The MT Braker SV helmet is a comfortable and practical choice for under £120 and a five Sharp score

9

MT may not be a motorcycle helmet brand too familiar in the UK, but they’ve been knocking out lids for over 55 years. In fact, the Spanish firm’s top drawer FIM homologated helmet has graced the bonce of no less than MotoGP rider Pedro Acosta whilst racking up World Championships in both Moto 2 and 3. This £119.99 Braker SV on test isn’t that flagship model (that’s currently the KRE+), but as a budget sports touring lid, it’s proved itself a seriously strong contender for a podium.

How comfortable is the MT Braker SV helmet?

For a size M, fit is bob-on. There’s enough padding in the removable comfort liner to prevent any irritating pressure points, yet it’s suitably firm to ensure a close and reassuring fit, with little to no movement at all. Although the materials used don’t have the sumptuous organic plushness of top-end products from the likes of Arai and Shoei, for a day-to-day lid I can find nothing to complain about. If there is a downside, it’s the lack of sufficient provision for spectacle arms, which could cause discomfort if you wear chunky frames.

On the move the Braker feels light and enjoys a neutral weight bias, making it perfectly comfortable for touring and long days in the saddle. While the sporty shape and spoiler keep it stable at speed, there’s no sensation of dragging from wind resistance. All-up weight for the size M is 1550g on our scales.

What’s the visor like on the MT Braker SV helmet?

The Braker’s main visor has four open positions and a secure lock for keeping it closed. There are two tabs towards the centre for operation, meaning you can open it with either hand and it moves between each detent without any stiffness or twisting. It’ll stay where you put it for town speeds but go any faster and expect it to snap shut, as it should. When fully closed, it sandwiches the weather seal sufficiently against the shell to prevent any moisture ingress, even in heavy rain and incessant spray.

Field of vision is good, with the outer edges of the eye port only just visible on the periphery. The top edge intrudes slightly at the centre when you’re flat on the tank in a racing crouch, but it’s unlikely you’ll be considering this low-cost lid if that’s how you do most of your riding.

Visor removal is incredibly easy, just press in the large buttons on the hinge at either side and it pops off. For installation, a firm push on the same clicks it securely into place. Although it’s Pinlock prepared, MT don’t supply one in the box, which, one assumes, helps keep the cost down.

The internal sunshade is operated by a lever on the left-hand side and locks firmly in either the closed or open positions, thus preventing any undue rattling. It offers good coverage, with a sensible gap around the bottom edge to keep your specs fog free (if you wear them). 

How good is the ventilation on the MT Braker SV?

Despite the fact that the Braker only has three ventilation intakes – two on the top and one in the chin bar – airflow is actually pretty good. The EPS has deep channels that direct air across the top of the head to twin exhaust ports that sit beneath the integrated spoiler at the rear. You can literally feel the wind in your hair as it draws heat away from your scalp.   

As MT don’t supply a Pinlock, I decided not to retro fit one for the purposes of the test and have been impressed how well the chin bar vent prevents fogging by direct air up the inside of the visor. Sure, it only works when you’re moving, but almost all the miles I’ve covered in the Braker have been on my 100 mile commute and it’s only in particularly high humidity and very cold mornings that I’ve felt the need for additional anti-fog products.

Is the MT Braker SV a noisy helmet?

I haven’t found any issues with noise at all, such as wind roar or whistling vents, in fact the MT Braker is one of the quieter helmets I’ve tested. It’s worth noting that I always ride in earplugs, which often helps to spot localised issues, but as yet there aren’t any.

The Braker comes prepared for an intercom system, but although I haven’t tested it with one, I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t hear it loud and clear.

Is the MT Braker SV a good-looking helmet?

Perhaps surprisingly for a more budget helmet, I rather like the look of the Braker. The aerodynamic shape with its short spoiler gives it a decidedly sporty flavour, and the angular matt-finished graphics feel fresh. The only slight fly in the ointment is MT’s oblong logo on the brow, which lacks a bit of design finesse and reminds me of a certain brand of coffee.  

Is it a good quality helmet?

The MT Braker is a nicely put together helmet, from the clips that hold the inner lining in place to the quick release visor mechanism and sculptured polymer shell. It can be easily dismantled for a full refresh and all functions operate exactly as they should.

If I’m going to be picky, I’d say that some of the components lack quality in the way they feel, but that shouldn’t really come as a great surprise at this price point. Despite that, I haven’t actually managed to break any yet, which is impressive considering my stubby fingered hamfistery.

Is the MT Braker SV helmet good value for your money?

At just £119.99, the Braker offers exceptionally good value for money, especially when you take into account that it scored a full five stars for safety from independent test body SHARP. It comes with a two-year warranty, which it should easily surpass, but even that equates to expecting a 10-year lifespan from a £600 lid.

So what’s the verdict?

Using price as a guideline to quality can sometimes prove misleading, as there are far more expensive helmets on the market that I would not want to put my head in. Although it might lack a high-end feel, the MT Braker offers everyday practicality, comfort and performance, and particularly for those on a tight budget, could be a rather shrewd choice.

- Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.