Excellent value all rounder thermoplastic helmet: review of the LS2 Storm.

ls2-storm-featured

LS2 Storm great value motorbike helmet review.

The LS2 Storm (sold as the LS2 Assault in the US) is a modern looking sports touring helmet made with a plastic shell using what LS2 calls a kinetic polymer alloy (KPA), which mixes aramid fibres into the polymer mix for improved strength.

What does the LS2 Storm offer? Well, it’s a mix of a pretty low price point coupled with quite a few features that you’d expect to see on a more expensive helmet. That includes a drop down sun visor, Pinlock ready and optically correct visor, speaker pockets (if you’re looking to fit a Bluetooth kit), and easy to use micrometric 2 fastener.

ls2 ff800 storm nerve hi viz black helmet side view
LS2 Storm Nerve with Hi Viz decals

So, on paper at least, it looks like it offers quite a bit – all for not much cash.

Looking to buy an LS2 Storm?

Please click below to visit the LS2 Storm helmets pages at our recommended stores. And if you buy from one, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).

Buy from SportsBikeShop

Overall/Summary

One of the recurring themes from LS2 Storm owners is that it’s a great value helmet. And looking at the spec, the price, and what owners think of their helmets, it’s hard to disagree.

For not very much dosh, you get a comfortable, well vented all rounder helmet with a great optically-correct visor system, that’s lightweight and that has a handy integral sun visor.

LS2 FF800 assault full face helmet white rear view
Rear view of the plain white Assault – sun visor fully down.

It’s a shame it’s made in only two shell sizes (though fitment sizes are up to 3XL which will help some folks!) and it’s a shame that a Pinlock antifog insert isn’t included in the box like it is with the US version, the LS2 Assault.

But it has got a super easy to use metal micrometric fastener, it should fit nearly all bluetooth headsets and it’s reasonably quiet too.

All in all, the vast majority of LS2 Storm owners really like their helmets and reckon they’re good quality too – again, worth emphasizing – at this price point. Something which Ride magazine agreed with when they tested a bunch of sub £200 helmets in 2020, by giving it a Ride Recommended sticker.

So, if £150 is about the extent of your budget and you’re after a good all rounder helmet, then the LS2 Storm is really worth getting your hands on.

For some similar and equally great alternatives to the Storm, take a look at our alternatives section at the bottom of the page.

Safety

 (more about helmet safety)

The shell on the LS2 Storm is made from what LS2 calls a kinetic polymer alloy. The last time we looked into KPA was when we looked over the LS2 Rapid, where it turned out to be a fancy name for ABS plastic.

With the LS2 Storm, it seems aramid fibres have been added into the alloy mix, designed to give improved penetration resistance.

ls2 assault nerve helmet top view
LS2 Storm Nerve in black and red.

Whether it works or not is hard to say. While the LS2 Storm hasn’t been SHARP safety tested, a couple of other LS2 helmets made from KPA have been – that’s the Rapid and the flip-up Valiant.

The Rapid scored 2 stars (out of 5) for safety whereas the Valiant scored 4 stars.

So while we can’t be sure the KPA in the Storm is identical to the KPA used in the other helmets (afterall, it’s LS2’s name so they can use it to describe anything they want) but we’d probably expect it to score around the 3 star mark if SHARP were to test it.

LS2 does use a multi-density shock absorbing liner inside the Storm, which is great to see. Though they only make the Storm in 2 shell sizes, which isn’t the best for safety, fitment or looks.

Having said all that, what we do know is that – in terms of safety and utility – there’s a load of features on the Storm that should help.

That visor system is optically correct and comes Pinlock ready which means the visor’s prepared to accept a Pinlock insert. Unfortunately, there isn’t a Pinlock in the box in the UK which is a big shame. If you do end up buying yourself a Storm, then you should probably buy one (for around £30) as there’s not much more important than having a clear visor when you’re riding, and your Storm probably will fog up without it.

Stick in a Pinlock to keep your visor condensation free and, together with the built-in drop down sun visor to stop you getting dazzled by the sun, you should always have a clear vision.

The Storm’s secured in place using a micrometric 2 metal fastener. They’re really easy to use and save all the faffing around you get with a double-d ring imo.

Helmet Noise

(more about helmet noise)

LS2 doesn’t make any claims about the noise suppression on the Storm. There’s a decent internal liner what will deaden noise but there are also vent holes inside which will let in noise, along with the air flow.

ls2 assault galaxy helmet side rear view
LS2 Storm Galaxy helmet

Most owners we came across thought it was a reasonably quiet helmet – but that’s always very subjective and massively dependent on how fast and the type of bike you ride (as well as how deaf you are!).

From comments we came across on the web, we’ve marked it down as about average for noise attenuation. But expect to need to wear ear plugs with the Storm as it’s amazing/scary how wind rush can damage your hearing while riding.

Ventilation

(more about helmet ventilation)

The LS2 Storm’s got a decent configuration of vents. There’s a single chin vent operated by a single slider, and a dual crown vent set high up on the helmet shell, again operated by a single slider.

At the back, there’s a nice large exhaust high on the shell and a couple of exhausts further down – all designed to help flow air through the helmet.

LS2 FF800 assault full face helmet white front view
Big double scoop vents and single chin vent on plain white LS2 Storm

From the perspective of ease of use, a single slider up top and one in the chin bar is about as easy as they come.

They’re nice and chunky sliders too and the word is they’re easy to find in gloves.

They’re also decent vents too with a few owners saying they vent quite a bit of air into the helmet to keep your head cool.

The chin bar vents take air towards the mouth as well as onto the back of the visor. There isn’t enough venting on the visor to keep things fog free though (same goes for most helmets to be fair) so you’ll probably need to get yourself a Pinlock fitted to stop it misting up.

Visor

(more about visors)

The visor system on the Storm is well thought through.

The main clear visor is class A optically correct to keep distortion to an absolute minimum. It’s a quick release visor but doesn’t work on a ratchet, so visor positions are fully open or closed and it’s just held by friction at intermediate positions.

When you close the visor, there’s a small central visor lock which is easy to unlock and open using the central tab on the bottom of the visor.

That central tab means it’s very easy to open the visor with either hand- which is really handy compared to visors with tabs on the left hand side only, which can be a real nuisance when you want to open the visor with your right hand.


A couple of useful links…

Helmets that are great for glasses wearers
The best ear plugs reviewed


 

At speed, there is a reasonable amount of ventilation that gets onto the rear of the visor to help with defogging – and that’s helped by the Storm coming with a removable breath guard that helps divert your breath away from the visor.

But for most of us living in the UK, the visor’s going to fog up for much of the time when it’s cool or rainy. Which is means you should really invest in a Pinlock antifog insert as it’s the best long term solution.

ls2 ff800 storm matt black helmet rear view
Matt black Storm

Unfortunately, while the Storm’s visor is designed to take a Pinlock, it’s not boxed with one. If you’ve never used a Pinlock before, it’s a hydrophobic insert that stops condensation and is a must if you ride in anything other than perfect conditions (read more here). But that means you’re going to have to budget around £30 extra to buy one which is a shame (check our Pinlock helmets pages to find all the helmets that are either Pinlock-ready like the Storm or come with the Pinlock in the box).

So, apart from the Pinlock, the visor system on the Storm looks to have just about everything covered. And on the road it all works well with several owners saying it’s nice and wide and very easy to operate. LS2’s visor release system is one of the easiest to use too, making it really simple to whip off your visor to clean it after each trip.

Sun Visor

(more about sun visors)

Ease of use goes for the drop down sun visor too. That slider is mounted at just the right location and its action is nice and smooth. And just like the ventilation controls, the slider’s really easy to work in gloves, which is always handy.

ls2 storm helmet nardo grey side view
This one’s the Nardo grey LS2 Storm

Like the main visor, the sun visor is made of polycarbonate and not only are sun visors really useful to drop down to protect your eyes from glare, but because it’s polycarbonate, it adds an extra layer of 95%+ UV protection too.

Comfort and Sizing

(more about comfort and sizing)

The LS2 Storm is only made in 2 shell sizes which isn’t great (find out why here) with the smallest shell covering fitments XS-M and the larger shell L-XXXL). It’s designed for medium oval head shapes – which should be fine for most of us – and the internal comfort liner is both hypoallergenic and moisture wicking.

The cheek pads inside the Storm are made from laser cut foam to help mould them more closely to the contours of the face, and while there’s nothing particularly special about the internals of the storm, their liners are known for being very comfortable.

ls2 assault nerve helmet side view
Nerve graphics Storm

They are also known for often being a bit snug for your first few rides, though a few owners commented that they’re a bit of a squeeze at first but do break in pretty quickly after a few rides. And once they do, they’re a very comfortable helmet.

A few owners also commented that the chin strap is particularly comfortable and – as it’s a micrometric fastener – very easy to use.

Looks & Graphics

You can buy a Storm in all the usual whites and blacks and there’s a mid-grey called Nardo Grey too. For graphics, there’s an absolute ton of designs. On this page you’ll find the cool Foggy rep in black/red (top pic) as well as a Storm Faster, Nerve and Techy.

But there are a load more – for those and any others that’ve been released since we wrote this review, you’re best clicking the links to our recommended retailers below that’ll drop you straight onto their LS2 Storm pages to check out the latest lids and deals.

Best places to buy an LS2 Storm helmet?

Please click below to visit the LS2 Storm helmets pages at our recommended stores. And if you buy from one, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).

Buy from SportsBikeShop

LS2 Storm Video

This is a 5m video from US store Revzilla looking around the LS2 Storm – called the Assault in the US. Note the UK helmet doesn’t come with the Pinlock included (unlike the US helmet – boo!)

Other stuff –  audio, weight, chin curtain, build quality,  warranty

If you’re looking to fit a bluetooth headset to your Storm, you shouldn’t have a problem. There are speaker pockets in there – take a look at the video above where you’ll see them – and we’ve had word of owners fitting Freecom and Sena SMH5 systems without a hitch (they mount the controller in front of the sun visor slider).

ls2 assault helmet in brushed alloy rear view
Rear view of the LS2 Storm brushed alloy

If you don’t have a bluetooth set but want one, the LS2 Storm’s designed to work with their own (Sena manufactured) Linkin Ride Pal bluetooth set.

All LS2 Storms come with a breath guard and removable chin curtain in the box.

Even though the Storm’s a thermoplastic helmet – which are usually heavier lids – most riders we came across reckoned it feels like a lightweight helmet when you’re riding in it. It weighs around 1.4Kg (3.1lbs) so it is actually very much at the lighter end of plastic shelled helmets.

And even though it is a cheaper helmet, several Storm owners said that it feels a quality piece of kit – it feels well made and materials/sliders feel of decent quality.

Which is handy, because LS2 Storms are only backed by a 2 year warranty (some brands offer a 5 year warranty on their helmets).

Crash Helmet Buying Guides & Top 10s

For (hopefully!) other useful information to help you when buying your next helmet, check our various Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guides - or have a look at our Top 10 best helmet lists where we've got the top 10 best rated helmets overall along with Top 10 Best Budget/Top 10 Safest/Top 10 Best Full Face/Top 10 Best Modular/Flip-up/ Top 10 Best Sportsbike/Track helmets.

Looking to buy an LS2 Storm?

Please click below to visit the LS2 Storm helmets pages at our recommended stores. And if you buy from one, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).

Buy from SportsBikeShop

Good Alternatives to the LS2 Storm?

So you’re after a good performing helmet for around £200 or less? Here’s some recommended helmets to look out for…

HJC C70 lianto hi viz motorbike crash helmet side view
HJC C70 Lianto

First up, you should read our HJC C70 review. That’s a SHARP 5 star rated lower priced polycarb full face that’s got a sun visor too.

hjc c90 modular helmet metallic silver side view
Metallic Silver C90

If you’re interested in a modular helmet, HJC also make the C90 which is a SHARP 4 star rated helmet available for about the same price as the Storm and the C70.

Shark’s Ridill is a 4 star safety rated full face with sun visor and glasses groove. It also comes with a Pinlock in the box for about the same price. Amazing value helmet that.

shark-ridill-motorcycle-helmet-oxyd-front-view
Shark Ridill Oxyd
MT-Thunder-3-motorbike-crash-helmet-torn-fluo-yellow-blue-side-view
MT Thunder 3 Torn

Or for even less, the MT Thunder 3 has a sun visor, SHARP 4 star rating and is Pinlock ready (it’ll be a few more ££ for the Pinlock though).

Star Ratings

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Safety
Comfort
Noise
Features
Value
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ls2-storm-assault-ff800-great-value-motorcycle-helmet-reviewThe LS2 Storm is a great budget priced all rounder motorbike helmet. It's a shame it doesn't come with a Pinlock in the box and we're not 100% sure how much protection it'll offer as it hasn't been SHARP tested (though it is ECE approved of course). But aside from that, owners say it's comfy, light weight and has a great Pinlock ready visor system with sun visor. It's ready to accept a bluetooth headset too - and it has great ventilation. All in all, it's great value for money and owners are more than happy with their LS2 Storms.

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