There is a group of motorcyclists who refuse to hide behind a full-face helmet. These include skull cap-wearing motorcyclists, flat-trackers, bobbers, those who prefer the feeling of the wind in their hair as opposed to winning a drag race. For these motorcyclists, a helmet is simply part of the overall image of the motorbike.
The GFUERUFQ German Pilot helmet is a half-helmet designed to reflect the vintage military-style aesthetic of many German pilots during World War II. While the helmet retains this aesthetic, it was engineered to meet current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations governing helmets used in street riding. As such, it meets the necessary requirements to be worn in conjunction with a motorcycle and is therefore considered "street-legal."
In terms of aesthetics, there aren't many helmets that will provide this level of vintage flair and yet retain the ability to protect your head in case of a collision. Combine the aesthetic features of this helmet with the fact that it meets the necessary certifications for street-riding in the United States, and the budget-conscious consumer finds themselves in a rare position.
What follows is information regarding specifications of the helmet, owner input and comparisons to similar products available today.
Build Quality and Safety
First and foremost is the topic of safety. Many consumers question whether or not cheaper helmets will provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. The shell of the GFUERUFQ German Pilot helmet is constructed from ABS plastic. ABS is a common material found in lower-cost helmets that is durable enough to withstand normal incidents involving minor impacts and drops. However, it does not match the durability provided by carbon fiber. In terms of providing sufficient protection in the event of an incident, the helmet provides adequate impact protection due to its compact, lightweight design.
The primary aspect regarding safety for this helmet is that it possesses certifications from multiple organizations. Specifically, it has been certified under DOT (Department of Transportation), FMVSS-218, and ECE 2205 standards. While each organization has slightly varying criteria for testing helmets, they all test a helmet's ability to absorb and distribute shock upon impact. Furthermore, the certification process includes testing for penetration resistance. The fact that this helmet has received certification from both DOT and ECE indicates that it met specific standards for both impact absorption and penetration resistance. Having obtained certification from two separate organizations lends credibility to the manufacturer's commitment to producing a safe product versus merely placing a label on the helmet for marketing purposes. If you want to read up on what DOT compliance actually involves, the NHTSA helmet standards page lays out the impact and penetration tests every certified lid has to pass.
The inner surface of the ABS shell is comprised of a multi-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Foam) liner. EPS is a crushable foam that absorbs energy and thus reduces the force transferred to your head in the event of a crash. With multi-density construction, different areas of the liner vary in their density to provide optimal protection in high-risk areas while minimizing discomfort in other areas. Although a half helmet will never provide the same level of protection as either a full-face helmet or modular helmet, the materials included within the GFUERUFQ German Pilot helmet are performing their intended functions within the constraints of a half-helmet.
Lastly, worthy of note is the quality of finish. Owners describe the paint job and vintage detailing as being clear and well-applied given the cost of the helmet. This is a style-first lid, and as stated above, it perfectly captures the essence of the German pilot aesthetic with its sleek domed design and classic shell shape. Both aesthetically pleasing and photograph-friendly, it sits well on the bike.
Comfort and Fit
One area where half helmets excel is in their weight. The GFUERUFQ German Pilot weighs approximately 1.9 pounds, which is light enough to essentially ignore while riding. Given that riders engaging in extended cruising sessions or highway trips may experience neck fatigue associated with heavy helmets, this low weight helps alleviate this problem. Immediately noticeable when comparing to a heavy full-face helmet, reduced weight contributes positively to comfort.
Utilizing a moisture-wicking breathable liner inside the helmet allows for airflow to dissipate moisture from your skin. As riders who opt for half helmets understand, you will likely sweat while exposed to elements. This type of liner removes moisture from your skin while allowing air flow to help evaporate remaining moisture. Owners report that it remains comfortable throughout warm weather rides and dries rapidly once you are indoors again.
Available in three sizes (M = 57-58 cm, L = 59-60 cm, XL = 61-62 cm), this helmet offers a relatively narrow size range. Therefore, prior to making a purchase online, having your head measured for circumference would prove beneficial.
A single-touch adjustable buckle is another convenient feature present on this budget helmet that allows you to easily tighten or loosen your strap without needing to access or dismount complicated D-rings. Tightening your strap is crucial to ensure your helmet remains securely positioned on your head during travel at higher speeds. If the sizing between this and another lid has you wondering, our motorcycle helmet guide walks through how to measure your head and pick the right fit for any style.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Given that this helmet has accumulated 203 reviews with an average rating of 4.2/5 stars, there are ample reviews by owners of this helmet to review. The consensus among reviewers correlates closely with expectations based on data contained in the specification section above.
Style is repeatedly referenced as a major draw for potential buyers. Several reviewers reference receiving compliments on this helmet's vintage appearance and state that it is why they purchased this particular helmet. Additionally, numerous owners comment on how much more stylish they believe this helmet appears than most other helmets in its price class.
The comments on weight are equally consistent. Reviewers praise the very light weight of this helmet, noting that coming from heavier full-face or modular helmets this provides significantly improved comfort during longer periods of riding. The weight of approximately 1.9 pounds represents a legitimate improvement in comfort for riders engaged in prolonged periods of riding.
Another positive point mentioned by reviewers concerning this helmet relates to certification. One point repeatedly mentioned by reviewers concerning safety is that although they were aware that many budget-priced helmets offered little to no safety certification, several reviewers felt relieved to see DOT certification on this model.
As previously mentioned, the majority of negative comments concern fit issues. Similar to previous mentions regarding limited sizing options (M-L-XL), several reviewers reported difficulty finding proper fit with their larger or oval-shaped heads, while others wished there were larger size options available. Wind noise is mentioned occasionally, however as noted earlier, open-faced helmets are inherently louder at highway speeds than closed faced helmets. We've covered a lot of lids across the site, so if you want to compare this vintage pick against other budget options, take a spin through our blog for more reviews.
Who Is This Helmet For?
This helmet is specifically targeted towards riders who consider their helmet part of their motorcycle build or aesthetic presentation. Custom builders, cruiser enthusiasts, cafe racers and any rider who wishes to emulate the classic military pilot style without spending thousands on a luxury brand name helmet will appreciate the retro-vintage styling presented by the GFUERUFQ German Pilot half-helmet.
Additionally, riders who dislike the heavy confines of full-face helmets may benefit greatly from purchasing this lightweight open design half-helmet. Those who primarily engage in short hop local errands or casual cruising at slow speeds will likely appreciate the lighter weight and freedom provided by this open design half-helmet.
However, riders that spend most of their time traveling at freeway speeds or require additional protective features such as shields or chin bars may prefer more comprehensive coverage offered by full-face or modular designs. Riders requiring maximum protection regardless of environmental conditions will ultimately find better suited alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GFUERUFQ German Pilot helmet DOT approved?
Yes. It has DOT (Department of Transportation), FMVSS 218 and ECE 2205 certification which makes it compliant for on-road motorcycle usage throughout the United States.
What is the weight of this helmet?
Approximately 1.9 pounds. That light weight is one of the main reasons owners pick it for long rides, since it minimizes neck strain compared to heavier full face options.
What sizes are available?
M = 57-58 cm, L = 59-60 cm, XL = 61-62 cm. Prior to making an online purchase, we recommend taking your head measurement to guarantee correct fit.
Is this helmet good for highway riding?
While acceptable for casual cruising at slower speeds, for riders who frequently engage in lengthy freeway commutes or excessive highway travel, this open-face design may create additional noise concerns at elevated speeds due to lack of ear and chin coverage.
Can I wear goggles with this helmet?
Yes. Due to its open-face design, there is ample space between your eyes and nose and the front portion of this helmet for eyewear and goggles.
What type of lining does the helmet use?
The interior uses a moisture wicking, breathable lining that pulls sweat off your skin and dries quickly, keeping it comfortable through warm weather rides.
The GFUERUFQ German Pilot half helmet delivers on its core promise. You get a vintage look that turns heads, a light comfortable build, and genuine DOT certification, all without spending big money. It's not a track lid and it doesn't try to be. What it is, is a solidly built style first half helmet that lets you ride legal and look good doing it. For the cruiser crowd and the custom builders out there, that's a hard combo to beat at this price point.