TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor Review: A Modern Classic for the Open Road

There’s an undeniable romance to riding a motorcycle, scooter, or cruiser. It’s the feeling of freedom, the direct connection to the road, the rush of the wind—it’s an experience that’s hard to replicate. As a long-time rider, I’ve chased that feeling across countless miles. But with that freedom comes a non-negotiable responsibility: safety. The challenge has always been finding gear that doesn’t compromise the classic, open-air experience while still providing the modern protection we need. Too often, riders are forced to choose between a bulky, feature-heavy helmet that feels isolating, or a minimalist “beanie” that offers style but questionable safety. This search for the perfect middle ground—a helmet that is safe, comfortable, stylish, and still lets you feel the ride—is what led us to test the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor.

What to Consider Before Buying a 3/4 Open Face Helmet

A motorcycle helmet is more than just an accessory; it’s the single most critical piece of safety equipment you’ll ever own. It’s a key solution for protecting your head from impact, reducing wind noise, and shielding your eyes from debris and the elements. For riders of cruisers, classic bikes, and city scooters, the 3/4 open-face design offers a unique balance. It provides significantly more protection than a half helmet by covering the sides and back of the head, while still offering a wider field of view and a less claustrophobic feel than a full-face helmet. The primary benefit is that it immerses you in the environment without sacrificing a crucial level of safety.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values a vintage aesthetic and the sensory experience of an open-air ride but refuses to compromise on certified safety. This includes daily commuters on mopeds, weekend cruiser enthusiasts, and café racer aficionados. However, it might not be the best choice for high-speed track riders or long-distance tourers who need the superior aerodynamic performance and total weather protection of a full-face or modular helmet. For those riders, a helmet with more comprehensive chin and face coverage is the more appropriate, and safer, choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Safety Certification & Materials: The absolute first thing to check is the safety rating. In the United States, this means looking for the DOT (Department of Transportation) FMVSS-218 sticker. This certification ensures the helmet has passed rigorous testing for impact absorption and strap retention. The outer shell is your first line of defense; materials like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), as used in the TRIANGLE helmet, offer an excellent blend of strength and light weight for this price point.
• Fit & Sizing: A helmet that doesn’t fit correctly can’t do its job. It should be snug all around your head without creating painful pressure points. It shouldn’t move or rotate when you shake your head. Always measure your head circumference according to the manufacturer’s chart, and pay close attention to user feedback regarding sizing, as some helmets can run larger or smaller than expected.
• Comfort & Liner: For any ride longer than a trip to the corner store, comfort is paramount. The internal liner material makes a huge difference. Materials like the suede used in the TRIANGLE helmet are prized for their soft feel. Also, consider if the liner is breathable, moisture-wicking, and ideally, removable and washable for long-term hygiene.
• Visor System & Features: An integrated visor is a massive convenience. Look for one that provides UV protection and is easy to operate, even with gloves on. A drop-down sun shield is a premium feature in this category, eliminating the need to carry separate sunglasses. Additional features like goggle strap holders or snaps for aftermarket visors add to the helmet’s versatility.

Making the right choice is about balancing your riding style with these core functional requirements. The goal is to find a helmet you’ll actually want to wear every single time you ride.

While the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor is an excellent choice, 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: Vintage Vibe Meets Modern Craftsmanship

Unboxing the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor, the first thing we noticed was the finish. The matte black color is deep, even, and feels surprisingly premium. We inspected it closely, and just as other users have noted, our copy arrived flawless, without a single scuff or blemish. At 1.52 kilograms (about 3.35 lbs), it has a reassuring heft—not so heavy that it feels burdensome, but solid enough to inspire confidence in its protective qualities. Running a hand over the ABS shell, it feels robust and well-molded.

The real surprise, however, was the interior. The suede liner is exceptionally plush and soft to the touch, far exceeding our expectations for a helmet in this category. It feels like something you’d find in a much more expensive piece of gear. The padding is thick and supportive, especially around the cheeks. The initial fit for our size Large tester was quite snug, confirming feedback from other riders that it tends to run a size small. This is something to be aware of, but as with any good helmet, we anticipate it will break in perfectly over the first few rides. The integrated drop-down sun shield operated with a satisfying click, offering immediate eye protection. You can immediately see the value and thoughtfulness put into its design and check the latest price and availability here.

Performance Deep Dive: Riding with the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face

A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true worth is only revealed on the road. We spent several weeks testing the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor in various conditions, from short city commutes on a scooter to longer weekend cruises on a classic Yamaha. Our deep dive focused on the three pillars of any great helmet: safety, comfort, and real-world usability.

Safety and Construction: The Core of Protection

The primary job of a helmet is to protect your head, and this is where the TRIANGLE helmet truly delivers. Its foundation is a high-quality Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell, a material known for its excellent impact resistance and durability. Beneath this shell lies a thick multi-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam liner, which is engineered to absorb and dissipate the energy of an impact, reducing the force transferred to your head. The most crucial feature, however, is the DOT FMVSS-218 certification. This isn’t just a marketing sticker; it’s a guarantee that the helmet has undergone and passed standardized, rigorous government testing for penetration resistance, impact attenuation, and retention system strength. When you secure the adjustable chin strap, you feel locked in and secure.

While our testing, thankfully, didn’t involve a crash, the real-world performance of this helmet has been tragically yet powerfully confirmed by other riders. We were struck by one user’s story: “Had a crash on my e-scooter and this helmet saved me. The road rash on my arms is a good indication of how bad my head and face would have been.” This type of firsthand account is invaluable. It transforms the abstract concept of “DOT approval” into a tangible, life-saving reality. It proves that despite its classic looks and budget-friendly price, the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor is serious protective gear that performs its most critical function when it matters most.

Comfort and Fit: A Helmet You’ll Actually Want to Wear

If a helmet isn’t comfortable, you’ll find excuses not to wear it, which defeats its purpose entirely. TRIANGLE clearly prioritized comfort in the B206 model’s design. The moment you slide it on, you understand. The suede liner is incredibly soft against the skin, and the thick, generous padding cradles your head securely. As one user aptly put it, “holy cow its super soft.” This level of interior comfort is a standout feature that makes even longer rides enjoyable. The fabric is also designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking, which we found effective during warmer afternoon rides, helping to keep our heads relatively cool and dry.

However, the most critical aspect of comfort is fit, and this is where riders must pay close attention. We, along with numerous other users, found that the sizing runs consistently small. Our tester, who normally wears a size Large, found the Large to be very snug. One rider advised, “Tienes que pedirlo una talla más de lo que eres” (You have to order it one size bigger than you are). Our recommendation is unequivocal: measure your head carefully with a soft tape measure, consult the TRIANGLE sizing chart, and then order one size up from what the chart suggests. While it will feel tight at first, the padding is designed to compress and conform to the unique shape of your head after a few hours of wear, resulting in a perfect, custom-like fit. This initial snugness is a sign of a properly fitting helmet, but starting with the right size is essential for it to become the comfortable companion it’s designed to be.

Visor System and Versatility: Clear Views in All Conditions

The integrated visor system on the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor is a game-changer for this style of helmet. The main feature is the internal, dark-tinted drop-down sun shield. With a quick, decisive pull on the side lever, it snaps down into place, providing instant relief from bright sun and glare. It offers 99% UV protection, and we found the tint level to be perfect—dark enough for sunny days but not so dark that it becomes unusable when passing through shadows or tunnels. This single feature eliminates the hassle of fumbling with sunglasses, which can be a major distraction while riding.

One of the most significant benefits we discovered, echoed by other users, is its compatibility with prescription glasses. As one rider happily noted, “I can wear my glasses underneath the visor no problem.” The shield deploys over most standard eyeglass frames without interference, a detail that glasses-wearers will deeply appreciate. While some users found the mechanism for raising and lowering the visor to be a bit stiff or “not fluid,” we interpreted this differently. The visor moves in distinct, tactile stages rather than a smooth glide. We see this as a positive, as it ensures the visor stays firmly in place, either fully up, fully down, or in an intermediary position, without rattling or dropping unexpectedly at speed. The helmet also includes top snap-on components and a rear goggle strap holder, allowing for further customization with bubble shields or traditional riding goggles, adding to its impressive versatility and making this a feature that really sets it apart.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own findings, we turned to a wider pool of user feedback to ensure our experience was representative. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Riders consistently praise the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor for its outstanding comfort, with the soft suede liner being the most frequently mentioned feature. Its DOT-approved status is another major selling point, giving riders a sense of security and confidence. One user who has been riding with it for eight months called it “excellent,” noting that it “feels solid and secure, offering great protection on every ride.”

The most common piece of critical feedback, which we wholeheartedly agree with, concerns the sizing. The advice to “order one size up” is nearly universal and should be considered essential guidance for any prospective buyer. The other minor critique involves the visor mechanism’s stiffness, though as we mentioned, this can also be viewed as a sign of a secure, robust build. There was an isolated report of a helmet arriving without its visor, which highlights the importance of checking your product upon delivery, but this appears to be a rare shipping error rather than a widespread product defect. Overall, the sentiment is that this helmet offers an incredible combination of style, safety, and comfort for its price point.

How Does the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Compare to the Alternatives?

The TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor excels in its niche, but it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader market. Depending on your primary needs—be it technology, maximum protection, or off-road capability—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. ILM 902BT Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet Modular Full Face Dual Visor

If you’re a tech-savvy rider or a long-distance tourer, the ILM 902BT is a compelling option. Its primary advantage is the fully integrated Bluetooth system, allowing for hands-free calls, GPS navigation, and intercom communication. It’s also a modular helmet, meaning the entire chin bar can be flipped up, offering the convenience of an open-face helmet when stopped without sacrificing the full-face protection while riding. This helmet is built for functionality and connectivity, making it ideal for commuters and touring riders who prioritize features over the vintage aesthetic of the TRIANGLE.

2. GLX GX11 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

For riders whose top priority is absolute, uncompromising protection, the GLX GX11 Full Face helmet is the logical choice. As a full-face helmet, it provides complete coverage, including the crucial chin and jaw area, which an open-face helmet leaves exposed. It features a sleek, aerodynamic design that is better suited for higher speeds, reducing wind noise and buffeting. While it lacks the retro charm and open-air feel of the TRIANGLE, it represents the gold standard for on-road safety. This is the helmet for the sport rider, the aggressive commuter, or anyone who simply wants the maximum possible protection.

3. Oumurs Motocross Helmet with Goggle Gloves Mask

The Oumurs Motocross helmet occupies a completely different segment of the market. It’s designed specifically for off-road, dirt bike, and ATV riding. Its key features—a large peak visor to block roost and sun, massive ventilation for low-speed, high-exertion riding, and an open eye-port designed for use with goggles—are all tailored for the dirt. While it is DOT approved for safety, its design is not practical for street or highway use. This is the clear choice for the adventure and motocross rider, whereas the TRIANGLE helmet is perfectly at home on paved roads.

Our Final Verdict on the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the TRIANGLE Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet with Visor is a phenomenal piece of gear that punches far above its weight. It successfully marries the free-spirited, vintage aesthetic that so many riders love with the modern, certified safety that every rider needs. The plush suede interior delivers all-day comfort, while the integrated drop-down sun shield provides a level of convenience typically found on more expensive helmets. It’s a helmet that feels as good as it looks, and its performance is backed by a life-saving DOT certification.

Its only real caveats are the small sizing—which is easily remedied by ordering one size up—and a slightly stiff visor mechanism that we ultimately found to be a reassuring sign of quality. We recommend this helmet without hesitation to any cruiser, scooter, moped, or classic bike enthusiast looking for a stylish, comfortable, and, most importantly, safe helmet for their daily rides and weekend adventures. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of retro style and modern protection, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value. Ready to experience it for yourself? You can see its full feature set and check the current price online today.