There is a motorcycle rider experience we have all had at some point. You pull up to a red light, flip up the face shield, and immediately feel the warm air of a summer day rush past your face. This is one of the reasons half helmets continue to sell. The TRUSTERTHEE Half Motorcycle Helmet, with its German-style shell that appears to be straight out of a movie made in the 1970s, captures this spirit. As stated previously, the TRUSTERTHEE Half Motorcycle Helmet is not a full-face helmet. It is a lightweight skullcap with a face shield. The cost of the helmet allows for a group of riders who desire the freedom of the open air experience, yet cannot afford to spend a large amount of money.
Build Quality and Safety
First, let's start with the DOT stamp, because that is ultimately the only number that really matters. This helmet meets DOT FMVSS-218 standards. This helmet has been tested for both impact and penetration in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. While half helmets may be subject to the same standards for meeting federal requirements, they are not required to protect your chin or jaw area. Therefore, if you require additional facial protection, you will need to opt for a full-face helmet.
Half helmets only provide protection to the top portion of your skull. This is a trade-off you choose to make, and not one that occurs accidentally. The shell is constructed of molded ABS plastic. ABS is used due to its durability, resistance to cracking upon impact, and ability to reduce weight. Most reviewers agree that this helmet is very light on the head. Weight is particularly important during extended periods of time spent cruising around. The matte black finish contains a subtle textured quality that prevents fingerprints from showing. Additionally, the German-style design provides a sleek silhouette.
Airflow is provided via the shell's design. Airflow is directed to allow heat to escape versus building up within the helmet. Several reviewers noted that the helmet was cooler than anticipated for a half-shell helmet. Heat build-up within a helmet can quickly transform a pleasant cruise into a sauna. A face shield is designed to snap onto and off of the helmet.
Additionally, TRUSTERTHEE provides a breathable fashion mask. The mask is not meant to be taken seriously as a piece of safety equipment. Instead, it helps keep dust and other debris from entering your lower face and adds to the overall look of the helmet. The mask is best treated as a stylistic element.
Comfort and Fit
The first factor contributing to comfort is the liner. The interior padding is soft and lies comfortably against your head without scratching your skin as many cheaply made liners tend to do. The liner is easily removed. Removing the liner may seem insignificant at first glance, however this feature alone extends the life of your entire helmet by allowing you to remove and wash it after each use. Many reviewers consider this feature to be among the better aspects of this helmet for its price.
As mentioned earlier, this helmet comes in only medium and large. Although this may appear to be a relatively small size range, it matters greatly. Due to having fewer areas of contact (i.e., less shell), half helmets fit differently compared to full face units. A good fit depends heavily on the way the shell holds your head in place around your forehead and sides. If you fall somewhere in between sizes, the safer bet is choosing the smaller size as padding tends to break in and become looser over time. A loose-fitting half helmet tends to wobble when turning your head, and this becomes annoying quickly. Many reviewers reported that the fit of this helmet ran true to size, although several reviewers felt the liner sat snug on their head initially.
Weight plays a role in comfort as well. Since the shell is so lightweight, you often forget it is even there. When comparing this type of half-shell helmet to those that weigh significantly more, this aspect of comfort becomes apparent. The low weight also aids in keeping the shield securely attached without leaning forward.
I encourage you to check the current sizing and options prior to placing your order, as this could limit the suitability of this helmet.
Although the shield opens and closes positively with an audible click, it is a single shield design and therefore covers only your eyes and the bridge of your nose. The increased wind noise experienced at highway speeds will likely exceed that of a full-face helmet. Thus, riders doing significant amounts of high-speed travel may find using earplugs beneficial. However, locally within city limits, the open feel is what you're looking for.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
The 98 reviews posted on Amazon show an average rating of 4.3 stars. This represents an excellent score for a budget-priced half-shell helmet. Based upon reviewer comments, there seem to be common themes associated with purchasing this helmet. First, reviewers loved the appearance of the helmet (and specifically liked the German style). Second, they appreciated the cost. Third, they were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was relative to others in its class.
Buyer commentaries frequently reference the German-inspired styling as the primary reason they purchased this helmet. Reviewers refer to the stylish look as fitting perfectly with their cruiser, moped and scooter rider aesthetics, which equates to an emotional connection for them regarding their vehicle choice. They are not buying maximum protection here. They are buying an image, a look, an experience.
The value proposition emerges repeatedly throughout buyer commentary. In fact, multiple reviewers express surprise regarding the price paid for a helmet that looks so nice (as evidenced by the German styling) and includes DOT certification. The combination of reasonable pricing under 30 dollars coupled with inclusion of a face shield and fashionable mask creates another common theme throughout reviews.
While criticism is sparse for this helmet model, there are criticisms present. Some reviewers mention that the sizing runs tight and advocate selecting larger sizes if you fall in between sizes. Others report experiencing issues related to the width of the shield, namely that it is too narrow for broader-faced riders. Finally, a couple of reviewers mention experiencing higher-than-average wind noise during operation at speed. Again, these are realistic expectations for any half-shell helmet sold today. Criticism regarding functionality of the mask is minimal. Most view it simply as a cosmetic item.
The overwhelming consensus surrounding this product indicates that it offers a great-looking helmet at a reasonable price point that serves its intended purpose. No reviewer mistakes this helmet for anything remotely resembling an elite-level full-face unit. For the specific audience targeted here (open-air enthusiasts), it works fine.
Who Is This Helmet For?
The TRUSTERTHEE is clearly targeting a particular audience based upon its design characteristics and specifications. Specifically, this helmet appeals directly to individuals who prioritize open-air feel and style over maximum coverage protection. Thus, cruiser riders, scooter commuters and moped owners comprise this target audience. If your ride consists primarily of casual cruising on surface roads where you want to enjoy the breeze, then this helmet will serve your needs.
Not for track riding. Not designed for racing or aggressive track use, nor will it serve for motorcyclists requiring modular touring lids equipped with communication systems integrated into the helmet.
If you plan on spending substantial time traveling at highway speeds or engaging in spirited riding on your sport bike, you'll be missing jaw protection as well as dealing with increased wind noise levels. You'd be advised to consider a full-face or modular helmet instead.
Due to limited size availability (only medium and large), you may want to rule out consideration if you need an extra-small or extra-large size.
In terms of value proposition, for the correct individual, someone who enjoys casual rides on slower-paced surface roads in addition to appreciating retro-styled designs, it's difficult to dispute its merits as a compelling choice. You receive a DOT-certified shell, shield, mask, and cool look at a price substantially lower than most brand-name products. To learn more details including remaining inventory in various sizes, visit Amazon's TRUSTERTHEE page.
If you are interested in exploring alternative open-air styled half-shell options that offer comparable experiences, you may want to review our helmets section where you can compare models offered across manufacturers in greater detail and at varying price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TRUSTERTHEE helmet DOT approved?
Yes. The shell carries DOT FMVSS-218 certification for the US market. That means it passed federal impact and penetration testing. Remember that DOT approval applies to what the helmet covers, and a half helmet leaves your face exposed by design.
Does it come with a face shield?
Yes, a face shield is included along with a breathable fashion mask. The shield flips up and down, and the mask keeps dust and debris away from your lower face. The mask is more of a style accessory than a protective barrier.
What sizes are available?
The TRUSTERTHEE comes in Medium and Large, and that is the full size range. Riders at either extreme of the size chart need to look elsewhere. If you sit between sizes, most buyers recommend going up a size since the liner breaks in and loosens slightly.
Is it lightweight?
Reviewers consistently describe it as light on the head. The ABS shell keeps the weight down, which reduces neck fatigue on longer rides and makes the helmet easy to forget you are wearing. That lightness is a big part of why the comfort reviews are so positive.
Is the liner washable?
The interior padding is removable, and that is a genuine plus. You can pull the liner out and wash it, keeping the helmet fresh through a season of riding. Buyers call this out as one of the better features for the price.
Does the wind noise get bad at speed?
Wind noise is higher than a full face helmet, which is inherent to the half shell design. On surface streets it is a non-issue, and the open feel is the appeal. At highway speeds, earplugs are worth carrying. That is true of essentially every half helmet on the market.
The TRUSTERTHEE Half Motorcycle Helmet is a niche product done well. It does not pretend to be something it is not. You get a sharp German-style look, a DOT certified shell, a shield, and comfort that punches above its price. If your rides are casual, your streets are slow, and your style is retro, it is a hard value to beat. Just know what you are buying before you add it to your cart.