I’m not a big fan of open-face helmets. Apart from the fact that I look ridiculous in them, when you ride day-in day-out in all weather conditions, there’s the sunburn, cold weather, rain, insects and safety issues to consider. And so I’ve always ridden cruisers in either full-face helmets or, in recent history, open-face helmets with a clip-on chin bar such as the Bell Broozer that has just arrived.
The Broozer has a polycarbonate ABS shell and there are three shell sizes available, so riders with small noggins don’t look like they are wearing a bowling ball. The chin bar clips in firmly, but you can also remove it completely so you can run the classic open-face helmet look. The chin bar is obviously not a structural part of the Broozer so it’s there for the look and protection from the elements and flying debris rather than stopping your chin being ripped off in the event of a prang.
The Broozer has a dual-density EPS liner, it is DOT- and ECE-approved and sports an anti-fog and scratch-resistant clear visor that is included in the box. There is also a dark tint visor available, as well as a silver iridium visor which I’ve fitted to my lid.
There are two large vents on the Broozer: a chin one and another on the top that can be closed. I’ve only ripped out one ride in the Broozer but already I can tell you the venting is far, far better than in my last cruiser helmet. I used the Broozer on the recent Aussie launch of Harley-Davidson’s 2023 Breakout in Bright, Victoria. The mornings were cold and the days warm and I had to close the vents in the morning – the vents really do pump some air into the helmet, which is very welcome when it warms up.
Considering the style of helmet, it’s reasonably quiet while rumbling along and I could still listen to music or take calls on my Cardo communication system without having issues hearing.
Another thing I like is that I can comfortably fit my sunnies in the Broozer, which is especially important if you wear eye glasses so you can see.
The fit is snug and comfortable and, even though I’ve only had one major adventure with the Broozer, that ride did go all day and it was comfortable for the whole duration.
The Broozer’s liner is removable and washable which is a bonus once it starts getting manky. It’s also easy to remove and refit. There’s a rachet-style buckle so it’s super easy to get in and out of, and it’s not one of those helmets that tears your ears off when you take it off or put it on.
It’s early days with the Broozer, but so far I’m super impressed and can honestly say it’s the most comfortable and quiet helmet of this style that I’ve had. The venting is excellent, and I reckon it looks damn good as well, especially with the optional iridium visor.
TEST: PETE VORST