick as possible and completely ventilated. That's why it's vented throughout.
Quick-releasing snap buckle, another plus. There's no ratcheting, no messing with a D-ring when you're stopped and dripping sweat. Just snap it and go.
At this price point, the construction is as expected. It's not carbon fiber, we didn't anticipate that. However, customers continuously tell us it feels solid, not cheaply made. You get a legitimate, certified helmet built with acceptable materials and finished nicely. That's an accurate summary of this product based upon our research. Take a closer look and form your own opinion regarding the shell.
Fit and Comfort
In addition to being a budget-friendly option, this is where half helmets either succeed or fail. Fit. A helmet that is too large is even worse than wearing no helmet at all. Budget lids are notorious for running large, and this helmet is no exception. Customers purchasing this helmet repeatedly comment on this issue. Measure your head first.
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head, slightly above your eyebrow line and ear area. That measurement is what you'll compare to the size chart, not your hat size. Many reviewers emphasized this point. In his post titled great looking helmet, Ed states simply, measure your head two or three times and order the size according to those measurements. That's basically it. Get the right measurement and the fit will likely be snug and comfortable. Get it wrong, and you may be sending the helmet back.
As stated earlier, half helmets provide complete openness to the elements, allowing wind to blow directly onto your face and providing unobstructed views of the world surrounding you. That's exactly why people purchase this type of helmet in the first place. Weight-wise, it is sufficiently light that you won't notice it.
Reviewers praise its comfort and state that it provides adequate retention once fitted properly. The quick-releasing buckle returns in usefulness here as well, making putting the helmet on and taking it off a simple operation, especially during stop-and-go rides or when stopping for fuel. No wrestling with straps needed.
One additional item to consider. Since it is a half-shell helmet, there is absolutely no protection for your jaw or face. Some riders are perfectly fine with that on a bright sunny day cruising around town. Other riders prefer to maximize their protective capabilities when traveling at higher speeds. Consider which group you fall into prior to purchasing.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Reviews are where this helmet earns its credibility. 1,890 owners have given this helmet an average rating of 4.7 stars. That's no fluke. That represents thousands of dollars spent by satisfied customers who have walked away pleased. Here's what they continue to repeat:
Value is clearly the theme repeated most frequently in customer reviews. Dan White, a five-star purchaser and new to half-face helmets after decades of riding in various capacities, referred to it as excellent value for the money. He praised it for fitting well and looking great. That's basically the entire sales pitch in one review. You receive a helmet that fits and looks nice while not draining your bank account.
Scott Frazel was direct. The helmet looks nice and fits nicely, top quality. Reviews from satisfied customers that are brief tend to be more credible than lengthy complaints from dissatisfied consumers. Generally speaking, satisfied customers write short reviews. Unhappy customers write long ones.
Ryan Rhode gave it four stars and indicated he enjoyed the helmet's designs and found it to be quite comfortable and securely fitting. Four stars instead of five stars usually means there was one minor issue with the product. However, based upon feedback from others in similar categories, when sizing is correct, purchasers appear to be content.
Ed advises measuring your head twice prior to placing your order, and we couldn't agree more, since sizing issues are probably the most common cause of returns in the entire category. Buyers continually reference sizing as a major factor affecting satisfaction with products within this class. Don't make this mistake. Get your sizing right initially, and you've got about 80 percent of your battle already won.
Perfect? Not entirely. Naturally, there are several reviews mentioning the normal half-helmet pros and cons: no face protection, wind noise at high speeds, etc. These are not shortcomings unique to this particular helmet, these are inherent characteristics associated with the style of helmet purchased. If you wish to evaluate other certified half shells or open-face helmets side by side compared to this model, check out our motorcycle helmet comparison table.
Who Is This Helmet For?
This helmet benefits the rider who requires DOT-legal certified protection without committing to full-face gear. We can fairly confidently assert who that type of rider typically is.
Budget-conscious riders. If you're new to motorcycling and require a budget-friendly DOT-approved helmet, but don't want to spend a ton of money upfront on gear, this would be an ideal initial lid. It's priced affordably enough that you still have funds remaining for essential accessories such as gloves or jackets. Cruiser and street riders will enjoy the openness afforded by this style along with the visual appeal provided by the eagle graphic.
Also, there exists a certain breed of rider who just enjoys the aesthetic style. Openness and simplicity are aspects of half helmets that full-face gear cannot compete with. So long as that's your style preference, you'll likely be unwilling to be persuaded otherwise, and this one does justice to the look.
Let's be realistic. Although we did mention previously that there is a compromise involved in choosing this style of helmet, there are certainly instances where this style of helmet offers better safety protection than some riders realize. A half helmet protects your head, top and back, while offering zero protection for your face, jaw, and chin. Highway riders seeking maximum protection may benefit from full-face helmets. Numerous riders begin with a half shell and upgrade once they become accustomed to longer distances traveled. Ultimately, only you can determine which camp you belong in. For those types of riders who choose this type of safety priority level for themselves, the CARTMAN eagle on Amazon is an authentic choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CARTMAN helmet DOT certified?
Yes. It is certified under DOT FMVSS No. 218, which is a genuine testing and certification program, not a decorative sticker. That sets it apart from many un-certified cheap lids in the same price range.
Does this helmet run true to size?
Budget half shells often run large, and this one is no exception according to reviewers. Measure your head with a soft tape measure above your eyebrows and ears, then compare to the size chart. Do not rely on your hat size.
How heavy is the helmet?
It is a lightweight ABS shell, and reviewers note it is light enough to forget you are wearing it on longer rides. It will not cause neck strain like heavier full-face options.
Does it protect my face and jaw?
No. As a half-shell design it protects the top and back of your head only. It offers zero protection for your face, jaw, or chin, so weigh that before choosing it for high-speed riding.
Is the helmet comfortable for long rides?
Once sized correctly, reviewers report it fits snugly and stays secure. The vented EPS liner keeps airflow moving, and the quick-release buckle makes it easy to take on and off.
What styles does the eagle graphic come in?
The helmet is available in several sizes and graphic finishes including the Patriotic Eagle and Flag Skull designs. Check the listing for current color and size availability before ordering.
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