[TorqueyTechie]

Picked this studds helmet for my daughter for any short rides near home. She wanted to get one for herself and picked this. Didn't even take it off even after coming back home.







It is lightweight (750g) and fits snug to her. She is happy and so I am happy too!

[neil.jericho]

I was at a riding gear store here and was surprised to see a DC licensed helmet from Axor. So far, DC helmets have been restricted to HJC offerings. The paint job on this is really nice and is worth the Rs 1,500 premium over the plain black and other paint schemes.

Kudos to the Indian helmet companies for stepping up their game in this ISI import era.

[am1m]

Have two AXR helmets lying at home. Purchased in 2016 and last used probably in 2018. They developed some spots, probably fungus even in Bangalore's dry weather. Have been airing and sunning them out for the past two months and they seem ok now. But wondering if I should actually use them now? Reluctant to throw away two helmets that have been hardly used, but also wondering if that is the right thing to do.

[neil.jericho]

I need to replace my AGV K3 SV in the next few months. I am looking for a sports touring helmet with a drop down sunvisor (non negotiable). I am not hell bent on a double d-ring system, I find the micrometric to be easier to use when Im touring. With the helmet situation being what it is, the only options seem to be
- LS2 Storm
- Axor Apex
- SMK (few models)
- MT Blade 2 SV
- KYT NFR

A friend uses the KYT NFR and said that it feels heavy. What I hear is that KYTs future in India is a bit uncertain, so Im a bit wary about plonking down my money on it right now. Availability of spares might be an issue, down the road.

While I really like MT helmets, somehow I never could get comfortable with their helmets. I should go out and try the Blade 2 SV. It comes with a 4* SHARP rating.

The SMK Titan was something that I wanted to try out but couldnt find in Cochin. Retailers claim that it is a bit heavy. The other SMK helmets were fine. The top of the visor has a unique staggered shape that is not finger friendly! Different for the sake of being different and not in the good way.

The Axor Apex seemed fine for its price. The padding was very firm at the upper part of the cheeks but not so much at the lower part.

The LS2 Storm was the surprise of the lot. The padding was very plush and the helmet did not feel like it cost Rs 10,000. Instead, it felt like it was something that could have cost double that! I really liked it a lot and right now this is my top choice. If anyone has used the LS2 Storm, do share your feedback.

Originally Posted by am1m

Have two AXR helmets lying at home. Purchased in 2016 and last used probably in 2018. They developed some spots, probably fungus even in Bangalore's dry weather. Have been airing and sunning them out for the past two months and they seem ok now. But wondering if I should actually use them now? Reluctant to throw away two helmets that have been hardly used, but also wondering if that is the right thing to do.

I would replace them.

[shady]

Had been helmet shopping over the weekend for my better half and I had casually mentioned about the Axor Joker themed helmet to her before we left. Went to a shop on Lalbagh road, Bangalore and the guy at the shop started showing Vega/Studds helmets. Started with single colored then multi colored helmets but no interest.

She then asked if they have the Axor Joker helmet and the guy was initially surprised and after a pause uttered "Yes madam". Took us to the upstairs section with all the premium helmets. They had the exact size for her in M. She tried it on and liked it (for the theme). The fit was snug and just right for her although the cheeks were a bit tight which should loosen up gradually. And the helmet was selected and bought.

The guy at the shop asked if the helmet is for touring or city use.
He was patient enough to explain all the features. She did try on Studds/SMK but this was selected for the theme.

The helmet is an Axor Apex with the custom paint theme and the finish is quite premium.

Comes with Pinlock and an internal dark visor

[hiren.mistry]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

- LS2 Storm
- Axor Apex
- SMK (few models)
- MT Blade 2 SV
- KYT NFR

The SMK Titan was something that I wanted to try out but couldnt find in Cochin. Retailers claim that it is a bit heavy. The other SMK helmets were fine. The top of the visor has a unique staggered shape that is not finger friendly! Different for the sake of being different and not in the good way.

Hi Neil,
I concur on the SMK Titan, I have been using it for a while now. It's heavy at 1650 gms but then carries the weight well, does not stress the neck much.
Generally speaking the paint/graphics quality along with the fit n finish seems quite premium. However, the lining on first touch seem excessively soft but it seems to be hard wearing. I hoped this helmet to be quieter, but i guess with the ear pockets for a comms systems it may not be possible. What I absolutely like about this helmet is the viewing port, it is surely larger than the cheaper SMK Twister range. The Titan also comes with Pinlock 70 (larger).

I've been using it for around 7 months now, and for me it's 8K well spent. Attaching some pics from day 1.
1 biggest advantage of getting an SMK is that spares are readily available and more importantly do not cost too much. My helmet however, did not come with an ISI sticker, but the newer one's do have it. So you are safe from the cops too.













Some reflective material.


Cheers,
Hiren

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by hiren.mistry

Hi Neil,
I concur on the SMK Titan, I have been using it for a while now. It's heavy at 1650 gms but then carries the weight well, does not stress the neck much.
Generally speaking the paint/graphics quality along with the fit n finish seems quite premium. However, the lining on first touch seem excessively soft but it seems to be hard wearing. I hoped this helmet to be quieter, but i guess with the ear pockets for a comms systems it may not be possible. What I absolutely like about this helmet is the viewing port, it is surely larger than the cheaper SMK Twister range. The Titan also comes with Pinlock 70 (larger).

Hiren, thanks for sharing this. It is very useful indeed. I am a big fan of a wide viewing angle and a good pinlock system. The colour schemes on the SMK Titan are really classy as well. Maybe Ill wait a bit to see if some of the riding gear stores get new stock of the SMK Titan.

The only thing which I didnt like about the range is that the carbon fiber lid seems to be a base Titan with a carbon weave but without any of the benefits of actual carbon fiber. Crazy_Driver was telling me that it weighs the same as the regular Titan models.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

I need to replace my AGV K3 SV in the next few months. I am looking for a sports touring helmet with a drop down sunvisor (non negotiable). I am not hell bent on a double d-ring system, I find the micrometric to be easier to use when Im touring.

Over the past week, I have been to most of the big riding gear stores in Cochin and tried out various helmets that are available. Im sharing my thoughts and experiences below, hopefully it helps someone else who is also going the same decision making process.

- Axor Apex (Link)
The top of the line offering from Vega. It comes with ECE and ISI certification. They have some special edition helmets such as the DC Joker and the xbhp ones. Considering the price, the fit and finish was good. The padding was squashing the upper part of my cheeks, not so much the lower part. Some riders in the community here are using it and have given good feedback on these helmets.

Availability : Very easily available in most stores. Spares are cheap and easily available.
Price : Rs 5K for the base models and graphics. Rs 6.5K for the special editions.
Verdict : Good for its price but disqualified for not being a perfect fit.

- SMK Titan Link
The top of the line offerings from Studds. It comes with ECE and ISI certification. It is exported to Europe and is available for sale on FC Moto etc. Its really tough to find in Cochin. The weight is on the heavier side. The Carbon fiber version is even heavier than the base version Youtube is filled with videos in which the Johnny Come Lately "reviewers / buyers" claim that these are genuine carbon fiber helmets. Sigh!

Sporty!


I like these indents


Whoever came up with this colour combination should reconsider their choices in life ....


Not smartly designed (explained below)

But, the helmet does look very good. The fit and finish is a clear step above the Axor Apex. The padding feels really nice. It comes with a large pinlock. Its not perfect though. The design is a bit of an ergonomic blunder. The chin vent, the button to release the visor and the end of the visor to push it up, all are in close proximity to each other. This is something that SMK should fix in its next models.

Heavy or not, it does look good!


I like this design on the top of the helmet


Fingerprint magnet

Availability : Its the exact opposite of the Axor Apex. Very few stores are keeping the SMK Titan. Most retailers claim that the weight is a problem. One said that the company is exporting most of what they produce, hence nothing is coming to them. Another said that they wont take new stock. A little birdie tells me that production is a problem. No production. No supply. If Studds fixes their production and supply chain issues, this can do very well in India. More so in the bigger cities. Price conscious Tier 2 cities will find more takers for helmets in the Rs 5 - 6K range.
Price : Rs 8.5K for plain colours. Rs 9K for the ones with graphics. Rs 12K for the fake carbon fiber one.
Verdict : Surprisingly, this is in my top 2. Right now only one old stock helmet in white is available (am yet to see it) and this colourful blue / green helmet (not a fan).

- LS2 Storm Link
Another good offering from LS2. It comes with ECE and ISI certification. It is available for sale in Europe and the US. You can find a video review from the Revzilla team. There isnt any pinlock with this helmet, so that is an additional cost that needs to be factored in.

The padding is very plush. The helmet's design isnt the sportiest when compared to the others on the list. LS2 has majorly lost its way in the Indian market, in the last half a dozen years. Competition from SOL and then MT, has really pushed LS2 out of the mindset of motorcycle enthusiasts. But it is one of the few options with an ISI certificate. Hopefully they recover their mojo.
Availability : Low. There are a couple of pieces in one store. Thats it. New stocks should arrive soon.
Price : Rs 10.7K for the base models. Rs 11.1K for the special editions.
Verdict : Very nice and in my top 2 choices.

- MT Blade 2 SV Link
The top of the line offering from MT right now. It gets a very impressive 4* SHARP rating and is manufactured in India. So it is ECE and ISI certified.

My head just doesnt get along well with MT helmets. It was no different with the Blade 2 SV. Just like the Axor Apex, the padding squeezes the top of my cheeks.
Availability : A lot of Spartan Pro Gear partner stores shut down when Spartan Pro Gear wound up. PowerSports International just doesnt have the same reach as Spartan. As a result, the availability of these MT helmets has dropped drastically in Cochin. Just one big store has stocks of MT helmets now.
Price : Rs 9.5K.
Verdict : It felt a little expensive for its price but disqualified for not being a perfect fit.

- KYT NFR Link
A sensible product from KYT. The company is making big strides globally. The NFR is available in Europe. It is popular in south east Asia. As far as I can tell, one big batch of KYT and Suomy helmets were imported with the ISI certification but nothing new has come in recently. I really liked the fit of the NFR. The paint schemes are really nice and premium. Like for like, this felt the closest to my AGV K3 SV that is being replaced. There is some chatter about whether the ISI certified KYTs will return to India or not. Nobody has a clue on when new stocks will arrive.
Availability : Low. Retailers are trying to push what is sitting on their shelves. No visors available. Long term future is a massive question mark.
Price : Rs 12.5K
Verdict : Nice fit but unless I can get a spare visor now, its probably off my list.

- Suomy Stellar Link
A mid range offering from a very well known company. Its difficult to find reviews on this helmet from the interwebs. That is not a surprise, knowing Suomy. As someone who knows a thing or two about the motorcycle scene in India, it baffles me that of all the companies, Suomy has offerings that are ISI certified. Something doesnt add up here, if you can read between the lines.

Stunning looks!






On second thoughts, that ISI and ECE stickering isnt very confidence inspiring

In terms of padding quality and premium feel, this is half a step above everything else listed here. Just like the KYTs, none of the retailers have any idea whether Suomy will make a return to India.
Availability : Very low. Retailers are trying to push what is sitting on their shelves. No visors available. Long term future is a massive question mark.
Price : Rs 18.3K
Verdict : The best of the lot but unless I can get a spare visor now, its probably off my list.

In summary, right now my top two choices are the SMK Titan and the LS2 Storm. I know, I didnt expect to have an Indian brand in my final shortlist either. The SMK Titan isnt perfect but its a very solid product from an Indian manufacturer. The LS2 is lighter, doesnt have a pinlock but feels more plush. hiren.mistry's ownership review is a vote in favour of the SMK. I dont know anyone who is using the LS2 Storm. If anyone has any thoughts, please feel free to chime in.

P.S - Unless the importers of big brands take the plunge and get an ISI certificate for international helmets, these options are the new reality that we have to live with. Bilmola is one company that is applying for ISI certification. When will it come through, who knows? But at least its a start.

P.S 2 - I know that all of us old timers in the Motorcycling section of TBHP advocate for the best possible riding gear and helmets to be used. Quality doesnt come cheap. And due to their track record, we have, as a community, rightly tended to look down at the Indian helmet manufacturers and their offerings. But the truth is that in recent years, they have really stepped up their game to heights that none of us thought could have been possible. The old giants have finally woken up. Try out an Axor Apex or a SMK Titan and think back to the best Indian made helmets that were available 5 to 10 years ago. Its no comparison and we will be hard pressed to believe that these are the very same companies that did little to build their capabilities for decades. Im not saying that they will challenge the Arais and Shoeis of the world, but they are taking the game forward. And that can only bode well for the Indian motorcycling community.

[deepfreak15]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

I like these indents

Doesn’t that go against what the industry strives for, smooth surfaces to reduce drag/buffeting and more important- maximum glancing efficiency to ensure rotational forces are not transmitted to the brain? I honestly don’t see any reason for those indents apart for the manufacturer trying to do something different just for the sake of doing something differently.
Did you get a chance to check out NHK lids? They seem really popular in the domestic and Asian racing circles.

[Thamps]

I had recently purchased a Scorpion helmet. I hope that I wouldn't have to replace that any time soon unless it meets the road. But still, is the shortage of international helmets this severe in India now? Did the govt really ban the import of non isi helmets? If so,it points to a grim future...what if one wants to buy a helmet which meets the latest regulations like FIM or ECE 22.06?

[neil.jericho]

I forgot to mention a couple of things in my earlier post. One is this review of the LS2 Storm (the Assault in the USA) from Revzilla. And the other was something that deepfreak15 picked up on.

Revzilla

Originally Posted by deepfreak15

Doesn’t that go against what the industry strives for, smooth surfaces to reduce drag/buffeting and more important- maximum glancing efficiency to ensure rotational forces are not transmitted to the brain? I honestly don’t see any reason for those indents apart for the manufacturer trying to do something different just for the sake of doing something differently.
Did you get a chance to check out NHK lids? They seem really popular in the domestic and Asian racing circles.

deepfreak15, you are right about the indents. I forgot to mention it while compiling my post. From my earlier post on other SMK helmets, the company seems to enjoy doing things differently, just for the sake of doing things differently.

I went and checked my Shark Race R Pro (semi retired), Airoh GP 550 and AGV K3 (close to being retired) and all of them have some design elements that do not support the Arai smooth shell model. In fact, in the pictures you will notice that the long ridge on the Suomy Stellar seems to be the worst offender of them all

There is no stock of NHK helmets in Kerala right now. I checked online and couldnt find anything available in India. Im guessing stocks have run out and now the onus is on the importer to bring in a new batch.

Originally Posted by Thamps

I had recently purchased a Scorpion helmet. I hope that I wouldn't have to replace that any time soon unless it meets the road. But still, is the shortage of international helmets this severe in India now? Did the govt really ban the import of non isi helmets? If so,it points to a grim future...what if one wants to buy a helmet which meets the latest regulations like FIM or ECE 22.06?

Until more brands decide to apply for ISI certification, these slim pickings are what we will have. My search was specific to helmets with dual sun visors. There are other options without an internal sun visor. But the companies are the same as what I have listed. If you want to buy a non ISI helmet, you will have to ask someone to hand carry it on a flight. Retailers are afraid to take the risk of importing and stocking new non ISI helmets now.

[AtheK]

I am waiting for axor to come up with batman theme helmet, with dc collaboration that should be coming soon, would make for a nice city helmet with isi certification.

[hiren.mistry]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

In summary, right now my top two choices are the SMK Titan and the LS2 Storm. I know, I didnt expect to have an Indian brand in my final shortlist either. The SMK Titan isnt perfect but its a very solid product from an Indian manufacturer. The LS2 is lighter, doesnt have a pinlock but feels more plush. hiren.mistry's ownership review is a vote in favour of the SMK. I dont know anyone who is using the LS2 Storm. If anyone has any thoughts, please feel free to chime in.

I think the Titan would be a good helmet for you Neil. I've been using the Titan on weekend rides on my Z900 and it's been doing well. It is noisy but then I do not have anything to compare against, also nothing a pair earplugs can't solve.

On an absolute superficial level - Almost all folks I meet on the the rides compliment the Titan on its look and levels of fit n finish. I am sure SMK has a color that will suit mature audience. Do make sure the helmet fits you well, I used to wear size L SMK Twister but on the Titan I had to go down to a Medium.

Cheers

[bravo82in]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Over the past week, I have been to most of the big riding gear stores in Cochin and tried out various helmets that are available

Thank you for the detailed post Neil. I am due to buy a new helmet for local rides on my yet to be finalised Int 650/ CB350. I tried the SMK Titan purchases online few days back but found it too heavy and returned. Just wondering can you through some light on the weight of these helmets? SMK is the heaviest of the lot I believe

Regards
Bravo

[sagarpadaki]

Spartan Pro Gear closed down? I see the website is still active but they do not show any of their Aspida range of gear

Where to get spare visor for MT helmets now?