{"product_id":"bell-custom-500-open-face-motorcycle-helmet-retro-style-dot-safe","title":"Bell Custom 500 Open-Face Motorcycle Helmet - Retro Style, DOT Safe","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the Bell Custom 500 open-face motorcycle helmet, the bottom line is simple: riders who want a classic 1950s look with modern safety features will appreciate this helmet. The biggest reason to buy is the combination of a low-profile fiberglass shell and a comfortable fit system that keeps weight down for longer rides while still meeting DOT and FMVSS 218 standards. This review looks at fit, comfort, ventilation, and practical everyday use so you can decide if the Custom 500 matches your riding style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic 1950s styling:\u003c\/strong\u003e A retro design that complements cruiser and scooter aesthetics while remaining suitable for modern riders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-profile fit system:\u003c\/strong\u003e Five shell and EPS liner sizes deliver a sleeker look and better proportioned fit across helmet sizes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e A fiberglass shell keeps the helmet around 982g (size M) so it is more comfortable on long rides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated shield pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 5-snap pattern allows use of aftermarket shields and visors for added versatility and sun protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVentilation and comfort:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple vents and plush interior padding help maintain airflow and rider comfort on warm days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafety certifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e DOT approved and meets FMVSS 218, offering the regulatory protection expected from a road helmet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bell Custom 500 is aimed at riders who prefer a vintage open-face look without giving up modern safety and comfort. It works well for commuters on scooters, cruiser riders who want a low-profile helmet, and anyone looking for a customizable shell to add a shield or visor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRiders who need a full-face helmet for high-speed track use or who require an exceptionally roomy interior should look elsewhere, since this model runs toward a snug, retro fit and is designed as an open-face option rather than a full-coverage sport helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eClean retro aesthetic that pairs well with classic bikes and scooters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLightweight fiberglass shell reduces neck fatigue on longer rides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIntegrated 5-snap pattern makes adding an aftermarket shield straightforward.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDOT and FMVSS 218 certification provides trusted regulatory protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFit can be snug and the sizing runs small for some riders, so careful sizing is important.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOpen-face design sacrifices chin protection compared with full-face helmets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBELL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCustom 500 Open-Face\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShell material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFiberglass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterior\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlush padding with adjustable fit system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShield type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntegrated 5-snap pattern for shields and visors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 982G +\/- 50G (Size M)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCertifications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDOT approved; meets FMVSS 218\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bell Custom 500 is a strong choice for riders who value vintage styling, lightweight feel, and the option to add a visor while keeping certified protection. It delivers good value for casual riders and commuters, but anyone uncertain about sizing should try it on or size up due to reports of a snug fit. For those priorities, the Custom 500 earns a solid recommendation as a versatile open-face helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this helmet DOT certified?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Custom 500 is DOT approved and meets FMVSS 218 safety standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I add a visor or shield?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the helmet uses an integrated 5-snap pattern that accepts many aftermarket shields and visors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the helmet run true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany riders report a snug fit and that sizing can run small, so trying it on or consulting the size chart is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BELL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48203535319259,"sku":"B00HLUWB9A","price":179.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51vqHpayjqL._AC_SL1200_d7480073-e737-4c86-ac20-557df16e07b5.jpg?v=1770314829","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/bell-custom-500-open-face-motorcycle-helmet-retro-style-dot-safe","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}