This inexpensive beanie-style helmet gives you legality without hurting your wallet. The NeoHelm half helmet is a basic DOT-approved option for riders who prefer simplicity and flow of air over maximum protection. The helmet is made from a lightweight ABS shell, which puts less weight on your neck. It is a budget-friendly option for city riders.
The Reality of Open Face Design
The open-face design means you have zero obstruction around your vision or ears. This allows for unrestricted airflow during hot summer rides, but it leaves your jaw and face exposed to every pebble and bug on the road. You gain the breeze, but you lose the safety of a full-face barrier. This helmet is built for urban commuting where speeds are low and stops frequent.
The listing claims it works for highway cruising, but the physics of a half helmet at high speeds usually get loud with wind buffeting. I have not run this pack to see how the wind feels at seventy mph. It is like wearing a hat and assuming the weather will stay nice. You trade protection for the feeling of freedom.
Open-faced helmets leave your jaw and face completely unshielded against bugs and pebbles. Your head is cooled by air hitting your face. however, the lack of a chin bar means your face is not protected by the helmet's structural framework. Therefore, you will receive every speck of dust and exhaust. The lack of a chin bar means you will need to continually adjust it, which can be annoying throughout the course of an extended trip. This [Neohelm motorcycle helmet] is perfect for the rider who prefers to see what he/she is doing and enjoys the fresh air more than having the armor of a full helmet.
Specs and Materials
The helmet has a total weight of 2 pounds (less than any other helmet currently on the market). Lower weights reduce stress on your neck muscles through long periods of sitting. Although ABS is considered an entry-level material compared to carbon fiber or advanced composite materials, it still serves its intended purpose. The Quick Release Buckle has one-handed operation, which enables you to remove your gear in seconds, but the plastic mechanism might feel flimsy compared to a sturdy ratcheting system.
Sizes include S-XL, depending upon the circumference of your head. As stated in the description, if you fall within two sizes, choose the larger size as the fit needs to be snug. The maker is Virtue and the model number is 513. This is a basic tool for a basic job. No frills here.
As stated earlier, the ABS is a form of plastic. Plastic is relatively inexpensive to make and therefore is a cost-effective alternative for the consumer. Unfortunately, plastic is not able to absorb shock as effectively as higher-end materials. In addition, if you were to fall onto the ground, the shell may crack or transfer shock into your cranium. These are compromises you make for a lower-cost option. In terms of weight (at 2 pounds), this is a significant advantage for commuters who suffer from neck discomfort. however, typically lighter helmets result in less dense liners. Therefore, you are seeking [affordable biker gear] options that do not weigh you down.
Design and Comfort
The helmet includes a padded lining that contours to the shape of your head. Therefore, the helmet will remain secure when in motion. however, the foam may wear out quicker than premium memory foam. The matte black finish is sleek-looking. however, scratches will show up easier due to the dull finish. The interior liner is minimalist. It simply does its job without smothering you. You don't want a helmet that resists you every time you put it on.
The matte black coating eliminates glare from sunlight. This will help with visibility during early-morning commutes. however, oil spots and fingerprints will appear on the finish more frequently than on shiny surfaces. You will probably find yourself cleaning the finish with a cloth regularly. The padding is thin enough to provide a low-profile appearance. Therefore, your helmet won't resemble a mushroom perched atop your dome. however, there is less material separating your brain from the external world. It is a basic utilitarian design intended for practicality rather than luxury.
What Riders Say
The helmet has a 4.1-star rating based on 31 reviews. This is a very small sample size for any gear, so you should take the feedback with a grain of salt. Some users appreciate the padding, while others mention the fit. Because there are so few ratings, we cannot definitively determine if there is a recurring manufacturing defect or a comfort issue. We are looking at a snapshot, not a full movie here.
Overall, most riders say they received excellent value for money. That is what they want, something that works without breaking their bank account. However, since there are only 31 reviews available today, we cannot confidently assess the long term durability of the ABS shell.
Current pricing and availability change often, so check the live listing before you order.
Current pricing and availability change often, so check the live listing before you order.
Who Should Buy This
If you ride locally short distances at low speed and do not worry about protecting your chin from impact during accidents, then this is likely a great option. However, if you will be taking extended trips at high speed or you require facial protection above anything else, then do not purchase this helmet. This is best suited for riders that need an easy-to-use legal lid for short trips around town. If you are searching for top rated safety products and sharp carbon fiber technology, then this isn’t going to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this helmet safe for highway speeds?
Although this helmet has been DOT certified (i.e., meets certain minimal safety requirements regarding impact resistance), as an open-face design, it doesn't protect your face or jaw area. When traveling at highway speeds, strong winds can create enough pressure to either raise or shake your helmet. While ABS shells are generally acceptable materials for lower-energy impacts found commonly in urban environments, they may not be suitable for higher-energy crashes experienced at greater speeds.
How does the sizing work for this NeoHelm?
You can determine your correct size by measuring around your head above both ear holes. Once you've done so, refer to the provided chart to see which size matches your measurement. According to the manufacturer’s instructions (if your measurement falls between two sizes), select the next larger size as there needs to be an adequate amount of tension between your head and the helmet in case of an accident.
Is the ABS shell good quality for daily use?
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and represents a very common plastic used to build helmets. Its characteristics as an affordable light-weight material are ideal for urban commute situations at slow speeds. ABS will not offer the performance level of fiberglass or carbon fiber, but it should provide reasonable protection to your cranium for each day's urban use at slow speeds.
Can I install an intercom with this helmet?
The design does not explicitly mention specific cutouts for speakers or microphones. Because it is a half helmet, there is plenty of open space around the ears to fit most [intercoms]. You will need to check if the padding allows for the speakers to sit flat without pressing. If the padding is too thick, you might have to trim it slightly to get a proper fit. Most riders find that they can mount gear on half helmets easily because there is no chin bar to get in the way.
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