Tested by Andy Mayo
In 2022, I replaced my lunatic Aprilia V4 Tuono with a more sedate, but far more practical, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. While I miss the addictive sound of the V4, I find myself riding more often, and for longer distances.
The Yamaha’s practicality is perfect for both commuting and longer leisure trips, and much the same can be said for LS2’s Vector II helmet. I have tested the lid over 13,500 miles, including a three-week European tour through 11 countries, and I found it just as practical and usable as the Tracer.
Out of the box
The Vector II comes well packaged, with a nice-quality helmet bag and an inflatable helmet cushion. It also includes a Pinlock 120 MaxVision anti-fog insert that needed fitting, so the helmet cushion immediately came into play. The visor is easy to remove and refit, which makes a refreshing change as I find some visors impossible to detach and end up cleaning both the inside and the outside while the visor is still attached to the helmet.
LS2 offers six shell sizes, which helps to make the fit nice and snug. It’s constructed from High-Performance Fibreglass Composite (HPFC), or there is a carbon version, reducing the weight by 200g to around 1350g. Both versions meet ECE 22.06 standards and boast emergency release cheek pads.
On the road
The Vector II was awarded a RiDE Best Buy triangle in a sub-£200 helmet test. The reviewers declared it a clear winner and the quietest helmet tested. I agree, and it certainly proved admirably quiet on the roads of Europe.
Comfort is a highlight of the Vector II, and the ventilation is good. The top vents work really well; they feed a nice flow of air to the face and are easy to operate with gloves on. LS2 calls this its “dynamic flow-through ventilation system” because it uses multiple intake and exhaust vents. However, the chin bar vent is less effective, and over the test, I found myself repeatedly double-checking to see if the vent was open or closed.
The interior looks and feels plush, and I like the micrometric fastening system. I’m now a convert. I’d not go back to using a double-D fastening on the road. The micrometric system is more user-friendly, even with gloves on.
Comms
The recently-launched 4X intercom is a big step up from the older Linkin Ride Pal unit that LS2 used previously. The 4X is easy to fit and quick to pair with other comms units, phones and other devices. Partnering with Cardo, which manufactures the 4X system, has paid off in terms of ease of use and compatibility. However, the unit is still an add-on stuck to the side of the helmet rather than being built into the neck curtain, an option I would upgrade to if it became available. Run time is ample, with the unit lasting a full day with heavy use or two/three days with lighter use.
Conclusion
The LS2 Vector II sports touring helmet is an excellent choice for riders seeking a premium, feature-rich helmet that offers value for money. It’s competitively priced, at £179.99 RRP for mono colours and £199.99 for a graphic option.
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LS2; 01670 856342; [email protected]