LS2 Valiant 2 Helmet: A Deep Dive Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the LS2 Valiant 2 helmet, a modular helmet that's been making waves in the motorcycle community. If you're anything like me, you appreciate a helmet that offers versatility, comfort, and safety, all rolled into one sleek package. The LS2 Valiant 2 aims to deliver just that, and in this comprehensive review, we're going to break down every aspect of this helmet, from its design and features to its performance on the road.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so let's start with the unboxing experience. First impressions matter, right? When you first get your hands on the LS2 Valiant 2, you'll immediately notice its build quality. It feels solid and well-constructed, which is definitely reassuring when you're thinking about safety gear. The design is modern and aggressive, with clean lines and a streamlined profile. LS2 offers the Valiant 2 in a variety of colors and graphics, so you can definitely find one that matches your style. Inside the box, you'll find the helmet itself, a clear visor pre-installed, a Pinlock anti-fog lens, and a handy helmet bag for storage. The inclusion of the Pinlock lens is a huge plus, especially if you ride in varying weather conditions. This shows that LS2 cares about the user experience right out of the box.

The LS2 Valiant 2 helmet is constructed from LS2's Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA), which is a proprietary blend of materials designed to be lightweight yet highly durable. This is crucial for a modular helmet, as the added weight of the flip-up mechanism can sometimes make these helmets feel bulky. The KPA shell helps to keep the weight down while still providing excellent impact protection. The helmet also features a multi-density EPS liner, which further enhances its safety performance by absorbing and dispersing impact energy. The attention to detail in the construction is evident, and it gives you a sense of confidence knowing that you're wearing a helmet that's built to protect you. The finish is smooth and the paint quality is top-notch, suggesting that this helmet is built to last. The overall aesthetic is pleasing, and it's clear that LS2 has put a lot of thought into the design of the Valiant 2.

Key Features and Design

Now, let's talk about the features that make the LS2 Valiant 2 stand out. The most obvious feature is, of course, its 180-degree flip-up design. This allows you to quickly and easily convert the helmet from a full-face to an open-face configuration, which is incredibly convenient for city riding or when you need to have a quick conversation without removing your helmet entirely. The mechanism is smooth and easy to operate, even with gloves on, and it locks securely into place in both the open and closed positions. This is a huge selling point for riders who value versatility and convenience. The 180-degree flip-up chin bar is a game-changer for modular helmets. It allows the chin bar to flip all the way to the back of the helmet, which improves balance and aerodynamics when riding in the open-face configuration. This is a significant improvement over some other modular helmets, where the chin bar can create unwanted drag and neck strain.

The LS2 Valiant 2 helmet also boasts an integrated sun visor, which is another fantastic feature for riders who frequently encounter changing light conditions. The sun visor is easy to deploy and retract with a simple slider mechanism, and it provides excellent coverage without obstructing your field of vision. This eliminates the need to carry a separate tinted visor, which is a major convenience. The helmet's ventilation system is also worth mentioning. It features multiple adjustable intake vents on the top and front of the helmet, as well as exhaust vents at the rear, providing excellent airflow to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. The vents are easy to operate, even with gloves on, and they make a noticeable difference in airflow when you're riding. The combination of the flip-up design, integrated sun visor, and effective ventilation system makes the LS2 Valiant 2 a truly versatile helmet for a wide range of riding conditions.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is king when it comes to helmets, and the LS2 Valiant 2 doesn't disappoint. The interior padding is plush and comfortable, made from a breathable, hypoallergenic fabric that wicks away moisture. The cheek pads and headliner are removable and washable, which is essential for keeping your helmet fresh and clean. The helmet's intermediate oval shape should fit a wide range of head shapes comfortably, but as always, it's best to try it on before you buy to ensure the perfect fit. The comfort of the LS2 Valiant 2 helmet is further enhanced by its well-designed neck roll, which helps to reduce wind noise and turbulence. This is a crucial factor for long rides, where wind noise can quickly become fatiguing. The helmet also features a micro-metric quick-release chin strap, which is easy to use and provides a secure and comfortable fit. The quick-release mechanism is a nice touch, making it easy to take the helmet on and off.

The fit of the LS2 Valiant 2 helmet is true to size, so you can generally order your usual helmet size with confidence. However, it's always a good idea to consult LS2's sizing chart and measure your head circumference to ensure the best possible fit. A properly fitting helmet is crucial for safety, as it ensures that the helmet can effectively absorb impact energy in the event of a crash. The cheek pads provide a snug and secure fit without being overly tight, and the headliner is plush and comfortable against your scalp. The helmet's weight is also well-distributed, which helps to reduce neck strain on long rides. Overall, the LS2 Valiant 2 is designed with comfort in mind, and it shows in the helmet's fit and feel.

Safety Features

Of course, safety is the most important consideration when choosing a motorcycle helmet. The LS2 Valiant 2 is ECE 22.05 certified, which means it meets the European safety standards for motorcycle helmets. It also features a reinforced chin strap and a multi-density EPS liner, which are essential for impact protection. The KPA shell provides excellent abrasion resistance, and the helmet's overall construction is robust and confidence-inspiring. The safety features of the LS2 Valiant 2 helmet are comprehensive and designed to provide maximum protection in the event of a crash. The ECE 22.05 certification is a testament to the helmet's safety performance, and the reinforced chin strap and multi-density EPS liner are critical for absorbing and dispersing impact energy.

The LS2 Valiant 2 helmet also incorporates a quick-release emergency cheek pad system, which allows first responders to easily remove the cheek pads in the event of an accident, making it easier to remove the helmet without causing further injury to the rider. This is a valuable safety feature that can make a significant difference in emergency situations. The helmet's wide field of vision also contributes to safety, as it allows the rider to see more of their surroundings and react to potential hazards. The inclusion of the Pinlock anti-fog lens further enhances safety by ensuring clear vision in all weather conditions. Overall, the LS2 Valiant 2 is a well-engineered helmet that prioritizes safety without compromising on comfort or features.

On the Road Performance

So, how does the LS2 Valiant 2 perform on the road? In a word, impressively. The helmet is stable at high speeds, with minimal wind buffeting or lift. The ventilation system works effectively to keep you cool, even on hot days, and the integrated sun visor is a lifesaver when riding into the sun. The flip-up mechanism is easy to use while riding, allowing you to quickly switch between full-face and open-face configurations as needed. The on-road performance of the LS2 Valiant 2 helmet is a testament to its well-engineered design and attention to detail. The helmet's stability at high speeds is particularly noteworthy, as some modular helmets can feel unstable or create excessive wind noise at higher speeds. The LS2 Valiant 2, however, remains planted and comfortable, even when you're pushing the limits.

The LS2 Valiant 2 helmet's ventilation system performs admirably, providing ample airflow to keep you cool and prevent overheating. The adjustable vents are easy to operate, and they make a noticeable difference in airflow when opened or closed. The integrated sun visor is another standout feature, providing excellent coverage and eliminating the need for a separate tinted visor. The flip-up mechanism is smooth and reliable, allowing you to quickly and easily switch between full-face and open-face configurations. The helmet's wide field of vision is also a major plus, allowing you to see more of your surroundings and react to potential hazards. Overall, the LS2 Valiant 2 excels in real-world riding conditions, providing a comfortable, safe, and versatile riding experience.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the LS2 Valiant 2:

Pros:

• Versatile 180-degree flip-up design
• Integrated sun visor
• Excellent ventilation
• Comfortable interior padding
• ECE 22.05 certified
• Pinlock anti-fog lens included
• Good value for money

Cons:

• Can be a bit noisy at high speeds (common for modular helmets)
• Some users may find it slightly heavy

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the LS2 Valiant 2? Overall, I'm incredibly impressed with this helmet. It offers a fantastic combination of versatility, comfort, safety, and value. The 180-degree flip-up design is a game-changer, and the integrated sun visor and excellent ventilation are major pluses. While it can be a bit noisy at high speeds, this is a common issue with modular helmets, and the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you're looking for a versatile and comfortable modular helmet that won't break the bank, the LS2 Valiant 2 helmet is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice for riders who value flexibility and convenience without compromising on safety or performance. So, there you have it, guys! My in-depth review of the LS2 Valiant 2. I hope you found this helpful, and as always, ride safe!