LS2 Helmets Modular Vortex Helmet (Matte Carbon - X-Large)
Buy LS2 Helmets Modular Vortex Helmet (Matte Carbon - X-Large): Helmets - ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
Upgrading from HJC IS-Max 2. $400 is hard to swallow but I think it's worth every penny. Packaging is premium, including the helmet bag. +1 for having a wolf on the box:) Everything about this helmet is premium.
Super light, esp for a modular, comes in under 3.4 lbs. Very comfortable. Tight, but the size is on point and should get more and more comfortable as I ride with it. Wind noise is better than the HJC IS Max 2, but still noticeable. I wear glasses and works fine with the helmet. If you are looking at helmet at the mid-high price range, this helmet should be seriously considered.
I ride a cruiser and it's perfect. Rode only about 50 miles with it. Giving this 5 stars due to sheer excitement and joy of owning new premium helmet. But the 5 stars are subject as the shine wears off and I wear this for my commute.
First, this is a really nice, very well made helmet. It's nicely packaged in the box, and seems like a real quality piece of protective gear. I was really enthused when I ordered it and hoped that it would fit well.
Unfortunately, and in spite of all the online reviews I read saying it would fit long oval headshapes (webbikeworld, revzilla, etc.), I get a pretty big hotspot on the top center of my forehead as soon as I put it on. After just a few minutes, that area of my forehead is red with pad marks. I've experienced this before and have purchased and then re-sold several helmets in similar circumstances - the tight fit is not going to go away with some break-in or wear unfortunately.
The only other helmet I have around to compare it to is an ancient Arai Profile, but the Profile is somewhat more snug on the sides than the front/back. I could try sizing up, but there's already plenty of room/play on the sides, so that seems like a bad idea since the side to side play will also increase.
So, in short, 4 stars for being super well made. It's a beautiful helmet for sure. Regarding the quality, the latching mechanism seemed to be metal, and closes with a definite, resonant 'thunk' -- possibly a property of the carbon fiber shell -- different than the Nolan or Shoei modular helmet's I've used before.
Too bad for me that the internal shape is not long oval enough to work. Looks like I will be trying the Arai Signet-X next - too bad it's not a flip-up/modular.
Pros: I have a very long oval head and this is one of the best fit helmets I have been able to find. Everything functions easy with gloves on.
Cons: I may have larger than normal ears but the padding does seem to be made for someone with tiny ears but it is tolerable. I love how the ratchet style buckle works except that no matter how I adjust it seems to put pressure on neck rather than just under chin, I added a soft cotton sleeve which makes this a very small issue.
I still gave it 5 stars even with the cons because I have a hard time finding a long oval that is comfortable in a modular helmet and this one in carbon just makes long rides so much better.
First let me say that I paid full price for a Matte Black Shoei Neotec 2 a year ago and this is a very high quality piece of equipment with some niggles that I learned to live with (e.g. frustrating visor retention system, overall weight, limited lower angle view). After a recent 1k mi trip, I couldn't stand the hot spot it left on my upper forehead any longer [my head is a longer oval than I presumed] and began the search for yet another helmet.
Long oval modular helmets do not abound and I had been spoiled by the quality of my Shoei, even though it hurt on extended trips. So, I struggled with HJC(s) and Bell(s). Almost everything else is intermediate oval, in the modular genre. I even tried an LS2 Valiant and a Valiant 2
and was disappointed with fit. Running out of options, I rolled the dice on the Vortex and for now I'm glad I did.
The following points are a short list of initial Pros & Cons after a single day of riding:
<B>PROs</B>:
- It's REALLY stylish. The matte carbon fiber just looks super cool.
- It's VERY light (the Neotec was a lead hat, by comparison).
- The upper vents allow obvious air flow onto my head and it feels great
- Viewing angles appear increased as a result of the flip lid being closer in and more conformal to the face.
- Homologated for both open and closed use.
- The liner is soft and feels premium.
<B>Cons</B>:
- The lock (holds the lid in place for open-face riding) engages when you flip the lid up and can be bit [not a big deal] of a struggle to deal with while wearing gloves.
- The cheek pads are quite tight and it takes an extra second to get my ears situated. It may get uncomfortable over time. This is my most significant gripe and I'm hopeful I will acclimate over time.
- This helmet is louder than the Shoei- significantly.
I saw this helmet at my local HD Dealer, so already had the advantage of trying it on for fit etc. I wear medium to large depending on brand and large fits nicely in this helmet. When I first snagged it off the stand I nearly bobbled it because it was so much lighter than I was expecting. I was curious about noise, and it is not any quieter, but what it does do is make any buffeting nearly indiscernable. The noise is there but head shake is not. Normally, with cruise set at 80 mph on my Street Glide head shake is very annoying, but with this helmet there wasn't any. I am happy with this choice and neck fatigue is greatly reduced, it looks tough, and it is now my #1 helmet for all riding.
Price: US $179.99
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 from 22 Reviews
Specification
DOT approved. Meets the FMVSS 218 Standard
Removable and washable liner
Visor: Twin Shield Quick Release System, UV Resistant, Fog Resistant
Steel Quick Release Buckle
Ventilation: Channeled EPS, Chin, Top, and Exhaust Ports
Description
Size:X-Large
The LS2 Helmets Vortex just might be the lightest modular helmet ever created! The Vortex shell is a full carbon shell, the other layer being 24K weave width. The EPS is a multiple density interlocking design. The Chin Bar is an injection molded material and the rest of the shell is full carbon. The neck role is a high grade weather resistant accordion material which makes the helmet quiet and comfortable. The liner is a thermos formed material and the multiple density comfort liner is laser formed. The Vortex is also P/J certified as both a full face and open face helmet. LS2. Long oval fit. Meets or exceeds DOT & ECE 2205 standards.
I'm very pleased with this helmet. It very comfortable and well made. I'd say the wind noise is on the moderate side when approaching 60-65mph, but it shouldn't be a bother if you listen to music like I do. This was a plus for me, but others may not like the fact that shape of the shell and fitment is closer to round / neutral-oval than how it's described as a "long-oval". I like the fact that it's more on the round side, as "intermediate & long-oval" helmets tend to look very bulky and/or disproportionately large on me (even though I'm 6' tall and weigh 215) - sort of like Rick Moranis's Darth Vadar helmet in Spaceballs. If anyone else feels this way too, this may be the perfect helmet for you too,
Product information
Size:X-LargeTechnical Details
Manufacturer | LS2 Helmets |
---|---|
Brand | LS2 |
Model | Modular Vortex Helmet |
Item Weight | 3.4 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 17 x 12 x 12 inches |
Item model number | Vortex |
Manufacturer Part Number | 313-1005 |
Cover Included | Helmet^Bag^Instructions |
Safety Rating | DOT Certified |
Vehicle Service Type | Street-touring-motorcycles, Street-sport-motorcycles, Street-cruiser-motorcycles |
4.5 out of 5 stars
#499 in Motorcycle & Powersports Helmets
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