There’s a unique freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle, scooter, or moped. It’s the wind, the unfiltered connection to the road, the feeling of being part of the landscape rather than just passing through it. But for years, I struggled to find a helmet that matched this feeling. The choice often felt like a compromise: you could have modern, certified safety, or you could have classic, vintage style. Getting both, along with practical features for daily riding, seemed like a tall order. I was tired of bulky, generic helmets that made me look like an astronaut, and equally wary of style-first lids with questionable safety credentials. The real complication is that your helmet is the single most important piece of safety gear you own. Settling for less in any category—be it comfort, visibility, or, most critically, protection—is simply not an option. This search for the perfect blend of retro aesthetics, modern protection, and real-world usability is what led me to the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors.
What to Consider Before Buying a 3/4 Face Motorcycle Helmet
A Motorcycle & Powersports Helmet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for personal safety and riding comfort. It solves the most critical problem for any rider: protecting your head from impact in the event of an accident. Beyond this primary function, a well-designed helmet mitigates wind noise, protects your face and eyes from road debris, insects, and weather, and reduces rider fatigue on longer journeys. The main benefits are a trifecta of safety, comfort, and function, allowing you to enjoy your ride with confidence and focus.
The ideal customer for this type of 3/4 open-face helmet is someone who values a wide field of vision and a sense of openness while riding. This includes riders of cruisers, bobbers, cafe racers, scooters, and mopeds who primarily engage in urban commuting or leisurely rides on scenic backroads. They appreciate vintage styling that complements their bike but refuse to compromise on modern safety standards like DOT certification. Conversely, this style might not be suitable for those who engage in high-speed track racing or aggressive off-road riding, as they require the complete chin and facial protection offered by a full-face helmet. For those riders, a dedicated sport or motocross helmet would be a more appropriate alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A helmet that is too loose can shift or even come off during an impact, while one that is too tight will cause painful pressure points and headaches. Always measure your head circumference according to the manufacturer’s guide and read user feedback regarding sizing, as some brands can run slightly larger or smaller. The BEON helmet, for instance, seems to fit true to size for many, but it’s always best to double-check your own measurements.
- Safety Certifications & Performance: Never purchase a helmet that isn’t certified by a recognized safety standard. In the US, the minimum is DOT (Department of Transportation) FMVSS 218. The ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) 22.05 certification, which the BEON also carries, is often considered more stringent. Features like a dual-visor system—a clear outer shield for general protection and a drop-down inner sun visor—dramatically enhance performance in varying light conditions.
- Materials & Durability: The outer shell is your first line of defense. Most helmets in this category, including the BEON, use a durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) thermoplastic shell, which offers excellent impact resistance for its weight and cost. Inside, a high-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam liner is responsible for absorbing and dissipating the energy of an impact. The quality of the interior comfort liner and chin strap also contributes to the helmet’s long-term durability and feel.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a quick-release chin strap make securing the helmet effortless, even with gloves on. A major long-term consideration is hygiene. A helmet with a removable and washable inner liner is far easier to keep fresh and clean after hot summer rides. The ability to remove visors without tools is another convenient feature for cleaning or replacement, which we were pleased to find on the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors.
Thinking through these elements will ensure you select a helmet that not only looks great but also provides the safety and comfort you need for every ride.
While the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors 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: Unboxing the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet
From the moment we opened the box, we could tell the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors was built with a specific rider in mind. The helmet was securely nestled in a soft pouch, a nice touch that adds to the premium feel. Our test model was the Matte Black in size Large, and the finish was flawless—a deep, non-reflective black that feels both modern and classic. Lifting it out, the weight felt substantial enough to be reassuring (1.72 kg), but not so heavy as to suggest it would cause fatigue. The first thing that caught our eye was the interior. The combination of soft brown PU leather accents and breathable mesh looked fantastic and felt surprisingly plush to the touch. It immediately evoked the classic helmets of the 60s and 70s, but with a fit and finish that is clearly contemporary. The package also included the promised additional long outer visor, a user’s manual, and the helmet itself, ready to go. The dual visor mechanism felt crisp and positive, and the quick-release chin strap clicked into place with satisfying ease. It was clear this wasn’t just a novelty helmet; it was a thoughtfully designed piece of gear, and we were eager to get it out on the road. You can see the full kit and available colors here.
What We Like
- Excellent retro styling that complements vintage and cruiser bikes perfectly.
- Highly functional dual visor system with a clear outer shield and a drop-down sun visor.
- Dual DOT and ECE safety certifications provide peace of mind.
- Comfortable and high-quality interior liner that is removable and washable.
- Convenient Click-n-Secure quick-release chin strap is easy to use with gloves.
What We Dislike
- Bulky shell profile may not fit in the under-seat storage of some scooters.
- Lacks dedicated internal speaker pockets for communication systems, requiring modification.
Deep Dive: Performance Analysis of the BEON Retro Vintage Helmet
A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true worth is only revealed on the road. We spent several weeks testing the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors in a variety of conditions, from short city commutes on a Vespa to longer weekend rides on a classic cruiser. Our in-depth analysis focuses on the three pillars of any great helmet: protection, visibility, and long-term comfort.
Safety & Construction: More Than Just Good Looks
The number one job of a helmet is protection, and this is where the BEON helmet immediately inspires confidence. It’s not just DOT approved, which is the standard for the US market, but also meets the ECE 22.05 certification. This European standard involves a more rigorous battery of tests, including assessments of abrasion resistance and chin strap security, giving us an extra layer of assurance in its protective qualities. The outer shell is constructed from a tough ABS thermoplastic, a material known for its ability to resist penetration and distribute the force of an impact across a wider area. Beneath this hard exterior lies the high-density EPS foam liner, the component responsible for absorbing the shock and preventing that energy from reaching your head.
During our testing, the helmet felt incredibly solid and secure. The 3/4 design provides ample coverage, protecting the top, back, and sides of the head. This sense of security was echoed by one user who, unfortunately, had a real-world crash on their e-bike. They noted that while their cheek was tender, “the rim of the helmet took most of the head blow,” a powerful testament to the helmet’s ability to do its job when it matters most. That user’s experience validates our findings: the construction feels robust, the coverage is substantial for an open-face design, and it’s built to absorb impact effectively. While we thankfully didn’t have to test its crashworthiness ourselves, knowing it’s backed by dual certifications and has performed for others in real-world scenarios makes it a helmet we feel very safe recommending.
The Dual Visor System: All-Weather Versatility
Perhaps the most standout practical feature of the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors is its brilliant dual visor system. This is a feature typically found on more expensive touring helmets, and its inclusion here adds tremendous value. The primary outer visor is a large, clear, anti-scratch shield that offers excellent wind and debris protection. It clicks into place firmly and provides a wide, optically clear field of view with minimal distortion. We found it highly effective at deflecting wind from our eyes, even at speeds of 55-60 mph. Furthermore, the helmet includes an additional, even longer outer visor, which offers almost full-face coverage against wind and rain—a fantastic bonus for riders in unpredictable climates.
The real game-changer, however, is the internal, retractable sun visor. Activated by a smooth-sliding lever on the side of the helmet, this tinted shield drops down to act as a built-in pair of sunglasses. We found this indispensable. Riding into a low evening sun? Just a quick flick of the switch and the glare is gone. Entering a tunnel or a shaded street? Flick it back up instantly. This eliminates the need to carry separate sunglasses or fumble with changing visors. User after user praised this feature, with one calling the “built-in sunshade perfect against the evening sun.” Another simply said, “I love the 2 visors at one time.” The mechanism is easy to operate even with a gloved hand, and the anti-UV coating on the sun visor provides crucial protection for your eyes. This dual-system is a feature that truly sets it apart in the retro helmet category.
Comfort, Fit, and Rider Ergonomics
A safe helmet is useless if it’s too uncomfortable to wear. BEON clearly put a lot of thought into the interior of this helmet. The liner combines a soft, breathable mesh with stylish brown PU leatherette trim. During our rides, even on warmer days, we found the helmet to be well-ventilated for a 3/4 design, preventing excessive heat buildup. The padding is thick and plush, creating a snug and secure fit without any painful pressure points. One user described the lining as “super comfy,” and another praised the “interior leatherette with thick padding,” sentiments we wholeheartedly agree with. The fact that the entire liner and cheek pads are removable and washable is a massive plus for long-term ownership, ensuring the helmet stays fresh ride after ride.
The “Click-n-Secure” quick-release buckle is another ergonomic triumph. It’s a ratcheting system that allows for micro-adjustments and can be fastened and released with one hand, even while wearing thick riding gloves. This is a significant quality-of-life improvement over traditional D-ring systems. In terms of fit, we found the size L to be accurate based on our 22.5-inch head measurement, which aligns with feedback from several users who found it “fits perfectly” and “true to size.” However, it’s worth noting that some feedback suggests sizing can be subjective, so meticulously measuring your head is paramount. One rider mentioned they had to carve out a bit of foam to comfortably fit their Bluetooth speakers. While not ideal, it is a common modification for helmets without pre-molded speaker pockets and ultimately resulted in a “perfect” fit for them, showcasing the helmet’s adaptability.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the feedback for the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors is overwhelmingly positive. Riders consistently praise its blend of “super cool retro” style with modern functionality. Many users, especially those with Vespas and other vintage-style scooters, mention how the helmet’s aesthetic perfectly complements their ride, with one happy owner saying, “Purchased this based off other reviews and to go with my vintage Vespa. It’s super comfortable and stylish.” The dual visor system is a frequently cited highlight, with comments like “I really like the hideaway sunglasses” and “the built-in sunshade is perfect.”
However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced view. A common point of contention is the helmet’s physical size. One Vespa rider noted that “the helmet is too wide to store under the seat,” a practical consideration for scooter owners who rely on that storage space. Another user pointed out the lack of dedicated speaker pockets, requiring them to “carve foam” to install their comms system. While these are valid points, they seem to be minor inconveniences for most, outweighed by the helmet’s strong performance, comfort, and value. It’s also important to note isolated issues, such as one user in Argentina who received the wrong product entirely, which speaks more to potential seller or shipping errors than a flaw in the product itself, but is worth being aware of when purchasing online.
How Does the BEON Retro Helmet Compare to the Alternatives?
While we are thoroughly impressed with the BEON helmet, it exists in a competitive market. Understanding how it stacks up against other popular options is key to making the right choice for your specific needs.
1. GLX M14 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
The GLX M14 represents a more minimalist and budget-focused approach to the open-face helmet. Its primary advantage is its simplicity and lower price point. Like the BEON, it is DOT approved, but it lacks the dual ECE certification. Crucially, it does not feature an integrated sun visor, although it comes with a snap-on clear shield. A rider might prefer the GLX M14 if their budget is the primary concern, or if they prefer a more traditional, no-frills open-face design and don’t mind wearing separate sunglasses. The BEON, however, offers a far more complete and convenient package with its superior dual-visor system and arguably more premium interior finish, making it worth the extra investment for daily riders.
2. TRIANGLE Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visor DOT Approved
The TRIANGLE helmet offers a direct comparison in features but a major difference in design philosophy. It also boasts a dual-visor system with an internal sunshield, similar to the BEON. The critical difference is its full-face construction, which provides superior protection by including a chin bar. This makes the TRIANGLE helmet a better choice for riders who prioritize maximum safety, ride at higher speeds, or travel on highways frequently. The trade-off is the more enclosed feeling and narrower field of view compared to the BEON’s open-face freedom. A rider would choose the TRIANGLE for its enhanced safety profile, while a rider would choose the BEON for its classic 3/4 style, wider peripheral vision, and more “wind-in-the-face” riding experience.
3. GLX GX23 Dirt Bike Helmet
The GLX GX23 is in a completely different category and serves to highlight who the BEON helmet is for. The GX23 is a purpose-built motocross/dirt bike helmet. It features a large eye-port designed for goggles, a prominent peak to block roost and sun, and extensive ventilation for high-exertion off-road riding. It offers no built-in face shield. This helmet would be the correct choice for someone riding trails, motocross tracks, or dual-sport adventures. It is entirely unsuitable for the street and cruiser rider that the BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors is designed for. This comparison makes it clear that the BEON’s strengths are firmly rooted in street riding, commuting, and touring in style.
Our Final Verdict: Is the BEON Retro Helmet Worth Your Money?
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of real-world user feedback, our verdict is a resounding yes. The BEON Retro Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visors successfully bridges the gap between classic style and modern, certified safety. It’s a helmet that doesn’t force you to compromise. You get the sought-after vintage aesthetic, backed by both DOT and ECE certifications, and enhanced with genuinely useful features like the integrated sun visor and quick-release strap. The comfort is exceptional for its price point, and the inclusion of an extra-long shield adds even more value.
While it has minor drawbacks, such as its bulkiness for under-seat storage and lack of speaker cutouts, these are easily overshadowed by its immense strengths. We recommend this helmet without hesitation to any rider of a cruiser, scooter, bobber, or classic motorcycle who wants a safe, comfortable, and incredibly stylish helmet for their daily commute or weekend adventures. It offers features found on much more expensive helmets in a package that is both accessible and exceptionally well-executed. If you’re ready to upgrade your ride with a helmet that delivers on every front, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and availability for the BEON Retro Helmet.