LS2 Infinity Helmet Review: Open Face Excellence
Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the LS2 Infinity helmet, an open-face helmet that’s been making waves in the motorcycle community. If you're anything like me, you value safety, comfort, and style, and this helmet aims to deliver on all fronts. So, buckle up as we explore what makes the LS2 Infinity a worthy contender for your next ride.
First Impressions: Design and Aesthetics
When you first set your eyes on the LS2 Infinity, the design immediately grabs your attention. It’s sleek, modern, and available in a range of colors and graphics to suit your personal style. The open-face configuration offers an incredible sense of freedom, perfect for those sunny day cruises or quick city commutes. The outer shell is constructed from LS2’s proprietary High-Performance Fiberglass Composite (HPFC), which balances weight and durability effectively. This means you get a helmet that feels light on your head without compromising on protection. The finish is smooth and glossy, giving it a premium look and feel right out of the box.
The attention to detail is evident in the carefully sculpted lines and the overall aerodynamic profile. LS2 has managed to create a helmet that not only looks good but also performs well at higher speeds. The integrated sun shield is a standout feature, providing excellent coverage and easy operation, even with gloves on. Plus, the multiple vents are strategically placed to ensure optimal airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable even during those sweltering summer rides. It’s clear that LS2 has put a lot of thought into the aesthetics and functionality of the Infinity helmet, making it a stylish and practical choice for riders who appreciate both form and function. Whether you prefer a minimalist solid color or a bold graphic design, there’s an LS2 Infinity helmet that’s sure to match your taste and complement your riding gear.
Protection and Safety Features
Of course, looks aren't everything, especially when it comes to motorcycle helmets. The LS2 Infinity doesn't skimp on safety. As mentioned earlier, the HPFC shell provides a robust layer of protection, designed to absorb and distribute impact energy in the event of a crash. The helmet is also DOT certified, meeting the stringent safety standards set by the Department of Transportation. This certification assures you that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing and meets the necessary requirements to protect your head in an accident.
Inside the helmet, you'll find a multi-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner. This liner is crucial for absorbing impact energy, providing an additional layer of protection. The EPS liner is carefully designed to provide optimal coverage and cushioning, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. The quick-release chinstrap is another important safety feature, allowing you to quickly and easily remove the helmet in case of an emergency. The mechanism is simple to use, even with gloves on, which is a huge plus. Furthermore, the integrated sun shield not only enhances your vision but also adds an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harmful rays. This is particularly important for long rides, where prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause eye strain and fatigue. Overall, the LS2 Infinity helmet is packed with safety features that provide peace of mind and confidence on the road, ensuring that you're well-protected in any riding situation. The combination of a durable shell, multi-density EPS liner, and convenient features makes it a reliable choice for riders who prioritize safety.
Comfort and Fit
Now, let's talk about comfort – because what's the point of a great-looking, safe helmet if it feels like you're wearing a brick on your head? Thankfully, the LS2 Infinity scores high in this department. The interior padding is plush and comfortable, made from a hypoallergenic and breathable fabric that wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry. The cheek pads and headliner are removable and washable, making it easy to keep your helmet fresh and clean. This is a huge advantage, especially if you ride frequently or in hot weather.
The fit is true to size, but it's always a good idea to measure your head circumference before ordering to ensure the best fit. A properly fitted helmet is crucial for both comfort and safety, so take the time to get it right. The open-face design provides excellent ventilation, which is a major plus on hot days. The multiple vents work in tandem to circulate air, keeping your head cool and preventing that sweaty, uncomfortable feeling. The integrated sun shield is easy to operate, even with gloves on, and provides excellent coverage, shielding your eyes from the sun's glare. The shield is also scratch-resistant, ensuring clear vision for years to come. The LS2 Infinity helmet is designed with rider comfort in mind, providing a snug, comfortable fit, excellent ventilation, and convenient features that enhance your overall riding experience. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long-distance tour, this helmet will keep you comfortable and focused on the road ahead.
Visor and Sun Shield
The visor and sun shield of the LS2 Infinity helmet are designed with practicality and convenience in mind. The main visor provides a wide, clear field of vision, ensuring excellent visibility in all weather conditions. It's made from a scratch-resistant material, which helps to keep it clear and free from scratches, ensuring long-lasting clarity. The visor is also easy to remove and replace, making it simple to switch to a different tint or replace a damaged visor.
The integrated sun shield is a standout feature of the LS2 Infinity helmet. It's easily operated with a simple switch on the side of the helmet, allowing you to quickly and easily deploy or retract the shield as needed. The sun shield provides excellent coverage, shielding your eyes from the sun's glare and reducing eye strain. It's particularly useful for riding in bright sunlight or when transitioning between shaded and sunny areas. The sun shield is also scratch-resistant, ensuring clear vision for years to come. Both the visor and sun shield are designed to be optically correct, minimizing distortion and providing a clear, accurate view of the road ahead. This is crucial for safety, as it allows you to accurately judge distances and react quickly to changing conditions. The LS2 Infinity helmet's visor and sun shield are well-designed and practical features that enhance your riding experience and improve your safety on the road.
Noise Levels
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room – noise. Open-face helmets aren't exactly known for their noise reduction capabilities, and the LS2 Infinity is no exception. Due to the open design, you'll experience more wind noise compared to a full-face helmet. However, LS2 has taken steps to mitigate this issue. The helmet features a well-padded neck roll that helps to seal out wind and reduce noise levels. Additionally, the aerodynamic design of the helmet helps to minimize wind resistance, which can also contribute to noise. While you'll still hear wind noise, it's not unbearable, especially if you're used to riding with an open-face helmet.
For those who are particularly sensitive to noise, wearing earplugs is always a good idea. Earplugs can significantly reduce wind noise and protect your hearing, especially on long rides. They're a cheap and effective way to improve your comfort and reduce fatigue. It's important to note that noise levels can also vary depending on your motorcycle, riding speed, and the wind conditions. A motorcycle with a windscreen can help to reduce wind noise, while riding at higher speeds will generally increase noise levels. Overall, the LS2 Infinity helmet offers a reasonable level of noise reduction for an open-face helmet, but it's important to be aware of the limitations and take steps to protect your hearing if necessary. With the right precautions, you can enjoy the freedom of an open-face helmet without sacrificing your comfort or safety.
Pros and Cons
To sum it all up, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the LS2 Infinity helmet:
Pros:
- Stylish design and available in various colors.
 - Lightweight and comfortable.
 - Excellent ventilation.
 - Integrated sun shield.
 - Removable and washable interior.
 - DOT certified.
 - Quick release chinstrap.
 
Cons:
- More wind noise compared to full-face helmets.
 - Limited chin protection.
 
Final Verdict
So, what's the final verdict? The LS2 Infinity helmet is a solid choice for riders who want the freedom and visibility of an open-face helmet without sacrificing safety and comfort. It's packed with features that enhance your riding experience, such as the integrated sun shield, excellent ventilation, and comfortable interior. While it may not offer the same level of noise reduction as a full-face helmet, it's still a great option for city riding, cruising, and warm-weather adventures. If you value style, comfort, and convenience, the LS2 Infinity helmet is definitely worth considering. Just remember to wear earplugs if you're sensitive to noise, and always prioritize safety on the road. Happy riding, guys!