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 pricy. 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 fiberglass 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. LS2 manufactures the Vector II in 6 shell sizes and 9 different foam sizes to fit everyone from 2XS through to 4XL. That's pretty good as most manufacturers who make helmets for the mid-priced market only make 3 or 4 shell sizes.

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 its one of the first helmets I've worn with a clip to hold the visor closed. An interesting addition, but in all honestly, unnecessary in my opinion. I've never had a helmet visor fly open, but it may be a deal breaker for some people.

When I got out on the open road, the price tag started to become justified, I've tried other helmets in this price category 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 envelops your whole head to cut down on noise and draft while still providing enough ventilation.

It's not till you have spent 4+ hours in the same helmet that you start to appreciate the material that the lining is made from. The LS2 Vector II is very soft and comfortable even after a full day of wearing it. Getting glasses on inside the helmet can be a bit tricky, but I didn't notice any pressure on my temples even after hours in the saddle.
The included Pinlock means the main visor stays fog-free, so no issues there, but there does not seem to be any anti-fog treatment on the drop-down sun visor. It's not an issue in summer, but on these winter mornings, a missed opportunity rendering the sun visor unusable for the first half of my 30km commute.

The LS2 Vector II is ECE 22.06 approved, which seems good enough, truth be told. I don't really understand the safety ratings myself. but the internet tells me it's better than DOT.

So there you have it. LS2 Vector II. RRP $479
I'm not overly convinced that the price is exactly a bargain, but it's at least on the high side of fair. The LS2 Vector 2 is a great choice for touring and mile munching. As always, if you are looking for a helmet, try on a bunch, if the LS2 Vector II ticks your boxes for features and price, buy it. It's a solid helmet and I doubt you'll be disappointed.