Hedonist Open Face Helmets
The Hedonist open face helmets are the range Hedon is known for. A low profile shell that sits close to the head, trimmed in full-grain leather and finished by hand, with a silhouette that suits classic, cafe racer, and custom builds. It's been our signature shape since we started, and the collection now runs to thirty-five finishes across stable colorways and small-run collaboration editions.
Why Riders Choose an Open Face
An open face helmet covers the top, back, and sides of your head and leaves your face clear. That means you get to enjoy:
- Air on your face at low speed, which is why open face suits town riding and warm weather.
- A wider field of vision, useful in traffic and at junctions.
- Easier conversation at the lights and at the cafe, without taking the helmet off.
- A silhouette that fits cafe racer, scrambler, and neo-retro builds.
The trade-off is that your chin and jaw aren't covered, and there's more wind noise at speed. Riders who spend most of their miles on highways usually reach for the Heroine Racer 2.0 full face helmet instead.
How the Hedonist Is Made
The composite shell is a hand-laid layup of fiberglass and carbon fiber, sprayed with automotive-grade paint and lacquered in layers. What sets the Hedonist apart is the detail work inside and out:
- Composite fiber shell: fiberglass and carbon fiber layered for a lightweight, low profile construction.
- Full-grain leather trim: at the rim and lining, hand-stitched rather than bonded. Seasons with wear and takes on a patina over years of riding.
- Anti-bacterial interior lining: fine calf leather and anti-bacterial fabric, breathable and easy to keep fresh.
- Metal hardware: brass or gunmetal buckle and fittings, so the parts you handle every ride are metal rather than plastic.
- Hand-masked paintwork: two-tone and leafed finishes are masked and sprayed by hand, so small variations between shells are part of the character.
- Goggle strap holder: recessed at the back of the shell, for riders who run goggles instead of a visor.
- Speaker pocket compatibility: select Hedonist models are compatible with Sena Bluetooth systems.
Every Hedonist is certified to ECE 22.06 or DOT, and manufacturing runs to ISO 9001 out of Hedon's London workshop. Pair with a peak, bubble shield, or short visor from the Peaks and Visors collection. An open face with a classic peak is the traditional setup and the one most Hedonist riders end up running. Sunglasses work well too for warmer, sunnier rides.
Getting the Fit Right
An open face helmet should feel snug across the forehead and the sides of your head, secure under the chin strap, and stable when you turn your head. Measure around your head about a centimeter above your eyebrows with a cloth tape, then check the Helmet Size Chart before ordering.
Leather trim gives a little as it seasons, so choose the firmer of two sizes if you're between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hedonist open face helmets safe enough for road riding?
Yes. Hedonist helmets come with ECE 22.06 or DOT certifications, which means they can be used in the UK, Europe, and the United States. Check the specific product pages for details. An open face helmet covers the top, back, and sides of your head but leaves the chin and jaw exposed, so it offers less coverage than a full face helmet. Whether that trade-off suits you depends on the riding you do. For highway miles, most riders choose a full face.
Can I fit goggles, a peak, or a bubble shield to a Hedonist?
Yes. The Hedonist takes peaks, bubble shields, and short visors from the Peaks and Visors collection, fitted to the existing side mounts with the standard screws. Goggles sit over the rim in the usual way and clip to the goggle strap holder at the back. A peak and goggles together is the classic open face combination, and it's what most Hedonist riders run.
How should I clean a leather trimmed helmet?
Wipe the leather with a slightly damp cloth and let it dry naturally, away from direct heat. Avoid solvent cleaners and alcohol wipes on both the leather and the lacquer, since they'll dry the hide and dull the finish. Airing the helmet after a wet or hot ride matters more than cleaning it often.
How long does a Hedonist last?
Replace any helmet that has taken an impact, even if the shell looks undamaged, since the liner compresses on impact and won't protect you the same way twice. Beyond that, Hedon recommends replacing your helmet around five years from first use as the liner and fittings age. If your Hedon helmet has been damaged in a crash, our Crash Replacement Program offers 50% off the RRP of a replacement.
