It used to be that if you wanted a retro-styled helmet to match your retro-styled motorcycle, your choices were a handful of open face lids from a small pool of manufacturers. But given the proliferation of modern classics in recent years, having feature-rich retro full face helmets has become de rigueur among helmet brands.
Today, we’re sampling full face helmets with vintage style from three companies?one of which usually focuses on more modern gear, and two of which focus solely on classic gear. I’ve been putting miles into the Shoei Glamster [below], DMD Rivale, and Biltwell Inc. Gringo SV to see how they stack up.

Before we dive into each helmet’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s worth noting that they share a remarkable number of similarities?starting with their overall aesthetic. All three pay homage to the helmets of the 70s and 80s, sporting a minimalistic vibe that works just as well on the back of a Triumph Bonneville as it would behind the wheel of James Hunt’s McLaren M23. All three helmets also feature extremely compact shells, which means that they might not suit everybody’s head shape. With my face being on the longer side, I find that my chin sticks out the bottom of each helmet just a smidge, and I find that each helmet’s chin bar is very close to my face. It might be different for you, so try before you buy, or buy from an online retailer with a solid returns policy.

Given that Rivale [above], Glamster, and Gr...