WORDS & PHOTOS : Ray Heron
REVIEW
LS2 VECTOR II
The LS2 Vector II is priced right in the middle of the market at $ 479 for the plain white and , on the face of it , I wonder why it ’ s so pricey . Time to put it through its paces and find out . The Vector II is a sport-touring helmet with what LS2 calls a “ long-oval ” shape . Made up of a fibreglass composite shell with standard chin bar and brow vents , exhaust vents on the rear , ratchet chin strap , drop-down sun visor and it comes with a Pinlock in the box . LS2 manufactures the Vector II in six shell sizes and nine different foam sizes to fit everyone from 2XS through to 4XL . That ’ s pretty good as most manufacturers who make helmets for the midpriced market typically only make three or four shell sizes to cover the whole range .
FIT AND FEATURES Mine is the 2XL which makes me feel a bit like a bobblehead doll , as I ’ m wearing the same shell as the 4XL , but with more foam inside to make it fit my head . This could account for some of the added weight . Weighing in at 1.53kg without a comms kit , the Vector II seems to have put on a bit of weight from the original Vector , which weighed in at 1.34kg for the 2XL . I was pleased to find cutouts in the EPS for my Sena 50S speakers . The removable lining is very soft and comfortable against the skin . No complaints there and it ’ s one of the first helmets I ’ ve worn with a clip to hold the visor closed . An interesting addition , but in all honesty , unnecessary in my opinion . I ’ ve never had a helmet visor fly open , but it may be a deal breaker for some people .
WEARING When I got out on the open road , the price tag started to justify itself . I ’ ve tried other helmets at this price point and been disappointed with how noisy they are , not so with the Vector II , even with a bulky comms kit on the side , the noise was low and more than acceptable to my ears . One would still be advised to wear earplugs for any extended riding missions . The lining extends right down to below the jawline , and kind of
KIWI RIDER 101