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-   -   Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/ride-safe/19699-helmet-tips-buying-good-helmet-289.html)

Sharp ratings have a higher test impact velocity. Sharp program is indeed considered the top rung of the safety ladder but the other widely accepted standards are not far behind. Each standard focusses more on different types of impact.
You can find a load of information here
In your situation though, the answer cannot be less vague because ECE 22.05 has lesser test load than ECE 22.06 which is still lower than the Sharp 5 rating. Hence, an ECE 22.05 helmet cannot be Sharp 5 rated.

Sharp program is not considered the top rung of safety certifications, even in UK. The ratings are easy to cheat by strengthening the pre known impact points. And questions had been raised many years ago on its effectiveness.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/...tings-panned-/.

Of course Sharp had released their counter argument but I think it's very similar to the SNELL vs FIM spat a few years back.

You might need a bigger duffle bag to take both helmet and laptop. Remember, the helmet is odd size and once you put it, there's going to be very little space for anything other than clothes. I myself had a 35 litre bag.

That's a pretty important point you've put forth, strengthening specific points to pump up the ratings. I guess, that's why it's better to have multiple aspects tested across different standards and have the helmet pass on them all. After all, road conditions don't answer to any set standard :)

Continuing the MT helmet discussion…

I am a bit confused now. I like the MT Revenge 2 but it doesn’t have ECE 22.06 and I feel that if I am spending 9k, then better to go for one with ECE 2206.

When I looked for other options in the price range, I can across SMK Titan firefly. The disadvantage is that it weighs 1.8kgs (against 1.4 of MT).

Anybody have feedback on SMK titan? Is there another one I could consider in that price range?

Have you checked out the LS2 range? You have the Stream 2, Storm 2 and Vector 2 available within the ballpark. Even I am looking for helmet around the 10k mark. The Axor was huge, the SMK Typhoon felt claustrophobic. The MT Thunder 3 Pro M fit me nicely but getting it on and off was a task due to its shape (I have a rounded elongated head). The double D strap too is small adding to the difficulty.

The LS2 helmets were perfect. It felt the most comfortable for my commuting and touring needs.

Any advice from the forum members on whether the upgrade from Stream 2 to the Storm 2 is worth a while.

Ps: have good things about KYT (only issue is that the models within my budget come without a sun visor). Unable to locate a local reseller.

I thought the newly manufactured thunder 3 pro was more oval than revenge 2 (S in revenge 2 and 560 (s equivalent)) but revenge 2 runs smaller.

I recommend ditching the sun visor. they make the helmet bulky, that is one of the reasons axors look bulky but people buying a 5k helmet for the first time want features (I know I was one) so it is a value addition there. Second, they add weight. Carrying a clear and tinted visor separately and swapping them is the better approach even though it is more hassle.

You are not wrong to get a 22.06 lid for that money but get the Revenge 2. Helmet fit is more relevant than 22.05 and 22.06 in my opinion and 300g more weight is just enough to make you ride without your fancy 22.06 helmet on a potential crash day.

In related news, Powersports is selling NHK helmets now. 2 models, both asian fit. No XS sizing unlike KYT. Powersports seems to hate us small headed guys. The cheaper one is surprisingly 22.06 (K5R) and the more expensive one (GP R Tech) is 22.05. GP R Tech also has a sticker saying NOT for track use. Both come with D rings. Make of it what you will.

How would the following helmets be ranked in terms of spares availability and cost effectiveness, safety, quality, weight balance, noise and comfort:

1. MT Thunder 3 Pro
2. LS2 FF320 Stream II
3. KYT TT Revo
4. LS2 FF800 Storm II
5. MT Thunder 4

Is there a significant gain in performance moving from the first 3 to the last 2? Like I saw a clear jump between the Apex, FF352, SMK Typhoon and my hummer to the Thunder 3 pro FF320 etc.

Any other helmet that is worth considering around the 10k mark? This helmet will be used for daily office commutes of around 50km, short 100-150km weekend rides and maybe a few tours here and there.

Like previously mentioned, I'm leaning towards the ls2s for now after trying on the lids.

Fit and quick release will always be non negotiable for me (unless it is a track helmet and everyone there knows not to mess with a lid after a crash, then I can compromise on quick release). Seems both LS2 have that. Both LS2 claim to use a pinlock 70, so I assume they have similar FOV too. The main difference seems to be that Storm comes in more shell sizes which cuts bulk and weight so I would consider that over stream. And 22.06. I am pretty sure most of the weight saving on LS2 lids comes from zero sound insulation. They are SUPER LOUD compared to other brands. I don't know about spares situation but as a thunder carbon owner I've never had to think about it, but that is their flagship lid and might not reflect the experience at lower price points.

I like the KYT TT course as a track only lid (it lacks quick release) myself but you say you that an oval head, so as nice as the KYT is for bang for buck, I would prefer LS2 and MT. I would not touch thunder 4 because no D ring but hey you are commuting so what do I know. Thunder 3 pro comes with fantastic (and the best) graphic options but I would really rather get a lid that fits. MT had terrible spares support for a while but since thunder 3 pro is manufactured locally, I assume that is sorted now. KYT also has stock issues every now and then. Realistically almost all riding gear has stock issues so I would not really consider this when buying a lid.

For road use, you likely won't crash during the life your lid, so I would not think on the lines of 'I can buy two streams for the price of one storm'. I'd get the nicer and safer storm if I were you.

Probably to avoid any confusion between the GPR Tech Street and Track? One is polycarbonate and other is fiberglass and placed as a track helmet AFAIK. They both have identical shell design but priced poles apart.

Is the LS2 stream ii model number ff808 or ff320? I'm a little confused. Are the spares easily available for this model?

Another NHK Helmet available at a lower price with the following,

• ECE 22.06 and ISI certified.
• Reinforced Double D-ring retention system for superior security

NHK K5R for Rs. 5,799.00 with dual visor.



Ride safe,
surjaonwheelz

I have checked some of the helmets at different retailers in Bangalore and saw that the ISI mark is a simple sticker which can be easily peeled off. Are they really valid or just giving a fake assurance to the buyers. :confused:

Even for MT Helmets it's a sticker, my Revenge2 also has ISI sticker.

Ride safe,
surjaonwheelz

As I am actively looking for a daily commute and occasional long rides helmet, I came across NHK as a brand. My understanding of the market is as follows:

Below Rs 6,000 there are 2 types of helmets.

1. Feature-rich but heavy/unbalanced brands like Axor and SMK with Apex, Typhoon etc.

2. Light/balanced but missing features such as LS2 FF352 rookie/flash, MT Hummer. There's a KYT Striker, but that doesn't seem to carry any ECE certification.

Above Rs 10,000 and within a reasonable Rs 15,000 there are excellent picks like the LS2 FF800 Storm II, discounted LS2 FF811 Vector II, MT Thunder 4, KYT NFR, Airoh Connor etc. But these seem like a stretch for my commute usage.

There's a dearth of options in the Rs 6,000-9,000 range.

1. LS2 FF320 STREAM II - This one seems hard to find for some reason. The Stream Evo is available but that seems to be on the older standards. And even if I manage to purchase a STREAM II in my size, the availability of spares seems bleak.

2. MT Thunder3 Pro - This one is discontinued as per all the local vendors. Is this the case? Wasn't this the highest-selling lid in this price bracket?

3. KYT TT Course/Revo - Seems like the best option out there. Spares are available as of now for the course edition at least. The only thing missing is an internal sun visor which would have been useful.

Saw the NHK K5R and it seems perfect. Lightweight, D-ring, good padding and internal visor. But the availability of the spares seems non-existent. Any pointers as to where I could find them? If I am able to buy a spare visor and cheek pads now, I am definitely considering the K5R.

Am I missing any significant helmets from this group?

So as of now, I will either buy the LS2 FF352 rookie and call it a day or go all out and buy an LS2 FF800, even though it's overkill and will probably get stolen within a few days at work/public spaces.

I do not have any local exposure to KYT, NHK or BILMOLA. How does the KYT TT Course/Revo compare to the FF800?