What makes me think I'm getting a scam in the helmet world is when it costs under forty dollars. When you pay that little, you typically find yourself dealing with a helmet made of flexible plastic (like tupperware), a sticker lining that peels within weeks, and buckles that will never allow you to glove up again. However, when the CARTMAN matte black half helmet appeared on my radar for this price-point, with a DOT stamped on the back, I thought it would be worth giving a closer look. While forty dollars won't get you many helmets with a DOT FMVSS no. 218 certification, although it's extremely rare to see a helmet with such certification at this low price.
The matte black shell keeps the very affordable price of the helmet hidden. It walks the fine line between being a "skull cap" and a "half helmet", and is not cheap-looking from a distance. For the scooter commuter, ATV trail rider, or cruiser owner who simply needs legal head protection without committing to a full-face helmet, this may be the ideal option.
Build Quality and Safety
Before we dive deeper into this review, let's cover the safety aspect. The CARTMAN matte black half helmet is certified by DOT FMVSS no. 218. As mentioned earlier, that certification indicates compliance with the federal motor vehicle safety standard, which includes testing for impact absorption and penetration resistance. It also ensures that the helmet provides retention. Although it is not Snell certified nor ECE certified, the fact that it meets the minimum requirements for legal protection for motorcyclists in the United States makes it a viable option.
As stated above, the shell of the helmet is manufactured using lightweight ABS plastic. Most budget-friendly half-shells on the market today are constructed of similar materials. There is no carbon fiber involved. It is not necessary, however. What truly matters here is the liner inside. In this case, CARTMAN used a thick high-density EPS liner that is completely ventilated. Ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining cooling efficiency. Since half-shells are designed to create a bubble of warm air around your head during warmer months, ventilation is essential to remove excess heat buildup. The ventilation system in this helmet allows for air circulation through the helmet.
In addition to offering excellent ventilation, the finish of the shell itself is a simple matte black finish. With minimal graphics and no pretend carbon weave design elements, the finish has a classic look that pairs well with virtually any bicycle or jacket color scheme. Additionally, riders have reported that the weather-resistant coating maintains its integrity even after exposure to rain and dust. That level of durability is uncommon at the lower-end pricing tiers available in today's marketplace.
At this price point, the obvious tradeoff to consider is that a DOT-approved half-shell like this offers reduced protection compared to a full-face model. It boils down to physics and geometry, and not a comment regarding the effectiveness of this particular helmet. The entire lower portion of your face (your chin, etc.) remains exposed when riding with a half-shell. If maximum protection is what you are seeking then you'll need to invest in a full face model. The main goal of this product is to provide adequate protection for the rider's head while allowing him/her to meet his state's head protection requirements without needing to commit to a full-face helmet.
Comfort and Fit
This x-large size helmet was tested for fit purposes, and as expected, it ran quite large. Ordering down to the next largest size is recommended for those requiring a snugger fit or for those riders falling between two size ranges. The quick-release buckle is the defining feature of this helmet. One single motion will release the buckle and allow you to remove the helmet. Another single motion will lock it into position once again. This eliminates the need for fiddling with double-d rings while wearing gloves in cooler temperatures. For commuters who wear and doff their helmet multiple times per day, ease of use is often grossly undervalued.
While not luxurious for long-distance travel (touring), the interior lining and padding are sufficient for shorter stints. It wasn't created for someone planning on spending hours upon hours on their motorcycle. However, it serves its intended purpose. On shorter scooter commutes or slower ATV trail rides, it does its duty.
Adjustable fit is also worth mentioning. The strap on this helmet enables you to customize how tight the fit of the helmet is and since it comes in different sizes, it is suitable for adult and teenage riders. This flexibility is what CARTMAN uses to promote it for various types of riders, including street, dirt and snow enthusiasts.
The reviewer's suggestion for finding the correct fit, if you're between sizes, go down!
Budget half shells are known to run larger than average sizes and a loose-fit half shell is far more dangerous than no helmet at all. Since this helmet has a matte finish, there are no reflections and no fingerprints to worry about either, which adds to its overall appeal each time you grab it.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
There are currently 188 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 stars. Therefore, we have enough data points to assess sentiment. Value is the dominant theme among these reviews. Time and time again, reviewers express gratitude towards CARTMAN for providing them with the least expensive legitimate DOT-rated helmet they've ever purchased. At this price-point, customers are generally expecting low-quality products and receiving solid products is surprising to many.
The second biggest theme is fit. Many customers bought this x-large helmet because they had bigger heads and have commented positively about how well it fits them. Conversely, some have noted that sizing runs larger and recommend ordering down in order to achieve a tighter fit.
Reviews consistently reference the DOT certification provided by CARTMAN. The certification is likely one of the primary reasons that many customers chose to purchase this helmet.
Not everyone has been pleased. Some reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with comfort levels when riding for extended periods of time. Others were unhappy with how close to their skin the chin strap sat and still others complained about lack of noise-reduction capabilities, although these issues are common among all half-shell designs.
A few reviewers also pointed out that fit varies greatly depending on size selection, an issue commonly seen among other entry-level budget helmets as well.
Net assessment: for an inexpensive DOT-rated half-shell helmet at this cost level, CARTMAN has delivered greater than expected results. All negative comments reflect common concerns associated with all half-shells regardless of price.
Who Is This Helmet For?
This helmet is not designed for track racing or sport-touring type riding. This is a simple, inexpensive helmet designed primarily for casual motorcyclist's daily commute (scooter usage) or trail riding (ATV/UTV).
Scooter commuters would make great candidates for purchasing this product as would ATV/UTV trail riders who prefer lighter weight helmets and want something that provides clear visibility while riding.
Additionally cruisers would love to use this product as well due to its minimalist appearance.
Lastly, this could serve as a backup helmet for any motorcyclist wanting additional coverage for passengers or friends who forget their own helmets.
For anyone interested in learning more about this product prior to making a decision, our motorcycle helmets comparison chart compares full face models and modular models against this product, enabling consumers to compare protection vs price.
For new riders wanting information related to buying motorcycle helmets, please check out our blog. We provide helpful guides on sizing helmets properly as well as information related to different levels of certifications (DOT, Snell, etc.) as well as what factors you should focus on when shopping for your first motorcycle helmet.
Honestly speaking, if you desire maximum crash protection, you should spend more money and acquire a full-face model. If you are willing to spend approximately as much money as it takes to fill up the gas tank of your large pickup truck, for an authentic DOT-approved half-shell helmet at an unbeatable price, then the CARTMAN matte black half helmet will be difficult to top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this CARTMAN half helmet really DOT compliant?
Yes. It has received DOT FMVSS no. 218 certification which proves compliance with federally mandated standards for motorcycle helmets sold in the USA. Those standards include tests for impact absorption and penetration resistance as well as retention.
What size should I buy?
Reviewers suggest that sizing tends to run larger than expected in general. Therefore if you fall between sizes, try ordering down in size in order to obtain a snugger fit. The X-Large size would obviously be best suited for those with larger heads. Anytime you receive a helmet that shifts significantly throughout your head, regardless of whether you believe it fits, it will cause discomfort and reduce your level of safety while riding.
Will this be good enough for highway riding?
Although it complies with federal regulations and is therefore acceptable for use on highways, it will still provide relatively limited protection and substantially less noise-dampening than a full-face model would provide at highway speeds. Thus, it seems ideal suited for short street rides or casual cruising on ATVs/SUVs or scooters rather than sustained highway use.
How do I operate the quick release buckle?
One simple action will release the buckle allowing you to quickly remove your helmet. Another action will lock it back into place, all while operating through gloves.
Can I purchase this helmet for my teenager/kids?
CARTMAN states that it can be worn by teenagers/adults. Due to its adjustable straps and ample sizing, it appears reasonable for use by either group.
Does the finish of the matte black shell hold up well?
According to customer reports, yes. The matte finish does not attract fingerprints or glare and seems durable against exposure to water, rain, snow, dust, and the like.