Affordable gear maker LS2 has recently announced the third generation of its Storm sport-touring helmet.
With a starting price of £139.99 (or £20 more if you want fancy graphics), the new Storm III claims to be lighter and more breathable.
In terms of features, the Storm III certainly seems impressive for the price. Weighing in at 1600 grams, it’s lighter than lids from many bigger-name competitors (the Shoei GT-Air 3, for example, claims a weight of 1700 g), it comes with a drop-down sun visor, Pinlock 70 MaxVision anti-fog insert, and intercom compatibility.
In the tradition of manufacturers creating nonsense words and phrases that sound impressive, LS2 says its weight savings is down to “a redesigned KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) outer shell,” which also improves the protective qualities of the helmet.
With the redesigned shell comes improved ventilation, LS2 says. “A new, large upper intake” works in tandem with chin vents and rear exhaust ports to ensure enough air is moving through the helmet to keep you cool on warmer days.
Internally, the hypoallergenic and antibacterial liner is “fully removable and washable for season-long comfort and freshness.” As I’ve said before when talking about helmets, I can’t imagine there are many people (if, in fact ANY people) who actually do that, but nice to know it’s an option.
While I’m digressing, does anyone have a good solution for keeping one’s sun visor from fogging up? Pinlock inserts are great on the main visor, but obviously do nothing for the drop-down sun visor. Give me your tips in the comments.
Meanwhile, LS2 says the drop-down sun visor in the Storm III is “3D optically correct.” There’s some more nonsense marketing phrasing. Searching the internet, “3D optically correct” is a phrase that only LS2 tends to use. My best guess is that it simply means that the visor gives a clear, distortion-free view across its curved surface.
There are four solid-color versions of the Storm III available for £139.99. Alternatively, LS2 says, “riders can choose from… eight fresh graphic schemes” (Ooh, so fresh!) that have a starting price of £159.99.
The helmet is ECE 22.06-certified and is now available for purchase on Amazon and other outlets.
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