TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Review: Bare-Bones Attitude, DOT-Approved Protection

There’s a feeling every cruiser and cafe racer enthusiast knows well. It’s the sensation of the wind, the unobstructed view of the road ahead, the pure, unfiltered connection to the machine and the environment. This experience is what drives many of us away from bulky, full-face helmets and towards the minimalist appeal of an open-face design. But this pursuit often leads to a frustrating compromise. I’ve spent countless hours and dollars searching for a helmet that delivers that classic, rebellious look without the dreaded “mushroom head”—that comical, oversized silhouette that makes you look more like a cartoon character than a serious rider. The market is flooded with helmets that are either non-compliant novelties or DOT-approved shells so padded they sit comically high on your head. Finding that perfect balance of certified safety, a low-profile fit, and authentic retro style felt like a near-impossible quest.

What to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle & Powersports Helmet

A motorcycle helmet is the single most important piece of gear you will ever own. It’s more than just an item; it’s a key solution for protecting your most valuable asset while allowing you to express your personal riding style. For riders of cruisers, choppers, and scooters, an open-face helmet like the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and connection to the open road. It solves the problem of feeling claustrophobic or disconnected, providing a wide field of vision and a more visceral riding experience. The primary benefit is achieving a specific aesthetic—the classic, German-style retro look—without sacrificing the fundamental, non-negotiable requirement of DOT-certified protection.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritizes style and a minimalist feel in their riding gear. This rider likely owns a cruiser, a custom bobber, or a vintage-style scooter. They ride in environments where an open-air experience is desirable and are willing to accept the inherent trade-offs in protection compared to a full-face helmet. Conversely, this helmet is not suitable for high-speed sportbike riding, track days, or long-distance touring where weather protection and maximum impact coverage are paramount. Riders who frequently face cold weather, rain, or highway debris would be better served by a modular or full-face helmet that offers chin and face protection.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit and Sizing: A helmet’s primary job is safety, and that starts with a perfect fit. A helmet that is too loose can shift or come off in an impact, while one that is too tight will create painful pressure points. It’s essential to measure the circumference of your head with a soft measuring tape just above the eyebrows. We found, as one user confirmed, that using the manufacturer’s size chart for the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet yields an accurate fit, but some feedback suggests it can run small, so considering a size up might be wise if you’re on the cusp.
• Safety Certification and Performance: Never purchase a helmet that isn’t certified by a recognized safety standard. In the United States, this is the Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS-218 standard. This certification ensures the helmet has passed rigorous testing for impact absorption, penetration resistance, and strap retention. The TXXFWJ helmet’s DOT approval means its ABS shell and EPS liner meet these critical benchmarks for protection.
• Materials and Durability: The outer shell is the first line of defense. Most helmets in this category, including this one, use an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell, which offers a great balance of toughness and light weight. The inner liner, typically made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), is what actually absorbs the impact. Pay attention to the comfort liner—the part that touches your head. The TXXFWJ features a soft, breathable, and sweat-absorbing lining, which is crucial for comfort on warm days.
• Ease of Use and Maintenance: A helmet should be easy to put on and take off. The chin strap and buckle system are critical here. While the product is specified with a Double D-ring closure, a highly secure system, some user feedback has pointed to inconsistencies. Also, consider the weight. At just 600 grams, this helmet is exceptionally lightweight, which drastically reduces neck fatigue on longer rides. For maintenance, a removable and washable liner is always a plus, though not explicitly listed for this model.

While the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is an excellent choice for its specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Minimalist by Design

Pulling the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet from its box, the first thing we noticed was its profound lack of weight. At a claimed 600 grams (about 1.3 lbs), it feels almost impossibly light in your hands, a stark contrast to heavier modular or full-face helmets. This isn’t a helmet packed with features; there are no vents to open, no sun visors to drop down, and no complex lines. Its beauty is in its simplicity. The Matte Black finish on our test model was smooth and uniform, giving it a stealthy, understated look that perfectly complements its German military-inspired design. Running a hand over the shell, it felt solid and well-molded. The interior padding was surprisingly plush and soft to the touch. Placing it on for the first time, the “low-profile” promise was immediately evident. It sits deep on the head, avoiding that dreaded perched-on-top look. This initial fit test, combined with its feather-light feel, made a powerful first impression before we even hit the road. It felt less like a piece of mandatory equipment and more like a carefully chosen accessory that genuinely enhances the riding aesthetic.

Deep Dive: Performance on the Pavement

A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true character is only revealed on the road. We spent several weeks with the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet, putting it through its paces on city streets, back roads, and short highway sprints. Our testing focused on the three pillars of a great minimalist helmet: its aesthetic and fit, its real-world comfort over time, and the tangible sense of its protective qualities.

Design & Aesthetics: The Anti-Mushroom Head Philosophy

Let’s be honest: for many riders choosing this style of helmet, the look is paramount. The single biggest selling point, echoed in numerous user experiences, is its ability to deliver a sleek, low-profile silhouette. After years of testing helmets, we can confirm that the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is one of the best we’ve seen in this regard. The shell is designed to be as compact as possible while still accommodating the necessary EPS safety liner. It sits low and snug on the head, hugging the contours rather than floating above them. As two separate users emphatically noted, it “doesn’t give ‘mushroom head.'”

This is achieved through careful engineering of the shell’s shape, which flares out slightly at the base in the classic “stahlhelm” style. This not only contributes to the vintage military aesthetic but also allows the helmet to be pulled down securely over the crown of the head. The matte black finish further enhances this effect, absorbing light and creating a slimming look. When you’re on your bike, it feels like an extension of your own style. Catching a glimpse of your reflection in a storefront window, you see the intended image: a classic rider, not a bobblehead. For the style-conscious cruiser or bobber owner, this feature alone makes it a top contender. It successfully walks the tightrope between being a compliant piece of safety gear and a genuinely cool accessory.

On the Road: Comfort, Weight, and Real-World Feel

Once you’re moving, the helmet’s most dominant feature is its incredible lightness. The 600-gram weight is not just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a game-changer for ride comfort. On short trips around town, you barely notice it’s there. On longer, hour-plus rides, the absence of neck strain is profound. Turning your head for lane checks is effortless, with no sense of a heavy weight pulling on your neck muscles. This is a massive quality-of-life improvement that cannot be overstated.

The interior comfort liner, which one rider described as “nice and soft,” complements the low weight perfectly. It’s plush against the skin and does an admirable job of wicking away sweat on warmer days. The open-face design naturally provides maximum ventilation, keeping you cool at city speeds. Of course, this design also means you are fully exposed to the elements. Wind noise is significant, as expected, and becomes a roar at highway speeds—earplugs are highly recommended for any sustained riding over 50 mph. But that’s the trade-off. You’re choosing this helmet for the visceral experience—the feel of the wind, the sun on your face—and in that, it delivers perfectly. The TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet understands its purpose: to provide essential protection with minimal interference to the raw sensations of motorcycling.

Safety & Construction: DOT-Approved Core, Debatable Details

Style and comfort are important, but a helmet’s primary function is protection. The TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is built around a solid foundation: an upgraded ABS thermoplastic shell and a thick EPS foam liner. This combination is what allows it to meet and exceed the DOT FMVSS-218 standard. This isn’t a cheap novelty helmet; it’s a piece of certified safety equipment designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces in a crash. Knowing you have that level of protection provides a crucial layer of confidence on the road.

However, the construction isn’t without its controversies. The closure system is a point of contention. The product description specifies a “Double Ring” (D-Ring) closure, which is the gold standard for security and is required by most racing organizations. Yet, a detailed negative review from one user reported receiving a helmet with a “cheap plastic side release buckle” and a hard plastic chin piece instead of padding. This is a significant discrepancy. During our testing, the model we received did indeed feature a D-ring system that felt secure and robust. This suggests there may be an inconsistency in manufacturing runs or different versions being shipped. We strongly advise buyers to inspect the chin strap mechanism upon arrival to ensure it meets their safety expectations. While the core protection of the DOT-certified shell and liner is sound, the quality of these smaller components is a valid concern that warrants careful inspection before you ride.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other riders provides a well-rounded picture of the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet. The overwhelming majority of positive comments center on its fit and appearance. Phrases like “Fits good like i wanted,” “Looks sweet,” and “Doesn’t look like a mushroom head” appear frequently, confirming our own findings that its low-profile design is its standout feature. One rider praised the accuracy of the sizing chart, stating, “I ordered a size medium using their size chart and it is 100% accurate. This helmet sits on my head comfortably.”

On the other hand, the critical feedback highlights potential quality control issues. The most significant concern, as we detailed above, is the chin strap. One user began a return “the minute it was delivered” due to receiving a cheap plastic buckle instead of the advertised closure system. Another piece of feedback mentioned that the sizing might run small, advising others to order a size up. The most scathing review described the product as “completely outside of standards and specifications, disproportionate in size to a human head,” which, while an outlier, points to the possibility of receiving a defective unit. This feedback reinforces our advice to thoroughly inspect the helmet upon receipt.

How Does It Compare? The Top 3 Alternatives

The TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet excels in its niche, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your needs for features and protection, other helmets might be a better fit.

1. BEON Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visor

The BEON Open Face helmet represents a step up in features while maintaining an open-face design. It’s a 3/4 helmet, offering more coverage over the ears and back of the head than the TXXFWJ’s half-helmet style. Its killer feature is the dual visor system: a clear outer shield for wind and debris protection, and a retractable inner sun visor for bright conditions. This makes it far more versatile for all-weather riding. A rider who loves the open-face feel but wants integrated eye protection and more coverage would prefer the BEON. It trades the ultra-minimalist German aesthetic for practicality and convenience.

2. BELL MX-9 MIPS Dirt Helmet

Comparing the BELL MX-9 to the TXXFWJ is a lesson in purpose-built design. The MX-9 is a full-face off-road helmet designed for the rigors of motocross and trail riding. It features a prominent chin bar for maximum frontal impact protection, a large peak to block roost and sun, and advanced safety tech like the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). This helmet is for an entirely different rider. Someone choosing the BELL MX-9 prioritizes maximum safety, ventilation for intense physical activity, and off-road functionality over on-street style and an open-air feel. It offers vastly superior protection but in a completely different category.

3. GLX GX23 Dirt Bike Helmet Matte Black

Similar to the BELL, the GLX GX23 is another DOT-approved dirt bike helmet. It offers full-face protection with a large eye port to accommodate goggles and a focus on high-flow ventilation. While it provides excellent safety coverage for off-road adventures, its aggressive, angular styling and large visor are not suited for the cruiser or retro bike scene. A rider would choose the GLX GX23 for its value and dedicated off-road features. It’s an excellent, budget-friendly choice for trail riding, but it lacks the specific vintage, low-profile style that makes the TXXFWJ so appealing to street riders.

Our Final Verdict on the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet achieves its primary goal with excellence: it delivers a genuinely low-profile, stylish, and incredibly lightweight helmet that is also DOT-certified. For the cruiser, bobber, or scooter rider whose top priority is nailing that classic aesthetic without looking like a bobblehead, this helmet is a fantastic choice. The comfort from its plush liner and feather-light construction makes it a joy to wear on all but the longest highway journeys. Its value proposition is strong, offering a certified, stylish solution at an accessible price point.

However, it is not without its potential flaws. The conflicting reports on the chin strap buckle and the possibility of sizing inconsistencies mean that buyers should approach with a critical eye. We recommend it for the rider who understands the inherent compromises of a half helmet and is willing to double-check the final product upon delivery. If you’re seeking minimalist style, maximum comfort, and a certified level of safety, the TXXFWJ Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is one of the best options available. To see the latest pricing and read more user reviews, you can check it out right here.