I like the Scorpion. I have two, a full face and a 3/4. I want to get one of the new ones where the full face lifts up. They come with internal retractable tint shields as well as the clear external. They're very pricey, but I love the way they ride and vent, anti fog, all that good stuff.

I can understand wanting to save $ but a helmet is something that maybe you should be willing to pay a little more for, to get the most out of it, if you're gonna wear one anyway.

 

I like the look of the Bullitt -- it looks like a 3/4 but with chin protection, which is exactly what I've been after for a long time. Can anybody who has tried one on say how it compares in shape to other helmets? I'm a long-oval shaped head, and have difficulty finding helmets to fit, so what to know if this is going to end up being one of those times when I have to modify the internal padding to fit?

The gringo on the other hand looks like a bad idea to me. The viewport is really small, so the visibility is much reduced. That doesn't equate to "equal on safety" to me. Viewport is king for me when it comes to safety. Giving myself a higher chance of survival in a crash is one thing. But I'd like to have the best equipment for helping to PREVENT such a crash in the first place, and not being able to see as much is a no-go for me.

 

I have both a matte black Gringo and just picked up a Bell Bullitt TT and I like the Bell better. I think because it has a flip up shield and makes it easier to ride with and without shades.

It is interesting that you found a flip-up shield Gringo. That is either custom or they started making them? Not sure. I had bought a bubble shield for my Gringo but it was fixed and could not get shades on without having to unsnap the bubble shield from the helmet without being a pain in the a$$.

Good find!

 

Agreed! After having the Gringo for a while now, I've gone ahead and bought a Bullitt and like much better. I got a deal at a local bike show where Bell vendor was present. I picked it up for $320. Good price if you ask me.

What I like about the Bullitt is that it is more comfortable and has a flip up shield built-in. The Gringo has a fixed shield that is optional and you can't put on shades while the fixed shield is on.

The only thing I don't like about the Bullitt is when taking it off. It feels like it is ripping my ears off my head. I have to do it carefully. LOL

 

Good deal. Yup the Bullitt is a winner. Mine has loosened up some since I bought it, but still snug. Works out well on the freeway though. No slip.

 

Flip up shield on Gringo S!!!!!!!!!!

The new for 2015 Gringo S has a flip up shield. Just like my 1966 Bell Star, it has a snap closure. I love how the helmet has none of the "feature creep". Those vents cause lots of noise. I have a friend who taped over the Bell Bullitt top vents, and it helped but the huge opening under the chin bar on the Bullitt still caused BIG noise.

I still can't believe my new Gringo S is so quiet. And comfortable. I tried on the Gringo WITHOUT the flip shield at the store, and it did NOT fit the same. look at the photos, (link below). This helmet sits lower on your face giving a better view. I have seen no ads for this helmet or I would have bought one earlier. (The helmet in my photo is the first one the shop had, came in the same day I bought it). Flip up shield is MANDATORY for me, just like the old '66 Bell Star had.

I strongly recommend trying a helmet on b4 buying. The 'net is not a great place to fit a helmet, unless you KNOW it will fit.
I almost bought a Bullitt without trying it on, Bullitt does not fit me at all.

 

Ah, now I know what the gringo reminds me of. Lego spacehelmets

 

Funny! That is exactly what everyone said about the Bell Star when it came out in '66. Before the Star, I do not believe you could buy a full face helmet.

To each his own. I will never again ride with a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet. I have 2 half helmets (came with the bike) and I can't stand wearing them over about 25 mph.

I guess I love the '60s space helmet look.

 

I've been wearing the HJC CL-Max II for a little over 6 years now and it has been a great helmet. Here's a pic of me wearing it on my previous bike to give you an idea what it looks like on a cruiser.



I am looking to replace this one though as it is a little over 6 years old now. I am seriously looking at the Nolan 104 as my next helmet.

 

If you liked the HJC, might consider getting another one. They're both DOT and Snell certified, inexpensive, streamlined enough that you get less neck fatigue than when riding without a helmet (without a windshield), the venting is good, and they don't suffer from "helmet lift" at high speeds. I have a couple of them, one model which was discontinued last year, and one of the newer model which replaced it.