MattIn11225
New Member
Yesterday I received my new Biltwell Gringo in Vintage White, shipped without trouble, as always, by Revzilla. I also purchased a Biltwell Bubble Shield in clear to go with it.
First impressions:
The Vintage White is significantly more cream colored than the white I've seen in the pictures, and this is a good thing. It fits very well with the vintage look, and I was worried that it might be too bright a white. Thankfully, not so, it's just the perfect off-white color.
It's much much smaller than my Bell Vortex, and doesn't make me feel as much like Daft Punk or a Power Ranger. It sits well, and with a jacket, it has a great proportion to it. It's not too heavy, and the materials feel very nice, especially the soft interior liner.
The fit is very good, my Bell and the Gringo are in medium, and they are both "right". Where I have to pull the Bell over my head, however, the Gringo slips right over, due to the opening not being "pinched" like on modern helmets. This was initially disconcerting, I thought it might be too big, but once it sat on my head and was properly seated, it was just fine. The only fitment issue I have is that the shin straps mount a bit further back in the helmet than I'd like, and when it's all buckled, the strap is just slightly chocking. However, after about 5 minutes riding, I no longer noticed.
I chose to wear the bubble shield as I just like the way that looks. I was initially worried that it would be way too hot and fog up due to a lack of venting, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even in the congestion that is NYC, stop and go, about 80 degrees, I didn't get any fogging, and with the larger opening around the neck, it vented just fine. At speed, the airflow is pleasant, but there is a rushing sound around the edges of the shield, but this was to be expected. One thing I definitely noticed: I can hear the bike and everything else much clearer, due to the open nature of the helmet.
I love the way this thing looks, and unless I'm on the highway, I can see this becoming my main helmet, just for bombing around in Brooklyn. I look forward to seeing about getting some basic pin-striping done at some point. It exudes the same sort of style as the 3/4 helmets, but with the added protection of the chin-bar. It doesn't hurt that it's still relatively new and you don't see them everywhere.
Ultimately, it's no Arai or Shoei, but it's not trying to be. Is it style over substance? Of course it is. But I ride a vintage bike, a choice that definitely has its roots in a particular style that I'm trying to project. It won't be for everyone, but I think it'll be a great option for those who are concerned with style (and that's okay!), and want the protection that you don't get from a 3/4.
First impressions:
The Vintage White is significantly more cream colored than the white I've seen in the pictures, and this is a good thing. It fits very well with the vintage look, and I was worried that it might be too bright a white. Thankfully, not so, it's just the perfect off-white color.
It's much much smaller than my Bell Vortex, and doesn't make me feel as much like Daft Punk or a Power Ranger. It sits well, and with a jacket, it has a great proportion to it. It's not too heavy, and the materials feel very nice, especially the soft interior liner.
The fit is very good, my Bell and the Gringo are in medium, and they are both "right". Where I have to pull the Bell over my head, however, the Gringo slips right over, due to the opening not being "pinched" like on modern helmets. This was initially disconcerting, I thought it might be too big, but once it sat on my head and was properly seated, it was just fine. The only fitment issue I have is that the shin straps mount a bit further back in the helmet than I'd like, and when it's all buckled, the strap is just slightly chocking. However, after about 5 minutes riding, I no longer noticed.
I chose to wear the bubble shield as I just like the way that looks. I was initially worried that it would be way too hot and fog up due to a lack of venting, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even in the congestion that is NYC, stop and go, about 80 degrees, I didn't get any fogging, and with the larger opening around the neck, it vented just fine. At speed, the airflow is pleasant, but there is a rushing sound around the edges of the shield, but this was to be expected. One thing I definitely noticed: I can hear the bike and everything else much clearer, due to the open nature of the helmet.
I love the way this thing looks, and unless I'm on the highway, I can see this becoming my main helmet, just for bombing around in Brooklyn. I look forward to seeing about getting some basic pin-striping done at some point. It exudes the same sort of style as the 3/4 helmets, but with the added protection of the chin-bar. It doesn't hurt that it's still relatively new and you don't see them everywhere.
Ultimately, it's no Arai or Shoei, but it's not trying to be. Is it style over substance? Of course it is. But I ride a vintage bike, a choice that definitely has its roots in a particular style that I'm trying to project. It won't be for everyone, but I think it'll be a great option for those who are concerned with style (and that's okay!), and want the protection that you don't get from a 3/4.