LS2 unveiled the Valiant II helmet earlier this year, featuring a brand new shell and a self-up visor mechanism – alongside a host of other improvements – making it the smallest, lightest and easiest to use in its class. Unfortunately Covid-19 delayed the helmet being shipped and our subsequent review but there’s not we could do about that!
The Valiant II will sit alongside the existing Valiant in the range, offering riders more choice. Just like its stablemate, the Valiant II features a 180º swing-around chin bar and is doubly certified as both a full-face and open-face helmet – so it’s legal to ride in open-face mode.
Updates start with an outer shell, which features redesigned aerodynamics for greater stability and reduced fatigue at speed. Made from KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) – a blend of polycarbonate, space-age thermoplastics and additional materials – it provides high penetration resistance and energy dispersion, and weighs only 1700g.
Ventilation has also been enhanced, with two intake and three exhaust ports up top, along with a redesigned chin intake.
Also new is the Valiant II’s self-up visor mechanism, which automatically opens the visor when the chin bar is lifted. It also features an improved quick-release mechanism for easier removal and refitting and comes with a Pinlock anti-fog shield.
The Valiant is also LRP 3 Bluetooth ready, for wireless connectivity on the move.
Each one comes with a helmet bag that converts into a rucksack, so it’s easy to carry the Valiant II when you reach your destination.
The best-selling original Valiant (Valiant 1) continues in the 2020 range, in solid colours only, with the price reduced to £219.99.
The Review
This helmet is referred to as a modular helmet, one where the chin bar rotates backwards 180 degrees, this a hybrid between a full face and open face crash helmet, giving the rider the best of both worlds.
We opted for the neutral solid matt titanium colour, understated and stylish!
Updates from the previous model include a slightly lower profile, improved airflow and also lighter. 
First job after unboxing…install the pinlock!
Removing the visor on the new Valiant II was probably easier than any other helmet we have tested, very simple and stress-free and there was no risk of damaging the visor on removal! Unlike the previous model no tools are required with the new trigger system. The visor also has a ‘city position’ so locks when open a small amount, to aid air flow and anti-fogging when in slow-moving traffic.
Standard helmet bag supplied as standard and also a camo rucksack.
Noise suppression is good with extra thick internals and an essential rubber chin skirt to keep the cool air away from your chin.
One word of warning, it’s best to order a size ABOVE your normal size, therefore we recommend you try before you buy. We take a medium helmet usually but needed a large to be comfortable, else it’s a squeeze when removing!
The new LS2 Valiant II, in our view, is a very good helmet in cool and warmer climates. We have been using LS2 helmets for the past 2-3 years and wouldn’t hesitate in buying another, comfortable, versatile and affordable.
It comes in sizes XS-XXL in solid and graphic colour options, the graphic version retails at £269.99, while prices for the solid colour options start at £249.99.
Visit www.ls2helmets.com for more information.
