Biltwell helmets

[captain jack]

hi to all American cousins, my son has found a site selling the "Biltwell gringo S" helmet. It is US D.O.T. Certified which is good, but comes with a caveat that it is not certified in UK. This doesn't stop its use over here but I am asking if anyone has experience or knowledge of this company & its products. It is for my son a contender with the "Bell bullet" but significantly cheaper in price. Any info welcome, cheers guys.

 

[mully95]

Might want to tell him to buy a helmet..... lol

These helmets don't seem like it would hurt the appearance or be a big deal to just put a small sticker over the caveat. I wouldn't feel to secure in a helmet like that but it might be a good helmet. I have a Bell Star helmet and have not had any issues so Bell would be the one for me.... if I was going to buy a retro helmet like that.

 

[BigNorm]

The only thing I don't like is the label Gringo. It's what I hear the Mexicans yelling when they see me coming off the boat.

 

[Jeffrey Cochran]

Does not appear to have any ventilation which would not work for me .

 

[mully95]

Does not appear to have any ventilation which would not work for me .

There doesn't seem to be any type of seal between the helmet and the visor. There is probably plenty of ventilation..... and dust, and rain. lol

I don't believe this helmet is intended to be worn but bought....... and gazed upon.

 

[1olbull]

hi to all American cousins, my son has found a site selling the "Biltwell gringo S" helmet. It is US D.O.T. Certified which is good, but comes with a caveat that it is not certified in UK. This doesn't stop its use over here but I am asking if anyone has experience or knowledge of this company & its products. It is for my son a contender with the "Bell bullet" but significantly cheaper in price. Any info welcome, cheers guys.

Just FYI - I have a nearly new Bell Bullitt.
First used it for a trip to SOCAL this past April.
Good fit and luxurious interior, BUT WAY TOO NOISY!
I'll soon see if my new Schuberth works better.

 

[rocketjohn]

I like the way the gringos look, but I detest wearing full face helmets....I can make do with 3/4, but no full face. If nothing else the gringo looks like helmets used to look and that is its appeal.

 

[Rick Morris]

hi to all American cousins, my son has found a site selling the "Biltwell gringo S" helmet. It is US D.O.T. Certified which is good, but comes with a caveat that it is not certified in UK. This doesn't stop its use over here but I am asking if anyone has experience or knowledge of this company & its products. It is for my son a contender with the "Bell bullet" but significantly cheaper in price. Any info welcome, cheers guys.

Biltwell makes a lot of great parts and accessories for builders. I have used some of their parts with great results. The Gringo is a retro style helmet but is only DOT approved. That means it meets the minimum requirement for road use. I think you guys need SNELL and some other approvals. It is not a helmet you would want to use at high speed as it is mostly for the old school look. And the visor does not not seal well, and who knows if there is any impact protection either.

 

[66xlch900]

I have a Biltwell Gringo S, the faceshield sucks but the helmet fits good. I only use it when I ride my Iron head.

 

[Claviger]

Biltwell, it's only DOT certified. DOT in barely worth the price of the sticker, it's based on self reporting and self enforcement not outside agency random testing.

SNELL or nothing if you are actually concerned with safety.

I know that position will rustle some feathers, but SNELL and ECE are higher standards than DOT by a huge margin.