If you’re new to riding, helmet shopping can feel like walking into a financial trap. You see race replicas pushing $800 and start wondering if anything cheaper is basically a compromise with your skull. Spend big or risk it all, right? Not necessarily. Brands like LS2 Helmets have built a following by proving you don’t need to empty your bank account to get real protection.
And I’ll say this up front. I’ve owned multiple LS2 helmets over the years. I’ve used them hard. From the Rapid to the Stream Evo and even the more off-road focused Pioneer, they’ve been through long highway slogs, rain, heat, dirt, and the occasional less than graceful moment. They never let me down. And no, I’m not sponsored. I bought them with my own money.
Photo by: LS2
That’s probably why the new FF818 Storm III immediately caught my eye. In Europe it starts at about 199 euros, which works out to roughly $220 USD. Graphic versions cost a bit more, but you’re still hovering in the low $200 range. In a market where premium full face helmets easily cost twice or three times that, that price isn’t just competitive. It’s disruptive.
The Storm III uses LS2’s KPA shell construction, blending polycarbonate with advanced thermoplastics for strength without unnecessary bulk. Depending on size, it weighs around 3.3 to 3.5 pounds. That’s light enough for all day comfort, whether you’re commuting, carving backroads, or stacking miles on a weekend ride.
It carries ECE 22.06 certification, which is one of the toughest safety standards currently in force. Ventilation is handled by adjustable chin and top vents with rear exhaust ports that actually move air. If you’ve ever ridden hard in summer heat, you know that airflow is more of a necessity than a luxury.
The visor setup is another reminder that this isn’t bargain bin gear. The Storm III is Pinlock ready for when you hit the road in foggy, rainy weather. Plus, there’s an internal drop down sun visor for quick glare control, as well as a removable, washable, hypoallergenic liner that’s pre-cut to accommodate comm systems. It even features an emergency cheek pad release system. Clearly, these are all features you’d expect to find on helmets that cost at least double.
What I’ve always appreciated about LS2 is the balance. The designs range from clean solids to modern graphics that are sharp without screaming for attention. The brand isn’t trying to cosplay MotoGP glory or sell you exclusivity. It’s for real riders who want solid safety, practical features, and a look that fits their bike and their vibe.
Photo by: LS2
It’s easy to overlook helmets once you move past the beginner stage. You start focusing on suspension settings and tire compounds and assume your lid is just a box you’ve checked. But a good helmet shapes your ride every single time you put it on. And so, when that helmet costs just over two hundred bucks and still delivers modern safety standards, thoughtful features, and proven durability, that’s not just good value. That’s smart riding.