10 Best Open Face Motorcycle Helmets 2026 in the United States

The Bell Custom 500 is a classic open-face motorcycle helmet that offers a good balance of safety and style. It meets DOT safety standards, which means it has passed essential protection tests for road use. The helmet features a fiberglass shell and EPS liner available in five sizes, helping provide a secure and relatively low-profile fit for different head shapes. Weighing about 982 grams (roughly 2.2 pounds), it’s light enough to reduce neck strain during rides.

Because it’s an open-face design, it doesn’t provide full face coverage, so wind and noise reduction are limited compared to full-face helmets. The integrated 5-snap pattern allows you to easily add aftermarket visors or shields, which is handy since the helmet doesn’t come with a built-in face shield. Ventilation is typical for open-face helmets, so airflow is generally good for warm weather but may expose your face to the elements.

The matte black finish and retro style appeal to riders looking for a simple, timeless look. While it does not excel in noise reduction or full-face protection, this helmet suits those who prioritize comfort, style, and a lightweight feel for city or casual riding.

The Bell Custom 500 is a classic-style open-face motorcycle helmet that offers solid safety with its DOT certification meeting FMVSS 218 standards. Its fiberglass composite shell combined with a multi-density EPS liner provides good impact protection while keeping the helmet relatively lightweight at about 3 pounds. This weight makes it comfortable enough for longer rides without feeling too heavy on your head. The helmet comes in multiple shell sizes to ensure a better fit and a sleek, low-profile look, which many riders appreciate. It has five vents that help with airflow, although ventilation in open-face helmets is generally less controlled compared to full-face helmets. The integrated 5-snap pattern allows you to attach various aftermarket visors and shields, adding some versatility for sun or wind protection, but it does not come with a full face shield by default, which might be a downside if you want more coverage.

Noise reduction is average—open-face helmets naturally let in more wind and road noise than enclosed types. Style-wise, the gloss vintage white finish gives it a timeless, retro look that suits riders who prefer a classic aesthetic. The double ring closure ensures a secure fit. While it lacks some modern features like built-in sun visors or advanced ventilation controls, the Custom 500 serves as a strong option for riders seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and stylish open-face helmet with trustworthy safety certification.

The Bell Custom 500 is a well-regarded open-face motorcycle helmet that meets important safety standards, including DOT and FMVSS 218 certifications, ensuring reliable protection. Its low-profile fiberglass composite shell combined with a multi-density EPS liner offers solid impact absorption, appealing to riders looking for safety without a bulky feel. Weighing around 3 pounds, it balances sturdiness with manageable weight, although it might feel a bit heavier compared to some ultra-light options.

This helmet is designed with comfort in mind, featuring five different shell and liner sizes to help achieve a snug fit for various head shapes. Ventilation is not emphasized here, which is typical for many open-face helmets, so it may not provide as much airflow as full-face helmets with advanced vent systems. It includes a 5-snap pattern for attaching aftermarket shields or visors, giving riders flexibility to customize their face protection, but it does not come with a built-in visor or face shield, which could be a drawback for those wanting full face coverage. Noise reduction isn’t specifically highlighted, so expect typical wind noise levels for an open-face helmet.

Style-wise, it sports a classic, aerodynamic shape and is available in attractive finishes like gloss black and gold, appealing to riders who want a vintage-inspired look. This helmet is best suited for casual or scooter riders who value style and basic safety over advanced features such as enhanced ventilation or soundproofing.