We live in an age where every purchase decision comes with an overwhelming number of options. Choosing a motorcycle helmet is no exception, and to make the best choice for your needs and budget, being well-informed is essential.
Some manufacturers, like Arai, have a long-standing reputation and are a safe bet if your budget allows. That said, a lesser-known brand in North America that also deserves your attention is LS2 helmets.
The founder of LS2 began producing helmets in 1990. At the time, the brand didn’t officially exist yet, and the company was manufacturing for other brands. It wasn’t until 2007 that LS2 Helmets was launched, intending to sell helmets under its name. Today, the manufacturer is one of the most significant players in the global motorcycle helmet market and certainly the fastest growing.
What sets LS2 apart is that 100% of its production is integrated, from ideation and design to manufacturing and homologation testing (ECE, DOT, FIM). Everything is done in their massive production facility in Guangzhou, China. This approach allows LS2 to offer carbon fibre helmets at highly competitive prices. While most manufacturers need to outsource part of the production and lose part of their profit margin, LS2 keeps this step in-house to reduce costs and pass some of those savings on to consumers.
Whether you're into road riding, adventure, or racing, LS2 offers a wide range of helmets to meet various needs, styles, and budgets. Let’s look at some of the most popular models.
The Advant is a modular helmet with a chin bar that rotates 180 degrees to the back, an LS2 innovation that significantly improves aerodynamics when riding in the open position. Like most LS2 helmets, it comes with an integrated sun visor operated by a sliding button. It’s available in either a carbon fibre shell or LS2’s proprietary KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) thermoplastic. Both versions include a Pinlock insert and meet or exceed European (ECE) and U.S. (DOT) safety standards.
The Thunder is arguably LS2’s highest-end helmet. Designed for racing, it is certified DOT, ECE, and FIM (specific to international motorcycle racing standards). Available only in carbon fibre, its wide visor is perfectly flat for distortion-free vision. Aerodynamics are optimized, and it comes with an impressive list of accessories. For those sticking to more civilized roads, the Citation offers many of the same features and certifications (except FIM) at a more accessible price.
In the Adventure segment, the Explorer stands out with its aggressive look. Arguably one of the best-looking adventure helmets, it features distinctive fins on the top. These fins aren’t just for aesthetics; they serve a critical aerodynamic function. At high speeds, air flowing over the fins creates a low-pressure zone at the ventilation ports, helping evacuate hot and humid air from inside the helmet. Also available in carbon fibre or KPA, it meets DOT and ECE standards and includes a drop-down sun visor and Pinlock insert.
LS2 is a great example showing that Chinese-made products can combine affordability and quality. Many still associate Chinese manufacturing with cheap, low-end goods. However, over the decades, several companies have developed the technical expertise to produce increasingly complex products requiring advanced materials, skilled labor, and state-of-the-art machinery. The iPhone, one of the most advanced consumer tech products, is entirely assembled in China. Brands like CFMoto and Kove, initially met with skepticism, have proven capable of building motorcycles that match the quality of major Western-targeted manufacturers. LS2 belongs in the same category. Its expertise, materials, and production capabilities rival those of the biggest names in the industry. In short, given the wide range of choices available today, LS2 definitely deserves your attention.
To learn more about the LS2 Advant helmet: https://youtu.be/HJQot_4pqlM
To explore more LS2 models: Kimpex.com