Biltwell Smoke Tint Bubble Shield (Chrome Mirror, One Size)
: Biltwell Smoke Tint Bubble Shield (Chrome Mirror, One Size): Automotive
My third Biltwell bubble shield that I use in conjunction with my Biltwell Gringo.
Usually when I rode during the day I would always use sunglasses, and at night, I would throw on my clear bubble shield. After a while, I started wanting more protection for my face when riding during the day, but wasn't a fan of the clear shield in bright sunlight. I started looking at the other options that Biltwell offered and settled on the Chrome shield. I couldn't be happier! Not only does this thing look badass, but also provides the protection I was looking for when riding during the day! Keeps both the wind and sun out of my face just enough so that sunglasses aren't needed, but making it still possible to wear at night. I just leave this thing on my helmet and never need to take it off!
I like the plastic bubble shield…good shape, nice visible filter, low fogging, UV protection, and not overly sensitive to scratching or delamination.
The metal snaps are the worst kind of thin, cheap, malleable, tin-can metal, which easily bends, and are sloppily/partially riveted together. Very bad quality control and cheap materials for snaps stand in stark contrast to the nice plastic bubble. Here are three experiences with three different shields of this model:
First shield: All three metal snaps were the wrong diameter, so the snaps wouldn’t fit my helmet.
Second shield: All three snaps were found loose and disconnected from the plastic bubble in an unopened package, direct from the Amazon seller.
Third shield: Middle snap rivet pulled apart from the bubble shield on first use, due to wind pressure and vibration. The vibration and wind pressure almost pulled out my helmet’s snap, too! This design really needs all 5 snaps. Too much pressure is put on the middle snap which is a weak point for failure.
If that’s not bad enough, the three snaps on the shield are flat on the outside and won’t accept a snap-on visor, like the 5-snap flat shields. A visor might possibly help with the vibration and loose fit with the plastic bubble. The only reason why I’d ever buy another one of these shields is as an experiment to drill out the old snaps and replace them with snaps salvaged from a 5-snap shield. I wonder if it’s possible to pop-rivet them back together after being drilled apart. Or, maybe a leatherwork company sells snaps that could fit.
If the manufacturer simply spent another 50 cents on quality snaps, this would be a much better product. If the manufacturer were to make a shield design with 5 “good” snaps, this would be a great product and I’d gladly pay more. It’s sad that some manufacturers don’t have enough pride in their product to be aware that they are selling slop. Perhaps the designers only envision low-speed city use.
My only negative about this product; unless you want to wear sunglasses (since I can wear this at night without Dampening my vision) you'd need to attach it while wearing your helmet. If you got long hair and put it up so it don't get messed up by the wind, it's a bit of a challenge to put on.
I love the mirror sheen look! It's like every 80's horror movie antagonist! No one can identify you and difficult for men to know if you're a female rider (that's a plus).
There is some minor wind push when you go above 40mph or 64km/h but that's a given like using a wind shield on your ride. But it does block most of the chill factor from my face, so I'd need to just cover my neck when it's cold out.
I haven't tested this on the freeway (locally it's 70mph or 112 km/h. But giving it a go this weekend. I'll update more afterwards.
Great product!
The shield flops and rattles around in the wind excessively over about 40 MPH due to the slack in the 3 snaps within the movable slots. I know some have suggested JB welding the snaps: I don't think it would hold. Or taping over the outside of the snaps: again, wouldn't hold. Or using a punch on the inside to tighten the snap: Perhaps would tighten a little. Basically designed to fit any helmet rather than actually be used at speed on a motorcycle. I know some wise guy is going to suggest drilling holes through your helmet and replacing the snap rivets with 3/4 inch nuts and bolts. This stupid design Might be OK if you have full fairing/windshield but if on a naked sport bike or cruiser, be prepared for shield to violently rattle and shake all around like crazy over 40 MPH!
Overall, this is a good bubble shield. I've bought 6 of them in various colors (clear, smoke/chrome, yellow, iridescent) over the last few years. These are great for blocking the wind and as someone who wears glasses, this gives room between my glasses and the shield. Also, the vintage look is awesome. I commute on the freeway and these are solid at 80mph+ with very little chatter.
My biggest complaint is the weakness of the button snaps. Out of the 6 shields I've bought, 3 have had the button snaps break when taking the shield off the helmet. Once a button snap breaks, the shield is rendered useless if you go over 40mph. The snap holds firm on the helmet, but the connection between the shield and the snap is weak.
Price: US $29.95
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 from 382 Reviews
Specification
UV Tested: Biltwell Bubble Shields are UV rated at UV +50 with over 91 percent UVA block and over 99 percent UVB block. Shields were evaluated for UV resistance as per test method AATCC 183
Universal 3-snap fitment
Description
Color:Chrome Mirror
Injection-molded polycarbonate shields in solid, clear and mirror gradient finishes. Fits stock 3-snap visor configuration on most novelty and DOT helmets. Accept no substitutes: make sure the next bubble shield you own features the "Biltwell" script logo.
beyond any doubt. Super reflective so it's hard to see your face (if you're into that) and honestly has awesome visibility day or night, I ride in 3 am darkness no problem. The only thing i really got a problem with is the FOGGING....this shield still deserves 5 stars.
It's got a slightly odd tint while wearing my polarized Oakley sunglasses. The odd reflection is still there a little without sunglasses depending on how the sun hits you but it was quite clear at dusk. I'm quite fond of of how much air it kept out at 75 mph. No chatter or rattle at all which surprised me.
Update:
After using it at 4:30 a.m. I'm not sold on it being a 24 hr use shield. It's a little too dark for my taste when it's really dark outside. I'm a big fan of being an overly defensive driver and I live where there are a lot of deer. I've had friends who have lost limbs and others who have hit deer and I don't want to be one of those. I would not recommend it for night riding. Daytime riding I would definitely recommend. ✌🖒
Really nice looking but flew off my helmet on the first ride. And yes of course it was installed properly, the three snap design is not rocket science. The top snap has adjustable slot, at speed it allows the visor to move up and down slightly. It moved up and down hard enough to undo the top snap next thing I knew I saw in my mirror this thing flying like a wing heading for the cars behind.
Has a big notch straight down the middle right in my eye line. Too much of a pain to return it and get another one. It would be a waste of my time and money. Hope you're more lucky than me.
The shield is high quality and definetly doesn't feel cheep. The material is pretty thick and durable. Installation is a breeze. Looks awesome on my retro LS2 kurt bobber helmet and does a great job blocking sun and wind offering perfect visibility.
Product information
Color:Chrome MirrorTechnical Details
| Manufacturer | Biltwell |
|---|---|
| Brand | Biltwell |
| Model | Bv-chr-00-sd |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Item model number | BV-CHR-00-SD |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | BV-CHR-00-SD |
| Folding | No |
| Safety Rating | DOT Certified |
| Vehicle Service Type | Street-touring-motorcycles, Street-cruiser-motorcycles, Street-motor-scooters |
Additional Information
| ASIN | B014MZ7LI2 |
|---|---|
| Customer Reviews | |
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