7 years later, your video is still helpful. Was looking at a Custom Destruction or a Joe King, but wanted a DOT helmet, just to avoid the ticket. Came across this and ordered a Daytona. Many thanks.
Thanks for the review. I wish I seen it before I purchased my Bell 500. Same problem you have. Sun Glasses dig into my ears with the Bell 500. Bell spared no expense in making the 500 an uncomfortable helmet.
Bell 500 is now also ECE approved. That means it's purchasable and usable in Europe too. 3 months ago I had a heavy accident against a car not respected my way, but I have risked with Insurance as the helmet was only a THIN DOT. I also reported fracture of my left cheekbone (and more). REMEMBER: don't brag about cosmetic beauty of your helmet, just think to safety of your only-one head. Mushroom looking? who fucks for, if it let me come back home alive... Now I bought Bell 500 and Bell Eliminator too. Many bikers take care of their small helmet, instead of their balloon stomach... ,))
I hear you. And in Europe and rest of the World, bobble head, mushroom look is ok and accepted as standard rider's look. The "low-profile" helmet obsession comes from the US and mainly from Harley riders. Japan is close second. The rest of us are OK, if everyone wears ECE (larger) helmets it's accepted, usual and common sight. I own old Bell Custom 500 DOT-only and while lower profile than my new Custom 500 ECE certified, I don't wear the DOT anymore. If I want to go lower profile I go for DMD or Marko brands, bot European brands. Daytona looks cool to some but it's your noggin and you ride at your own peril, eh. ;)
Thanks Oomer, glad the review helped out. I've had the D.C. for a month now and i'm really impressed by how it feels and looks on my head. It just seems really simple, comfortable and safe. Take care, safe ride!
ECE certified version is now about 15% larger than the original DOT certified Bell Custom 500 US-only model. Have a look at DMD (Italian) and Marko (French) 3/4 helmets if you're in Europe or rest of the world.
The rear neck curtain is easily removable on the Daytona for more air flow in melting temps.....And.....Daytona's Customer Service can't be beat period! My cruiser helmet started delaminating, the outer layer was peeling off in tiny spots, I sent them a pic, 24 hours later I had a new helmet free of charge. They might not make a cork sniffer best of the best helmet, but because of that customer service, I'll always own one. As for Visors looking dorky........tell me how you feel after your 5th dermatology apt to get pre-cancerous spots removed. I wear it with 70 SPF.
An excellent review. I agree with your comments about the Bell Custom. I have one and it makes me look like a bobble head. I am going to check out the Daytona models.
I bought the bell 500 limited edition with a cool ass design. Saw this vid 1 day after order..got it today. The Bell made me look exactly as u described. My main helmet is a Fly .38 and is a lot smaller and cooler. Gonna send the bell back.
Great unbox/review. I did have the bell 500 custom but sent it back and ordered the D.C. just because it sits better on my melon. Don't get me wrong the Bell is a fantastic helmet and build quality is superb, but I was a tad disappointed with the size of the outside shell. I suppose bell just weren't happy to go any lower with the profile for whatever reason. Thanks for making my mind up for me with your video. From a vain UK biker lol.
True, since the Bell 500 Custom attained the ECE cert, the shells as well as styro foam padding had gotten considerably larger compared to the older original low-profile US models which were "only" DOT certified. You won't see many mentions of this from others, but I have both and can attest to this, my ECE Custom 500 is about 15% larger in circumference than my DOT Custom 500, in same L size. Shame, but it it is what it is. I since moved onto DMD 3/4 helmets from a small Italian family owned business, low-profile and ECE cert. And with the graphics and color choices to boot.
You only did that because you're a clueless follower. The visor is very functional as it keeps the sun out of your eyes and stops the rain from blurring your glasses. The visor can also prevent your face from making contact with the asphalt in some cases. If you're more worried about looks than safety then just get yourself a novelty helmet you squid.
I ordered one of these Daytona open-face helmets based on reviews like this and while it had a very low profile it was also very unconformable to wear. Upon closer inspection I discovered there was no comfort padding, just a thin liner over the styrofoam protective layer. That's how these companies can offer smaller outside shells, they scrimp on the extra padding inside. I sent the helmet back and ordered a different brand that had plenty of padding in it. I would rather have a comfortable helmet that looks a little bigger, but I can wear it for a long period of time. Think about it....if the helmet is a lot smaller on the outside then something had to be omitted on the inside, it's simple physics....and unfortunately that something is a comfortable padded liner.
I had to fast forward the video. You talked forever with two boxes on the table. I was wondering if you would ever take the helmets out. (not a bad review just get to the meat of it a little quicker)
I just orders the Daytona. Love it, but Is it supposed to come with the D-ring strap or ratchet buckle ? Mine came with a ratchet style and I was hoping for the D-ring style strap.
Do the Bell and Daytona have the same DOT rating? Clearly the Bell has better quality materials used but I'm sure both will serve equally well. Without the bobble head! Nice mini review. Thanks
Daytona is DOT only, Bell is both DOT and ECE now, hence the larger size. ECE requirements are "brutally strict" compared to much simpler DOT cert reqs. So, in a way (still debatable though) the Bell is "safer"
I have a bell 500....alway leave my glasses on when putting the helmet on....easy. To be honest....I thought the bell suited your more so Sir. Downside of the Bell.....no goggle retainer on the back.....I have sorted that now. The Bell OOoooozzzzeeeesss quality. Nick from the UK.
Great review. I just got the Bell Riot (which is the Custom 500 basically with the drop down find screen) and it is such a mushroom top! I hate it on me. Also, I measured my head and I came right in between 55/56 so that put me at a small (figured after break in would be a small no doubt) but it came and it's SO TIGHT my god. I can barely fit my ears in there and when on (now it is still new out of box I get that) it has pressure on the ears and side of face/jawline. I also have the D strap and would like one I can snap on and off quickly. The Daytona cruiser is exactly what I am looking for. I am making this exchange. Can I ask you about sizing?? Based on what I have explained about the Bell, should I order the Daytona in medium....
Thanks man but I'm sorry it's been years since purchasing that helmet and I have no idea what size I have or how I decided on the size. Good luck, safe riding.
Dude, I can't disagree with you. You look like a FREEK with that Bell on. Did you try putting any of the helmets on with your glasses on already? Spread the helmet over them, it works. Very helpful thank you. Did you entertain getting the DMD Vintage from the U.K.? I think you'd enjoy that as well.
I wear L in full size and 3/4 I have the bell 3/4 from 2013 and they are big but glasses fit fine n only has the top 3 snap system the new bell helmets are low profile sit low but I need at least XL in the low profile bell but I did not like the way it sits at all I basically sit a little forward to reach the bars there for my head is more upwards and the low profile does not allow a proper fitment bothers my neck and for head from trying to lookup I tried an xl similar problem just FYI for those who buy the low profile bell company said to go smaller n I needed bigger
Great video! Would you happen to know what size the shell sizes are for? I wear a large and would hope the large size gets the middle sized shell. Thanks again.
I use that helmet with my Harley around town so I really haven’t hit any high speeds. My helmet fits really snug but I’m sure everyone’s heads are different. Be safe!
*These helmets are both based on an oval head shape so ⛑️ **allabout.wiki/Custom** this review is only valid if you happen to have an oval head. This is a common problem among all reviewers. They never account for the head shape fit that the manufacturer specializes in, and they do specialize. I've yet to find a manufacturer that makes multiple head shapes. I tried the Bell and the Daytona this week but ended up with a Bilt, because it fit.*
Bell Custom 500 has changed from round to intermediate-oval some 7-8 years ago. It's not oval. I have int-oval head and Custom 500 fits me perfect, if they were oval they wouldn't. Cheers.
Hey Randy, sorry haven't been on You Tube in a while. Mine fits snug so i don't notice any wind noise except what comes with having an open air helmet. Safe rides!