LS2 Advant X helmet review | Alison Silcox's thoughts after 3,500 miles on test

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At £300 this is a mid-priced lid with some nice touches and has been comfortable from the get-go. LS2 have been making lids for near on 20 years and offer a full range, from top spec Carbon full-faced to open-faced, and I’ve opted for the mix of both worlds, with the flip-front, dual homologated option.

As I enjoy touring, I always prefer to wear flip-front, they’re comfortable, practical and this ticks all the right boxes and it meets the latest ECE 22.06 standard.

How comfortable is the LS2 Advant X?

From first wear the lid has been comfortable and took very little time to break in. Lining is plush, it’s retained shape and there’s never been an issue with any uncomfortable pressure points.

One thing I have noticed, when caught in heavy rain the lining absorbed so much water, around the neck, and took days to dry out.

The lid’s dual purpose and the flip section is easy to operate, with a large button on the chin bar, it easily revolves around to the fixed position at the rear. It can be slid back and locked into place in the full-faced position with a single hand move.

From a safety perspective, cheek pads can be easily removed in an emergency and there’s a sticker on the shell to highlight this.

What’s the visor like on the Advant X?

With a large aperture, the visor comes with a Pinlock anti-mist insert, which is vital for year-round rides. There’s a drop-down sun visor, which I’ve come to expect in all touring lids and this one is as good as any others I’ve used. The lever to operate is well placed and large enough to locate without issue.

My biggest bug bear with the visor is, in heavy rain, it leaks around the seal. Leaving drips down my nose, which is both uncomfortable and distracting. I’ve returned the lid to the manufacturer, who could find no fault or fix the issue. Luckily this does only happen in heavy rain, but unfortunately, it’s been a wet winter, so I’ve had a moist face for many of my rides of late.  

How good is the ventilation on the LS2 Advant X helmet?

Vents are plentiful and well placed, all are easy to operate, even with a gloved hand. A large vent on the chin, one on the forehead and finally a pair of exhaust vents on the rear. Worn on some warm rides, I’ve not overheated and equally on winter trips, it’s not been draughty.

How noisy is the LS2 Advant X ?

While the lid comes intercom ready, it’s not something I use, instead I wear earplugs with all lids. With that in mind, it’s as quiet as I would expect and doesn’t stand out as any better or worse than other lids I’ve worn.

Does the LS2 Advant X look good?

With there being two shell sizes and my lid being a medium, the shell is slightly oversized and looks bulbous. I’ve opted for a metallic finished, grey version and there’s touches of chrome, which brighten what could be a dull lid.    

Is it good quality?

It’s a sturdy and solid lid, at 1600g it’s heavy and quite cumbersome. It comes with a two-year warranty and other than the visor issue, feels like it will last. I’ve worn it for a few thousand miles already and it feels like it’s made to last. The flip mechanism hasn’t failed, the vents fully functioning and the lining as plush as my first wear.

What about value for money?

As my Mum has always said ‘You get what you pay for in life.’ This is the case with all motorcycle clothing and with this lid. Priced at £299.99 it’s not the cheapest lid in the genre but it’s also by no means the most expensive. Compared to the HJC R-APHA91, which is £200 more expensive, the LS-2 isn’t as comfortable or easy to wear.

It comes with a two-year warranty and when I had the issue with the visor, the manufacturer did give the lid a once over for me but couldn’t come up with a solution to the problem.

Here’s three lids to consider, if you are in the market for a flip front touring lid, all come up a little more expensive and have similar features.

So what’s the overall verdict?

If you are looking for an everyday lid, for your commute to work, or a spin out at the weekend, this would fit the bill. It’s a fair price and while it’s not the best lid I’ve worn, it does the job you need it to do.

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