A lot of motorcyclists that own a dual sport or adventure motorcycle are aware of the gear problem. A full face road helmet can feel claustrophobic on tight single track, and a motocross style helmet leaves you squinting into highway wind without a visor. There is a type of helmet called ADV (adventure) that attempts to solve the gear problem. The TRIANGLE Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmet is one example of an ADV-style helmet and it tries to bring those capabilities to market at a cost that won't necessitate your selling a second set of wheels.
Here is what we learned about this product via owner input, specifications, and how it compares to other products available today.
Build Quality and Safety
The TRIANGLE helmet has an ADV-style appearance with an elongated chin bar, visor peak, and shell design that is roughly half way between aggressive motocross and refined street designs. The composite multi-layered shell appears solid and durable but is not too heavy for the average rider. Many of the owners noted that the helmet is very balanced on the head and this is important because many adventure bikes tend to sit high and are unstable on uneven surfaces.
The shell has a glossy finish that is resistant to minor scratches. Owners stated that the seal around the visor was good and there were no issues with the sliding parts. The helmet meets DOT requirements for safe street use, which is essential for any rider using their motorcycle on public roads.
The composite shell is designed to absorb and distribute the force generated by impacts across the entire helmet surface. In addition, the EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner inside the helmet is uniform in density throughout and has no weak spots or voids. Additionally, the chin bar extends far enough forward to provide meaningful coverage in a frontal impact. As such, it is ideal for riders who connect paved roads with trails.
If you're interested in other alternatives consider reading our ILM Dual Sport ADV review and our Orthrus Full Face review for additional affordable helmet options.
Dual Visor System and Ventilation
One of the distinctive features of this helmet is its dual visor design. The primary polycarbonate shield affords a large viewing area that feels natural when looking for traffic, trail hazards, or wildlife. The integrated drop-down sun visor can be moved to either position via a lever located on the left-hand side of the shell. When dropped down into position, it fits snugly against the shell. When raised back into place, it retreats cleanly. The tint applied to the visor drops sunlight glare sufficiently without obscuring details in shadowed areas, a good balance for the changing light levels encountered during adventure riding. The drop-down visor unit remains steady and does not vibrate when moving from a sunny exposure to a shaded area, nor does it fall unexpectedly.
The ventilation system includes several intake ports along the brow line and chin bar combined with several exhaust outlets along the rear of the helmet. Airflow through the helmet is apparent but not excessively gusty. The chin vent delivers air directly onto the underside of the shield helping to keep it clear of fogging. Vents above direct air flow over the crown of the helmet, while exhaust ports along the rear of the helmet effectively remove heat from within the shell. The removable peak atop the helmet has an angle that channels airflow instead of catching it like a sail. This reduces the strain placed upon the neck during prolonged periods spent traveling at highway speeds while providing ample shading for riders.
Interior Comfort and Weight
Reviewers gave the moisture wicking interior liner of the helmet positive ratings. They said after a long ride it came off damp but did not feel waterlogged. The cheek pads are firm without being intrusive, and the crown padding provided a comfortable amount of support to avoid developing pressure points after wearing for extended lengths of time. The liner is completely removable and washable, something that may not be possible with other helmets priced similarly.
The helmet shape leans toward an intermediate oval shape. Riders having a round or long-oval head shape would likely benefit from trying this helmet prior to purchase. Ear pockets accommodate rider communication systems without excessive squeezing.
The included chin curtain helps to eliminate excess wind noise but as this is an ADV-style helmet riders can anticipate hearing more wind noise than a dedicated street full-face.
The TRIANGLE sits squarely in the middle of the ADV category for weight, and owners have reported feeling as if it does not weigh heavily on the head. The distribution of weight on this helmet is low and centered, and thus far owners have rarely experienced neck fatigue during long days in the saddle. Several owners have described the shape of this helmet as stable when ridden at high speeds with little to no upward lift when the peak is attached.
Comparison and Value
There are many different types of ADV-style helmets currently available in the market place. Options include helmets produced by Bell, LS2, and Scorpion at various price ranges. Based on overall performance characteristics and cost, the TRIANGLE model most closely rivals entry-level ADV-style helmets offered by well-established manufacturers. Compared to these helmets, the dual visor design is better integrated into the shell. Ventilation stack performance is comparable to helmets costing double as much money.
In terms of finish refinement and noise reduction, however, this helmet falls short of its competitors. Seals around moving components are good, but not great. Wind noise is greater than what riders experience in more expensive helmets with improved aerodynamics. Detents on shields are positive, however the shields themselves appear somewhat thin for maximum stability at high rates of travel. The chin strap uses a standard D-ring closure, which is secure and familiar but not as convenient as the ratcheting systems found on some competitors.
Overall, this is a good option for riders seeking an affordable dual-sport helmet for mixed riding applications without breaking the bank. At this price point, you receive features such as DOT certification, composite construction, dual visors, and adequate ventilation, everything you need except perhaps a fancy brand name. Browse our motorcycle helmet comparison page or check out our intercom reviews page if you intend to incorporate communications equipment.
Who Should Buy the TRIANGLE Dual Sport Helmet?
This helmet is ideal for riders engaged in both pavement and dirt-based adventures needing DOT compliance for road legality and desiring a single helmet that performs equally well in both mediums. Newer riders transitioning from paved roads to adventure riding will appreciate this helmet's ability to perform equally well in both environments.
Street-focused riders who spend nearly all their time on paved surfaces will prefer a dedicated full-face street helmet offering superior aerodynamics and less wind noise. Pure dirt riders who never plate their bike will benefit from motocross-style helmets specifically designed for off-road racing. However, most adventure riders fall somewhere in-between, and this helmet therefore deserves serious consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety rating does the TRIANGLE Dual Sport helmet have?
The TRIANGLE Dual Sport ADV helmet carries a DOT certification, meaning it meets US federal safety standards for on-road motorcycle use. This makes it street-legal across all US states.
Is the sun visor integrated or add-on?
The drop-down sun visor used with this helmet is part of the original design and is activated via a slider on the left hand side of the shell. It is built in and requires no add-on parts, and it moves into and out of position smoothly.
Can I install a Bluetooth intercom in this helmet?
Yes. The ear pocket space in this helmet allows for most rider communication devices without unnecessary pressure on them, including most Bluetooth intercom units from Sena, Cardo, and others.
What head shape does this helmet fit best?
This helmet fits heads shaped in an intermediate oval configuration. Riders possessing round or long-oval head shapes may wish to try on this helmet prior to purchase to determine proper fitment.
Is the liner washable?
Yes. The TRIANGLE interior liner is completely removable and washable by machine, a desirable feature for warm weather riders who tend to generate significant amounts of moisture from sweating.
How does the wind noise compare to a full-face street helmet?
As with most ADV helmets, expect more wind roar than a dedicated street full-face due to the peak and visor design. The included chin curtain helps reduce it, and earplugs are worth carrying for long highway stretches.