Half helmets are a style decision first and a safety decision second, and the the Crown Racing makes no secret of which one it is. DOT certified, 2 pounds, classic German shell, and a 2.9 star average across 64 reviews that splits hard on sizing. Buy it for the look and the price. Measure your head twice before you trust the size chart.
Specifications and Value
The listing states this helmet is DOT certified. Therefore, it is constructed to meet the standards for FMVSS.218 under federal law. In addition to meeting the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding penetration resistance tests and other types of testing for impact resistance, this half helmet complies with all the relevant regulations. However, as you'd expect from a budget model, there aren't high-end materials utilized. You receive a solid plastic shell along with a thick internal layer of foam to absorb impacts. You will not find any carbon fiber or multi-density foam. While the plastic shell provides a physical barrier against injury, it doesn't offer the same level of structural integrity as higher priced models.
The weight of the Crown Racing is approximately 2 lbs. That's very light for half helmets. Lighter helmets reduce fatigue on your neck muscles, especially for longer cruising times. After an hour of riding, you won't feel like you're wearing a heavy helmet that pulls your head downward. However, sometimes lighter helmets are made using cheaper materials. As such, you're essentially purchasing a helmet based upon both the Aesthetic and the fact that it bears a DOT logo rather than superior material technology.
Design, Fit, and Size Issues
As mentioned earlier, the design of this helmet follows the traditional styling associated with motorcycles originating from Germany, specifically the rounded shape of the shell and shorter brim. Although this brim offers limited shading compared to a larger brim, the Crown Racing still allows you to keep your peripheral vision intact. The design is fitting for cruisers or bobbers and aesthetically pleasing for riders looking for an affordable version of an older motorcycle look.
There were several complaints regarding sizing from multiple Amazon reviewers. Some reported ordering what they thought was their correct size but found out that the helmet fit differently than expected. For example, one reviewer purchased a small, but ultimately stated it felt just as large as a large.
These inconsistencies make choosing a helmet difficult and may lead consumers to feel as though they are taking a chance when ordering online. Similar to shopping for shoes online, you cannot try the helmet before ordering. Additionally, while the interior foam padding is made of soft foam, some customers stated that it felt firm or even hardened close-up. Due to the stiffness of this foam, the helmet may not conform to your head shape as easily as you might have hoped.
Strap, Stability, and the Half Helmet Trade
In terms of functionality of the hardware when riding, we must consider each element separately. The chin strap uses a release mechanism attached via a red pull-tab. This mechanism is simpler to use than a standard D-ring and secures properly. One customer stated that he was traveling at 75 mph when his helmet stayed firmly in place without attempting to blow off of his head. Since these helmets tend to catch in the air due to their open design, this type of security feature is vital to preventing unwanted movement of your helmet while you navigate through traffic or experience strong gusts of wind.
Half shells come with their own list of realities. Unlike full face helmets, half shells provide significantly less protection for your chin area. This is part of the compromise for having an open-air sensation while riding. If you take a tumble at high speed, your chin and face will be exposed directly to the road surface. Therefore, this helmet is most suitable for low-speed urban riding in areas with little risk of high-impact crashes. While you lose some protection, you achieve greater freedom of airflow on your face and thus may prefer this type of helmet.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
With 2.9 stars across 64 reviews, consumer opinions about this helmet are nearly evenly split. Many customers appreciate it for its affordability and Aesthetic appeal.however, numerous other customers express dissatisfaction with aspects including fit and softness of padding. Customers satisfied generally comment on how light it is and how visually appealing it appears to others. Many state that for a build project or restoration job, it represents an extremely viable budget solution. The labeling provided on the rear that states "DOT certified" is perceived by some to be unsightly, yet can be covered up with either a black marker or additional stickers if needed.
Customers who are disappointed with their purchase typically mention discomfort issues related to stiff padding for extended periods of time. Customers who have complained about fit issues indicate that the stiff padding causes pressure spots where they don't normally exist. Clearly there are problems with consistency in terms of sizing as well. In some cases, consumers report that ordering multiple sizes prior to finding One that fits comfortably is necessary. With an average star rating of 2.9, purchasing this product is a gamble that may pay off for some and leave others with buyer remorse.
Who Should Buy This
For the owner of a cruiser or bobber and a tight budget looking for a vintage German-style helmet, the Crown Racing could be an attractive purchase opportunity. For owners of cruisers or bobbers wanting to accentuate their bike with vintage styled elements at an inexpensive price point, this item might satisfy their desires. Riders seeking helmets that are light and don't cause fatigue on their neck muscles during longer rides would probably enjoy using this product as well.
Do not use your money on this product if:
You require an exacting fit. You are going to ride at high speeds on highways and therefore lack chin protection. Your body is sensitive to stiff padding or if you dislike uncertainty with respect to whether your helmet will fit consistently. You desire a helmet that conforms to your head shape immediately after placing it on your head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this helmet meet the U.S. Department of Transportation standards?
This helmet will pass all the tests required by the FMVSS.218 standards. This includes passing the impact test and the penetration test that are mandated by the Department of Transportation before it can be used on highways. The helmet is designed for highway use.
Are there different sizes available?
There are four sizes: Small (S) for heads from 55-56 cm.Medium (M) for heads from 57-58 cm.Large (L) for heads from 59-60 cm.and Extra-Large (XL) for heads from 61-62 cm.
Were reviewers' complaints mainly regarding the sizing?
Yes, they were. Reviewers consistently complained about their helmets being too big or too small compared to what was expected. At least one reviewer said he thought the "small" was larger than his "large". Make sure to measure your head when ordering.
How heavy is the helmet?
The weight of the helmet is approximately two pounds (0.9 kg). That's very lightweight for a half-shield helmet. And that makes the weight easy to handle when you've got long rides ahead of you.
Is the padding comfortable?
Opinions split. Some riders find the foam comfortable, while others describe it as firm, almost hard up close.
Is a half helmet safe?
It is DOT certified for road use, but a half shell provides far less coverage than a full face. There is no chin protection. Match the helmet to the riding you actually do.
The bottom line: this is one of the cheaper ways to get the German half shell look with a DOT rating behind it. Go in knowing the fit is a coin flip and the padding runs firm. Compare it against other budget half helmets on our motorcycle helmet comparison page, and check the blog for more buying guidance before you decide.