The TRIANGLE 3/4 open face motorcycle helmet is DOT compliant and meets FMVSS 218, the U.S. Government's standards for motorcycles. In many ways, that may seem like a small thing. However, a DOT certification stamp means the manufacturer tested the helmet to withstand various impacts and penetration tests, not just advertising. Since the majority of your head will be exposed with an open-face helmet, you want to know that the inside of the helmet provides adequate protection.
Additionally, since this helmet is designed as an open-face helmet, we cannot count on the protection provided by the chin bar found on a full-face helmet.
Build Quality & Safety
The helmet shell is made of high-impact ABS material. As mentioned earlier, the overall design goal of this helmet was to be ultra-lightweight. The primary benefit of a lightweight helmet is to prevent excessive neck strain during long rides. A heavier helmet will soon become a significant factor in determining whether a pleasant afternoon cruise becomes a miserable few hours. Additionally, the shape of the helmet shell is intended to provide excellent airflow. Wind flow is critical when using an open-face helmet. Without the protection of a chin bar, the way wind flows past your head is significantly altered. A poorly designed helmet will create turbulence behind your head and cause unpleasant buffeting at higher speeds. The TRIANGLE is designed to allow the air to move smoothly over the surface of the helmet and minimize wind noise.
Comfort and Fit
The main feature of the helmet is the built-in, retractable dark-tinted inner sun shade. When you're riding and the sun is directly in front of you, simply pull the sunshade down, then, when you enter a shaded area, merely push it back up. This prevents you from having to stop and adjust your sunglasses every time the sun moves. The sunshade blocks approximately 99% of UV rays and helps protect your eyes from debris blown by the wind. At sunset or with a low-angle sun, sunglasses don't offer enough protection. Therefore, having a built-in sunshade reduces eye exposure and glare.
In addition to the sunshade, the helmet also comes equipped with a detachable brim (peak) above the forehead. The brim serves two functions. First, it protects your eyes from direct sunlight from overhead. Second, it allows you to customize the appearance of your helmet. Simply remove the brim for a clean low-profile look, or leave it attached for that classic cruiser-style silhouette.
The chin strap is easily adjustable and features a durable quick-release buckle that can be operated with one gloved hand. Because you'll likely be removing and putting on the helmet constantly on shorter trips through town or grocery shopping, adjusting the strap quickly and easily is very important to avoid any irritation caused by fiddling with it while trying to hold onto other items.
What Amazon Reviewers Say
The TRIANGLE currently holds a four-star rating based upon 339 customer reviews posted on Amazon. Most customers are scooter and moped riders who have purchased this helmet due to their desire for a lighter-weight alternative to traditional full-face helmets. Many customers have expressed great satisfaction regarding how light this helmet feels. One customer even went so far as to say that after wearing it for several hours, he could almost forget that he had it on, which is quite possibly the greatest compliment that can be given to an open-faced helmet. Neck fatigue is certainly the biggest enemy of longer, slower-paced rides. Lighter helmets greatly reduce this potential problem.
Many customers have also expressed their appreciation for the ability to retract the sunshade and operate it without needing to pull over. Some reviewers noted that this function worked extremely well in both bright conditions as well as during low-sun situations.
There were some negative comments from customers that included issues related to sizing (many reviewers stated that this helmet ran slightly smaller than expected), and some reviewers reported difficulty finding the optimal position for the chin strap.
However, none of these problems appear to be major show-stoppers, although if you're planning on purchasing this helmet online, it would be wise to consider these possible issues prior to making your purchase.
Who Is This Helmet For?
This helmet is ideal for those motorcyclists who wish to enjoy the benefits of wearing a protective helmet without feeling confined by wearing a full-face lid. Cruiser-type bikes typically fall within this category. Urban bikers and scooter and moped enthusiasts also find themselves well-suited for this type of helmet. If you ride primarily in cities at relatively low speeds or enjoy relaxing cruises on your vintage bike with an open-air feel, then this helmet should provide you with both good looks and plenty of fresh air while protecting your head with a lightweight, DOT-approved helmet shell.
We discuss the pros of each type of helmet style in our motorcycle helmet comparison table section. Additionally, if you are unsure which type of lid suits you better, our motorcycle blog covers everything you need to know about selecting a helmet that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TRIANGLE 3/4 helmet DOT approved?
Yes. It meets all requirements for DOT certification and complies with federal motor vehicle standard #218 (FMVSS 218) which is the minimum safety requirement established by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for all helmets sold in America.
How does the internal sun visor work?
The internal sun visor on this helmet is a retractable dark-tinted shade located near the interior of the shell. To block sunlight from entering your eyes, simply extend it downward, then retract it upward again when no longer needed. The sun visor blocks nearly 100% of all ultraviolet rays and creates an additional barrier between your eyes and wind-borne debris.
Can I remove the peak or brim?
Yes. The brim (also known as the peak) on this helmet is removable and interchangeable with another brim for styling purposes. Remove it if you prefer a low-profile look, or attach it for added overhead sun coverage and a classic cruiser silhouette.
What type of riding is this helmet most suitable for?
This helmet is best suited for low-speed cruising on scooters, mopeds and cruisers in urban settings. It is designed to remain lightweight and aerodynamic during extended periods at slower speeds, minimizing neck fatigue. If you only ride on a highway at higher speeds, a full-face or modular lid is the safer pick because your jaw and chin stay protected.
How do I determine my correct helmet size?
To ensure proper fitment, please refer to the size chart provided by TRIANGLE. Measure your head circumference carefully before ordering. Many reviewers state that this helmet runs slightly small compared to standard measurements, so order up one size larger to achieve proper fitment.
Does the helmet come with anything else?
It ships with a storage bag to keep it protected when you are not riding, along with the retractable visor and removable brim already installed. Check the current listing on Amazon for the latest color and size options.