RACE HELMETS

Bred on the race track, available for the road

WHAT’S THIS HELMET? LS2 Arrow R Evo Expect to pay £249.99 www.ls2helmets.com

The Arrow R Evo is the LS2’S top-of-the-range race helmet, designed with feedback from the likes of Ducati Motogp rider Yonny Hernandez. The long, oval aerodynamic carbon fibre/polymer composite shell is made in four shell sizes, so the Arrow R Evo is available in sizes XS to XXXXL. It has a quick-release visor system (with fog-resistant visor) and has posts for tear-offs. It has a removable and washable hypoallergenic comfort lining and comes with a removable breath deflector and a chin curtain. The helmet fastens with double-d rings and has top vents, chin vents and an exhaust port to draw cool air through the helmet when you’re working hard on track. The rear spoiler also encourages the clean flow of air over and through the helmet.

ROAD VS RACE

The needs of racers differ slightly from the needs of road riders but if you do a lot of sporty riding and track days then you should consider a race helmet as they’re designed specifically for performance riding.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

Not an awful lot, to be honest. You’ll notice things like posts on the visor to accept tear-offs and there may be more spoilers on race lids to prevent buffeting at high speeds. But you can certainly wear a race helmet on the road and could also wear a sporty road helmet on track.

TEAR-OFFS

Racers use layers of tear-off visors so they can always have perfect vision. These are thin, clear strips of film to be torn off when they get dirty. You’ll have to buy the tear-off’s separately – but you don’t have to use them.

VENTS

Every manufacturer creates its own ventilation systems but if you want effective venting look for at least chin and brow vents and an exhaust vent at the back that allows cooling air to be drawn through.