Are you a lover of old-school vintage-style helmets and in search to get one for yourself too?
You’ve arrived at the right place. Bell Bullitt and Biltwell Gringo are two of the most popular Retro helmet models, they seem as if they’re straight out from the 60s or 70s. Both of them are known to provide quality, comfort, and modern-day protection, without compromising on the looks.
So, how would you choose between the two?
Keep reading to see a detailed comparison between Bell Bullitt & Biltwell Gringo helmets to decide which one would be the great fit for you.
Biltwell Gringo VS Bell Bullitt
Biltwell Gringo vs Bell Bullitt helmets, both have some positive and negative aspects of their own. Here is what makes them different from each other.
Shell Material
The outer shell of the Bell Bullitt Full-face Helmet is constructed from fiberglass composite that is known for its durability and resistance. The outer shell of the Biltwell Gringo Helmet is made up of thermoplastic ABS material which makes it rugged yet lightweight.
In comparison, both these helmets will provide good impact protection for street riding.
Bullet weighs 3.5 pounds in total and Gringo is less than 3 pounds, a bit lighter than Bell Bullitt.
Verdict: Although Bell Bullitt is amazing with its carbon fiber outer shell If you want a helmet that feels like air on your head, then Gringo is for you.
Shape, Size & Graphics
The rounded shape of the Gringo helmet makes it easy to fit for almost all head types. With the 9 different colors and multiple graphics available, you can match this helmet according to your style. They are available in two shell sizes.
Bell Bullitt features 5 different along with an artistic mix of modern style shell design with the vintage look. this retro helmet is more like the classic old helmets that we wanted to wear. They also have three shell sizes available.
Verdict: Due to its rounded shape, Bell Bullitt may not fit perfectly on an oval-shaped head. But if you want a modern-day look with a slight touch of vintage style, then Bell Bullitt is ideal for you.
Safety Ratings
Both Biltwell Gringo and Bell Bullitt are certified by the US Department of Transportation as well as ECE-certified which makes them legal on the roads of both US & European countries.
The injection-molded ABS Outer Shell of Gringo and Bell Bullitt’s scratch-resistance Carbon Composite Outer shell, are equally durable and provide impressive impact resistance.
Chin Guard of Gringo is wider 8.5cm approx. and provides more coverage to your face than the Bell Bullitt Chin Guard.
Verdict: When it comes to safety standards, it’s hard to pick one. The slight difference between the two is Chin guard, so if you prefer full-face coverage then Biltwell Gringo stands out for you.
Face Shield or Visor
Bell Bullitt comes with a clear face shield installed. You can also replace it with multiple other shield options provided by Bell. It also has a leather-coated magnetic face shield lock to keep the shield locked during your ride.
Biltwell Gringo has an open eye-port, as it is sold without the preinstalled visor. But they do have five snaps available to install the face shield of your own choice. You can get either a Biltwell bubble shield or Blast shield which are sold separately to create a personalized look.
Verdict: Biltwell Gringo is for all those riders who don’t want a visor on their helmet to get a full riding experience. But if you want a pre-installed visor in your retro helmet, then Bell Bullitt is here.
Inner Lining
The key difference between these two retro helmets is their interior lining.
Hand-sewn brushed Lycra Lining of Gringo helmet with diamond-stitched quilted open-cell foam padding makes it comfortable yet intact on your head. This removable and washable lining offers great sweat absorption and the crisscross patterns on Lycra helps to provide a snug fit. Gringo helmet’s cheek pads are also brushed with fleece Lycra touchpoints for added comfort. Audio and communication features are also available.
In comparison, Bell Bullitt offers a genuine leather interior with anti-bacterial EPS foaming. You can also wash all the interior as it is removable and washable. Plus, 3D-cheek pads of Bell Bullet have speaker pockets.
Verdict: Both helmets are comfortable and ideally fit on your head. The anti-bacterial leather lining of Bell Bullitt is most suitable for people who sweat a lot.
Ventilation
Bell Bullitt offers excellent airflow with its built-in ventilation system. It has five Metal mesh vents to provide a continuous flow of air, the front chin vents offer decent airflow inside the helmet and you can close it if you want to control the airflow. It also prevents fogging inside the shell.
Biltwell Gringo on the other hand provides good airflow only without a face shield installed.
Verdict: Bell Bullitt is the best helmet for all weather conditions. It will keep you warm in cold weather and provide good ventilation in warm weather.
Visibility
There is nothing to compromise on the visibility in this Gringo Helmets as you can see everything from its wide-open eye-port while riding. Even if you’ll install a face shield, the view remains uninterrupted.
Bell Bullitt also offers ample visibility from its pre-installed clear face shield. Besides, it will protect you from wind pressure at high speed.
Verdict: Neither among these two helmets gets low on visibility but Bell Bullitt provides some extra security with its pre-installed anti-fog face shield.
Quietness
We all know that retro helmets are not designed to control wind and traffic noise, so you can’t compare them with modern-day helmets for quietness. Still, Biltwell Gringo is much better than many open-face helmets.
Bell Bullitt noise control is more satisfying than Gringo due to its front and back vents along with the face shield.
Verdict: Are you guys seriously looking for a Quit retro helmet? Well, you won’t find the one but can still get a pleasant ride in both of these helmets with the earplugs on.
Comfort
Here comes the most important feature to compare. The low-profile composite shell of Bell Bullitt helmets along with its genuine leather interior makes it comfortable to wear for long rides. The anti-bacterial EPS foaming and contoured cheek pads added to the comfort. D-ring chin straps are also made from leather to provide safety with comfort. With its circular steel mesh vents, it will make your ride joyous and full of airflow.
The comfort given by the Biltwell Gringo is also matchless. Its soft Lycra padding provides a comfortable fit and feel, and its crisscross patterns provide a snug fit. A D-ring Chin Strap is brushed with fleece Lycra touchpoints with an adjustable strap end retainer to prevent any slippage during the ride.
Verdict: Bell Bullitt’s ventilation system makes it more comfortable than Gringo Helmet, especially for warm weather and long rides.
Cost
Finally, the comparison of prices for both helmets. Biltwell Gringo is available for $175 at Amazon whereas the Bell Bullitt helmet will cost you a pretty penny with its $420 bill. The plus point here is the industry-leading five-year warranty of Bell Bullitt Helmets. In contrast, Biltwell Gringo comes with a 2-year warranty.
Verdict: If you want a vintage look on a low budget, then grab Biltwell Gringo. It will be much lighter on your pocket without compromising comfort. But if you want more protection with extra comfort for all weather conditions, then Bell Bullitt is here.
Who is the winner?
Bell Bullitt vs Biltwell Gringo is a never-ending debate with no clear winner.
A Biltwell Gringo helmet is all about getting your retro-style look to roam around on the street. Its snug fit with a generous amount of soft padding, granting a sense of protection to the rider while on the road.
Bell Bullitt with its pre-installed and easily changed face shield also gives extreme comfort with modern-day protection. Its vintage design with leather interior also adds to its beauty. The only drawback of Bell Bullitt is its price but the added comfort and safety features of this helmet separate it from other retro helmets.
Ryan Thompson is a 35-year-old sport bike enthusiast known for his adventurous spirit. With years of weekend rides and exploring new roads, Ryan brings fresh insights and firsthand experience to ProtectiveGearz. His energetic approach and passion for the latest gear make him a trusted source for riders seeking up-to-date advice.
