Six retro helmets for your old-school noggin

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1. You really can’t get much more retro than this. Yes, straight from the folks at Fulmer Helmets comes the closest thing to that first helmet you had years ago, but it’s new and for sale right now. The three-quarter V2, available in gold, blue, red, silver and the stars-and-stripes “Easy Rider” finish, is a throwback to a simpler time. Although light on the thick foam interior padding we’re used to in most full-face helmets, it does provide a secure, comfortable fit, and the lack of padding does make the helmet sit lower on your head, thereby avoiding the dreaded “Spaceballs” look. This DOT-approved helmet features a plush fixed interior with perforated leather trim, a three-snap visor and UV-protective clear coat on the finish. It also features a loop and snap on the back to keep a pair of goggles in place. All it’s missing is the smell of old sweat. Add yours and take a trip back in time to when minibikes ruled the world. Price: $89.95-$109.95, depending on finish. More info: www.fulmerhelmets.com

2. Another great looking helmet, the Davida Classic is truly in a class of its own: Every Davida is hand built with all the features of a Fifties low-dome racing helmet. Neat and compact in design, it’s an authentic example of the first helmets especially manufactured for motorcycle racing. A great piece of kit, indeed, though it should be noted that it does not conform to any current helmet safety standards. The Classic features a real leather interior with an adjustable two-tier cotton webbed harness plus a quilted leather neck curtain (lined with brushed cotton) that is lock-stitched to the full circumference of the shell. The helmet also features a goggle retainer strap in the back, perfect for holding on a pair of Aviator Retro Standard goggles. These goggles are the ideal complement to the Classic, and even feature an adjustable-screw nose bridge to ensure an individual fit and an effective, airtight seal. Shaped to give maximum peripheral vision, the goggles come with clear, smoked and yellow lenses, along with a protective carrying case. Price: $294.95 (helmet, two-tone), $145 (goggles). More info: British Classics, the exclusive U.S. distributor for Davida products, www.British-Classics.com

3. The N-30 Flashback helmet from Nolan is a fun, retro, DOT-approved helmet that’s loaded with features. The lid has a fully removable and washable interior, an optically correct light-blue face shield that offers UV400 protection, Nolan’s Microlock adjustable quick release retention system, and a velour removable neck curtain and padded chin strap. A comfortable helmet, we also liked its shield hinges, which feature nice action that doesn’t feel cheap like on many less expensive helmets. Also available in flat black/cream, metal lava/grey, flat azure (baby blue)/cream, and flat pink/cream, all with the great old-school Nolan logo. Price: $184.95. More info: www.nolanhelmets.com

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