Bell Custom 500 Skratch Lace Helmet
4.9
5
7
7
Works well for the reason I bought it
I got this helmet to wear during vintage trials events since it was cheaper and looks better than actual trials helmets. I might regret that in the middle of summer since this has no venting, but it's light enough and offers plenty of vision.
When I first tried it on after it arrived, I thought it was the wrong shape for my head with some tight spots at the front and the back. After wearing it during a competition, I guess it broke in quickly since it wasn't a problem.
I'm not sure if I'd wear this much on the road as I like some face protection, but it definitely works for slow speed stuff.
May 6, 2013
Excellent Helmet - Excellent Value
Summary first: this was my first open-faced helmet purchase and I am now constantly checking the pricing on other Bell Custom 500 paint schemes to order them as they go on closeout. It's an exceptional helmet at a super price!
NOTE: the first helmet I received was damaged. It had a bent button for accessory attachments and cracks in the paint on both sides near the bend leading from the forehead to the ear. I didn't see the cracks until the sunlight hit the helmet just right and they were actually very significant. Inspect it closely upon receipt. It was an extremely simple process to get it exhanged and I had a new (absolutely perfect) helmet within 2 days.
I initially didn't want this paint scheme but it was $59.95 and I couldn't pass it up. I am certainly glad I took the deal while it was available because the helmet is awesome. The internet pictures are hard to see the real color and all the metal flake. It's very 'retro' and generates discussion wherever I go.
Most importantly - it's very, very comfortable. I was worried about sizing because i fall outside of the Large but not in the X-Large on the size chart (there is a gap). the Revzilla rep I spoke with recommended the Large and with his suggestion that's what I got. It was tight but not uncomfortable and it does break in rather quickly, making it 'just right'.
The interior lining is super-comfortable/cool to touch. It's a bit noisy but nothing bothersome and I expected this from an open faced helmet. It's super lightweight and doesn't impede peripheral vision at all.
Not only do I recommend this helmet but I am going to continue to buy more Bell Custom 500s for myself and my family. It's that good. I only wish I had looked at this helmet a few years ago because I missed out on some really cool paint schemes....
April 29, 2013
cool helmet..
very cool and comfortable ....got it at a great price.....
April 23, 2013
That's the ticket! YEAH!
I wanted a helmet I could wear on my TU-250X, that was, a bit more....cool looking? ...While my IS-33 is a great helmet, it just doesn't....ZIP! My wife says I'm a "bobble headed old guy on Goldwing" type. NOT COOL MAN!
So, enter the Bell 500 Lace , add the DLX green bubble shield and it's a whole new look!
My usual helmet is an Arai Sig-Q, and knowing that the Bell-500 has a very round fit. instead of my usual SMALL, #My head is 56.5cm's#, I got the MEDIUM, good choice. It just fits front to back, but yeah, it's roomy on the sides. This lets in ALOT of air when worn open-face, and not wearing earplugs is not an option for me. The chin strap is really long, but the snaps folds it up enough that it's no bother.
For wearing on my 250; Yeah..YEAH! That's the ticket! YEAH! :)
April 11, 2013
Just As I Remember
My first motorcycle helmet back in 1969 was a Custom 500. It was only available by mail order or by going to Bell's one outlet store in Long Beach. I lived in Long Beach so it was easy. The first helmet was rated Z90 or some such thing, which was the best safety rating of the time. I've been itching to get one of the newer Custom 500s for awhile now. Saw this on Revzilla and had to pull the trigger, the price was so attractive. And so is the helmet. Great graphics along with a great finish (my original was just plain white, which was all they offered in 1969). The fit was perfect (I wear a small). Love the new quilted lining, which they didn't have back when. And love that it is safety rated DOT. I ordered the retro short visor direct from Bell and the combination looks awesome. Revzilla also deserves some credit for EXTREMELY fast shipping. Got it two days after I ordered it. This particular helmet is discontinued, so grab one while you can. At this price who could resist.
April 4, 2013
Too good
Pictures do this thing NO justice. It looks too olive and non metallic in pictures. See the revzilla video for a more accurate view. In person, it's ALL metal flake. Absolutely beautiful.
Not a ton of padding in there but enough that it will break in a little. my head measures 24" which put me on the very end of the XL scale. I feel the XL fits me perfectly. One thing I don't like is it doesn't sit perfectly centered on my head. The center snap should align with my nose but is actually off just a bit. The right cheek pad is the slightest bit more forward than the left. Not a problem (at all) until I try to wear it with sunglasses. It pushes my glasses crooked no matter what I do. so for me, wearing it with glasses will be impossible. big disappointment there but not a deal breaker due to...
...removable face shields. lots of options available. that's why I rated it so high for features. between all the visors and different tinted shields available, you can really get the custom 500 set the way you want it.
noise level is what it is. it's an open face helmet with no vents. wind in your face is loud. face shield helps but will vibrate a little.
field of vision is excellent. almost none of the helmet enters my peripheral vision. I can hear extremely well in it, too. wearing it now, I can hear the "ticks" of my iPad as I type.
You absolutely can't go wrong for a hundo on this helmet. Whatever graphic or solid you choose, it will look great, fit comfortably and give you enough customization options to make it truly yours.
Lastly, the Bell stickers are all removable. It's kind of perfect.
February 15, 2013
Great Helmet, no problems at all
AWESOME style, great fit, Bell name behind the safety of the helmet. Very light and comfortable - very easy to use chin strap. High quality material.
I have the dark smoke shield on it and it looks so SICK. So happy with my purchase from Revzilla - you guys rock!
July 10, 2012