Choosing between the Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500 can be tricky. Both are retro open-face helmets with strong followings. I’ve used both on real rides, and they feel very different. Here’s my take on what works, what doesn’t, and which one may suit you best.
How It Works for Me
I was struggling to find a helmet that looked classic but felt good on longer rides. The Biltwell Bonanza caught my eye first. It was light and breezy, but the fit felt too round for my head. Then I tried the Bell Custom 500. It hugged my head better and gave me more comfort on long trips. For me, the Bonanza worked best for short rides, while the Custom 500 felt stronger for all-day use.
What I Like
- Retro design: The Bonanza looks bold and vintage. The Custom 500 is more timeless and classic.
- Finish quality: Both helmets have great paint. The Bonanza’s colors stand out. The Bell feels clean and sharp.
- Comfort: The Bonanza is lighter for city rides. The Custom 500 feels steadier on highways.
- Price: The Bonanza is cheaper, while the Custom 500 costs more but adds extra safety approval.
Both helmets score high for style and finish.
What Could Be Better
- Certification: The Bonanza has DOT only. Fine for the USA, but not legal in parts of Europe. The Custom 500 often carries both DOT and ECE.
- Fit: The Bonanza feels very round. If your head is not round, you may get pressure points. The Custom 500 has a more balanced shape.
- Strap: The Bonanza strap feels basic. The Bell’s strap feels more solid.
These are small things, but they make a difference over time.
My Personal Experience with Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
Here’s what I noticed when wearing both:
- The Bonanza feels cool and light on hot days.
- The Bell Custom 500 blocks wind a bit better on highways.
- Bonanza worked fine for short rides around town.
- Custom 500 stayed comfortable on long weekend trips.
- I had a forehead hotspot in the Bonanza large size.
- The Bonanza XL fixed that, but then felt too loose.
- Bell’s fit was right from the start.
- Friends often noticed the Bonanza’s bold colors.
- The Bell’s look drew less attention but felt more “classic.”
- The Bonanza strap felt cheaper, though still safe.
- Bell’s strap hardware felt stronger and gave me more trust.
In the end, I reached for the Bell more often.
Comparing With Other Brand
I’ve also used the Bell Bullitt Helmet. Unlike the Bonanza or Custom 500, it’s a full-face design. The Bullitt offers more protection but feels heavier and warmer in hot weather. It’s a great pick if you want retro style with full coverage.
Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Biltwell Bonanza | Bell Custom 500 |
| Head Shape | Round | Intermediate oval (slightly round) |
| Certification | DOT only (FMVSS 218) | DOT + ECE R22.06 (varies) |
| Shell Material | ABS | Fiberglass composite |
| Liner | EPS with padded Lycra | EPS with custom liner |
| Comfort | Light, breezy | Stable, balanced |
| Price | More affordable | Higher cost |
| Style | Retro graphics | Classic heritage |
| Noise | Louder on highways | Quieter overall |
| Best For | City, short rides | Long trips, mixed use |
Recommendation
If you ride mostly in the USA, the Biltwell Bonanza is fun, light, and affordable. It works best for short rides and city cruising. If you plan longer trips or need more stable fit, the Bell Custom 500 is worth the extra money.
My advice:
- Pick the Bonanza if style and light weight matter most.
- Pick the Custom 500 if you want comfort, versatility, and broader certification.
Both helmets are solid. The right one depends on how and where you ride.
Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500: Details Comparison
I’ve spent real time riding with both helmets. The Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500 debate is common among riders who want retro style. Both are solid open-face choices, but they feel different in daily use. Here’s my breakdown.
Design & Style: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
The Bonanza has bold retro looks with flashy graphics. The Bell Custom 500 feels more timeless and classic. Both grab attention in their own way.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 8/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: I reached for the Bonanza when I wanted bright colors, but the Custom 500 gave me a cleaner “heritage” feel.
Fit & Comfort: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
The Bonanza has a rounder fit, which may feel tight on oval heads. The Bell Custom 500 is shaped more neutral and balanced. I found the Bell sat more snug without creating hot spots.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 7/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: On longer rides, the Bell stayed comfortable. The Bonanza pressed on my forehead until I sized up, but then it felt a bit loose.
Safety & Certification: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
The Bonanza carries DOT only. The Bell Custom 500 often includes both DOT and ECE, depending on where you buy. That gives it a safety edge, especially if you ride outside the USA.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 7/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: I felt safer knowing the Bell met stricter standards. The Bonanza still works fine in the US, but I missed that extra peace of mind.
Build & Materials: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
The Bonanza uses ABS plastic for the shell. The Custom 500 steps up with fiberglass composite, which feels stronger and lighter. Both have soft liners, but Bell’s liner felt more refined.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 8/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: The Bell’s build gave me more trust. The Bonanza didn’t feel cheap, but the Bell felt sturdier in hand.
Noise & Wind: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
Open-face helmets are always noisy. The Bonanza is very airy but gets loud at highway speeds. The Bell blocks wind a little better and feels more stable when riding faster.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 6/10
- Bell Custom 500: 8/10
My take: I loved the breezy Bonanza on short city rides. But on highways, the Custom 500 made the ride calmer.
Performance: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
Both helmets deliver retro vibes, but performance leans toward the Bell. The Bonanza is light, fun, and perfect for casual rides. The Bell feels better suited for mixed use and longer trips.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 7/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: I still used the Bonanza when riding slow and easy. For speed and distance, the Bell performed better.
Ease of Use: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
Both helmets are simple to wear. Straps are easy, padding is soft, and visors can be added with snaps. The Bonanza strap felt a bit basic, while the Bell’s hardware felt stronger.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 8/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: I never had real issues with either, but the Bell gave me more trust when locking in.
Value for Money: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
The Bonanza is cheaper and good for riders on a budget. The Custom 500 costs more, but you get stronger build and extra safety ratings.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 8/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: If you ride short trips in town, the Bonanza gives you great value. If you want long-term comfort, the Bell justifies the higher price.
Overall: Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
Both helmets have their place. The Bonanza shines in city riding, style, and budget. The Bell Custom 500 wins on comfort, safety, and all-around use.
- Biltwell Bonanza: 7.5/10
- Bell Custom 500: 9/10
My take: I enjoyed both, but if I had to keep one, I’d stick with the Bell. It just worked better for me on more types of rides.
Quick Facts
This table shows the key facts for both helmets.
| Feature | Biltwell Bonanza | Bell Custom 500 |
| Shell Material | Injection-Molded ABS | Fiberglass Composite |
| Safety Certifications | DOT | DOT & ECE |
| Internal Head Shape | Round Oval | Intermediate Oval |
| Number of Shell Sizes | Not Officially Stated (Estimated 2-4) | Five |
| Impact Liner | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) | Multi-Density EPS |
| Comfort Liner | Removable & Washable | Non-Removable, Anti-Bacterial |
| Weight (Size Medium) | ~2.4 lbs (1089g) | ~2.4 lbs (1089g) |
| Visor/Shield System | Brow Snaps | Integrated 5-Snap Pattern |
| Warranty | Not Stated | 5 Years |
| Price Range (Solids) | ~$129.95 | ~$144.95 – $179.95 |
FAQs for Biltwell Bonanza vs Bell Custom 500
Which helmet fits better, Biltwell Bonanza or Bell Custom 500?
The Bell Custom 500 has a more neutral oval fit, while the Bonanza is rounder. If you have an oval head, the Bell usually feels more comfortable.
Is the Biltwell Bonanza safer than the Bell Custom 500?
The Bonanza is DOT only, while many Bell Custom 500 models carry DOT and ECE. This gives the Bell a stronger safety edge for most riders.
Which helmet is lighter, Biltwell Bonanza or Bell Custom 500?
Both are lightweight open-face helmets, but the Bell Custom 500 often feels a bit lighter thanks to its fiberglass shell design.
Which helmet is better for long rides, Biltwell Bonanza or Bell Custom 500?
The Bell Custom 500 offers more comfort and stability at speed. The Bonanza is better for short, casual rides where style and airflow matter most.
Which helmet is better value, Biltwell Bonanza or Bell Custom 500?
The Bonanza is more budget-friendly, but the Bell Custom 500 gives you stronger build, extra safety ratings, and comfort worth the extra cost.
How to Choose
Which helmet is best? There is no one winner. You must know what you want as a rider. This part will help you choose.
Price vs. Quality
The prices are very different. The price shows what they are made of.
The Biltwell Bonanza is the low-price leader. Plain colors cost about $129.95. Fancy colors cost about $149.95. This is a great price for a cool, safe helmet.
The Bell Custom 500 costs more. Plain colors start at $144.95 to $179.95. Special designs cost $204.95 or more. Carbon fiber helmets cost even more.
But value is not just about price. The higher price for the Bell gets you real upgrades. You get a fiberglass shell. You get a better liner for crashes. You get two safety marks (DOT and ECE). You get a better fit from the five shells. You get a five-year warranty. The Bonanza is a great deal up front. The Custom 500 may be a better deal in the long run.
What Do You Want Most?
This chart helps you choose. Find what is most important to you. Then see which helmet is best.
Which Helmet Is for You?
| If Your #1 Priority Is… | Your Best Choice Is… |
| Top Safety | Bell Custom 500 (It has two safety marks (DOT/ECE). A lab checks it. The shell and liner are made for top safety.) |
| Fit for a Round Head | Biltwell Bonanza (It is made for round heads. It will feel good. It will not have sore spots.) |
| Fit for an Oval Head | Bell Custom 500 (It is made for oval heads. This is a very common head shape.) |
| No “Mushroom Head” Look | Bell Custom 500 (It has five shell sizes. This makes the helmet look small and fit well on all head sizes.) |
| Low Price | Biltwell Bonanza (It costs less money. It is a great deal for a safe, cool helmet.) |
| Easy to Clean | Biltwell Bonanza (You can take the liner out. You can wash it. This keeps it fresh.) |
| Cool Designs | Bell Custom 500 (It has many special designs. You can even design your own paint job.) |
| Long-Term Value | Bell Custom 500 (It has a five-year warranty. This protects your money if something is wrong with it.) |