LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Review: The New Standard for Budget Safety?

There’s a moment every rider knows. It’s that split second when you realize the helmet you’ve been using just isn’t cutting it anymore. For me, that moment came during a particularly gusty day on the highway. The wind noise was deafening, the fit felt sloppy after a year of use, and a nagging thought crept in: is this aging piece of polycarbonate actually going to protect me when it matters most? The search for a new helmet is a serious undertaking. You’re not just buying a piece of gear; you’re investing in your own safety and comfort. The market is flooded with options, from ultra-premium carbon fiber race lids to questionable bargain-bin shells. Navigating this landscape, especially on a realistic budget, can feel like a high-stakes gamble. You want the latest safety certifications, modern features like a drop-down sun visor, and a comfortable fit for long rides, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. This is the exact dilemma that led us to test the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, a lid that promises next-generation safety without the premium price tag.

What to Consider Before Buying a Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

A full-face motorcycle helmet is more than just an item; it’s the single most critical piece of safety equipment a rider owns. It’s a key solution for protecting your head from catastrophic injury in an accident, shielding your face from wind, rain, and road debris, and reducing rider fatigue by cutting down on wind noise. The main benefits are comprehensive protection, improved aerodynamics, and an integrated system of comfort and convenience features that make every ride more enjoyable and secure. Without one, you’re not only violating the law in most places but also exposing yourself to unimaginable risk.

The ideal customer for a helmet like the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is the daily commuter, the weekend tourer, or the new rider who prioritizes modern safety standards (like ECE 22.06) but is working within a sensible budget. It’s for the rider who needs a versatile, all-in-one solution that performs well in city traffic and on the open road. However, it might not be the best fit for the dedicated track day enthusiast who requires a feather-light, race-spec helmet with extreme ventilation, or the long-distance adventure rider who might prefer a modular design. For those riders, specialized helmets with features tailored to their specific discipline would be a more suitable, albeit more expensive, choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Safety Certifications & Rotational Management: This is non-negotiable. Look for at least a DOT (FMVSS 218) rating, but the gold standard is now ECE 22.06, which includes rigorous testing for rotational energy management. Technologies like MIPS or, in this helmet’s case, LS2’s own AREM, are designed to reduce the dangerous rotational forces transferred to the brain during an angled impact. Don’t compromise here.
• Fit & Shape: A helmet that doesn’t fit correctly won’t protect you properly. Know your head shape—most fall into round oval, intermediate oval, or long oval. The LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is an intermediate oval, the most common head shape. Always measure your head circumference and consult the manufacturer’s size chart, but be prepared for brand-to-brand variations.
• Materials & Durability: Shells are typically made from polycarbonate, fiberglass composites, or carbon fiber. The Stream II uses a proprietary Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA), a blend that offers excellent energy dispersion at a lower cost than fiberglass. Inside, look for a multi-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner, as this is what truly absorbs the impact.
• Features & Ease of Use: Consider the quality-of-life features. Does it have an internal drop-down sun visor? Is the main visor optically correct and Pinlock-ready to prevent fogging? How good is the ventilation system? A quick-release chin strap and a removable, washable liner are also huge pluses for long-term use and maintenance. You can see its full list of features and current price to evaluate its value proposition.

Ultimately, choosing a helmet is a balance of these factors against your budget. The goal is to find the most protective and comfortable helmet you can afford.

While the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Premium Feel Meets Practical Design

Unboxing the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet in the Matte America Gray/Black colorway, our first impression was one of surprising quality. For a helmet in this price bracket, it feels substantial and well-constructed. The matte finish was flawless, giving it a modern, aggressive look that punches well above its weight. The proprietary KPA shell feels solid yet doesn’t have the heft you might expect, striking a nice balance. Running a hand over the dynamic vents and the rear spoiler, everything felt secure and purposeful.

Inside, the 3D laser-cut foam and flex-crown comfort system felt plush and inviting. The liner materials are soft to the touch and, critically, fully removable for cleaning. We immediately noticed the deep speaker pockets, a thoughtful touch for riders who want to install a communication system. The quick-release chin strap mechanism is intuitive and easy to use even with gloves on. Compared to other budget helmets we’ve tested, which often suffer from flimsy-feeling vents and cheap liners, the Stream II presents itself as a much more premium package. It immediately felt like a helmet we could trust on the road, offering a level of fit and finish that truly sets it apart from its direct competitors.

A Deep Dive into the LS2 Stream II’s On-Road Performance

A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true worth is only revealed out on the pavement, battling wind, sun, and the unpredictability of traffic. We spent several weeks and hundreds of miles with the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, using it for daily city commutes and longer weekend rides to truly understand its strengths and weaknesses. From its core safety technology to its everyday usability, here’s our in-depth breakdown.

Safety First: The Game-Changing ECE 22.06 Certification

Let’s be clear: the single most compelling reason to consider this helmet is its ECE 22.06 certification. For years, the budget helmet segment has been dominated by lids meeting the less stringent DOT standard. ECE 22.06 is a massive leap forward. It involves a wider range of impact tests at different speeds and angles, including a crucial test for rotational energy management. This is where LS2’s Advanced Rotational Energy Management (AREM) technology comes into play. It’s an in-house system designed to allow for slight movement between the comfort liner and the EPS layer, helping to dissipate the dangerous rotational forces that can cause severe brain injury during an angled impact. One user review tragically highlighted this very point: their husband was in an accident with a deer at 30mph, and while he suffered broken bones, the helmet did its job protecting his head. This is real-world validation.

The shell itself is made from LS2’s Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA). This isn’t just standard polycarbonate; it’s a proprietary blend incorporating nanotechnology and microscopic aramid fibers. The result is a shell that is lightweight, strong, and exceptionally good at dispersing impact energy, offering a level of penetration resistance you’d typically find in more expensive fiberglass helmets. With three different shell sizes across the size range, you get a more proportional fit without the “bobblehead” look. Knowing you have this level of certified, modern protective technology on your head provides a level of confidence that is simply invaluable, and frankly, rare at this price point.

Fit, Comfort, and Sizing: Getting It Right

The LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is built around an intermediate oval head shape, which is the most common fit profile and suited our testers well. The first time you slide it on, the word that comes to mind is “snug.” This is by design—a proper-fitting helmet should be tight, especially when new, with cheek pads pressing firmly against your face. The 3D laser-cut foam cheek pads and the special flex-crown comfort system do an excellent job of eliminating hot spots and creating a secure, comfortable environment. We found it to be perfectly wearable for multi-hour rides without causing pressure points or discomfort.

However, this is where we must echo the sentiment of numerous user reviews: the sizing runs small. Multiple riders noted that they had to order one size up from their usual measurement to get a comfortable fit. Several specifically mentioned it being “excesivamente apretado” (excessively tight) around the jaw. Our experience confirms this. If you are on the border between sizes, or have a wider jawline, we strongly recommend ordering the next size up. One reviewer, a new rider, noted that his Large fit his 59cm head “very snuggly” and suggested a 60cm head would need an XL. This is critical advice. The good news is that the liner breaks in nicely after a few rides, molding to your face. The included chin curtain and breath guard are also excellent additions, helping to reduce wind updrafts and prevent the visor from fogging.

Real-World Features: Visors, Ventilation, and Noise Levels

This is where a helmet goes from being a safety device to a piece of gear you actually enjoy wearing. The standout feature is undoubtedly the integrated drop-down sun visor. Operated by a smooth, easy-to-find slider on the left side of the helmet, it provides excellent coverage and allows you to adapt to changing light conditions instantly without fumbling for sunglasses. We found it indispensable for riding into the setting sun. While one user reported an issue with their visor mechanism being faulty, our test unit performed flawlessly every time.

The main face shield is optically correct Class A polycarbonate, meaning no distortion in your field of view. It’s also Pinlock-ready, which is a massive plus. We highly recommend investing in the separate Pinlock insert, as some users noted; it’s the ultimate solution for foggy mornings or rainy days. Ventilation is managed by two large vents on top and one at the chin, with an exhaust port integrated into the rear spoiler. We found the airflow to be adequate for most conditions, keeping us cool in city traffic. However, as one rider put it, ventilation might be its “weakness” in very hot climates. It’s good, but not best-in-class.

Now, let’s talk about noise. This is often the trade-off with budget helmets. The LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is reasonably quiet around town, but at highway speeds, wind noise becomes more noticeable. Several users reported a “little whistle” at certain speeds or when turning their head. We experienced this as well; it seems to come from the top vents. It’s not a deal-breaker, especially if you wear earplugs (which you should), but it’s not as quiet as a premium touring helmet. For the price, its acoustic performance is acceptable, but something to be aware of if you spend a lot of time on the interstate. You can check the latest price and availability here to weigh this against its impressive safety features.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the feedback for the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is largely positive, centering on its incredible value proposition. The most frequently praised feature is its ECE 22.06 certification. One rider summed it up perfectly: “I mostly bought this due to the ECE 22.06 rating, weight, and most of my riding is in the city. So for all that I feel it is a good helmet for the level of comfort and protection.” This sentiment is echoed by many who are thrilled to get next-gen safety without a hefty price tag.

The comfort and features like the drop-down sun visor also receive high marks, with users calling it “comfy,” “well-made,” and noting that the “materials feel great, and durable.” However, the most consistent piece of critical feedback relates to sizing. A significant number of reviews, like one who said, “I recommend ordering one size up because the fit runs a bit small,” warn potential buyers about the snug fit, particularly in the jaw area. Other minor complaints include the occasional “whistle” at speed and some rare but notable quality control issues where helmets arrived with broken vents or appeared to be used returns. This suggests that while the design is excellent, manufacturing consistency can sometimes be a challenge, making it important to inspect the helmet carefully upon arrival.

How Does the LS2 Stream II Compare to the Competition?

While the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet stands strong on its own, it’s crucial to see how it measures up against other popular options. Each alternative serves a slightly different rider or purpose, highlighting the LS2’s specific strengths in the full-face street category.

1. GLX GX23 Motocross Helmet Matte Black

The GLX GX23 is a dedicated motocross/dirt bike helmet. Its design priorities are completely different, focusing on maximum airflow at lower speeds, a large eye-port for goggles, and a peak to block roost and sun. While it is DOT approved, it’s not built for the aerodynamics or noise isolation required for highway riding. A rider would choose the GLX GX23 for off-road adventures, trail riding, or motocross tracks. For any kind of street or highway use, the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is the vastly superior choice due to its full-face shield, integrated sun visor, and aerodynamic stability.

2. TRIANGLE Full Face Motorcycle Helmet DOT Approved

The TRIANGLE helmet is a more direct competitor, occupying a similar budget-friendly full-face segment. It often appeals to new riders with its aggressive styling and inclusion of both clear and tinted visors. However, its primary drawback when compared to the LS2 Stream II is its safety certification, which is typically limited to the DOT standard. It lacks the advanced ECE 22.06 rating and the rotational energy management system found in the Stream II. A rider might choose the TRIANGLE for its aesthetic or the value of an included second shield, but for those prioritizing the absolute latest in safety technology, the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet represents a significant step up.

3. 1Storm Modular Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

The 1Storm Modular helmet introduces a different functionality with its flip-up chin bar. This modular design is incredibly convenient for touring riders, commuters, or anyone who frequently makes stops and wants to talk, drink, or get some air without removing their helmet. The trade-off is often increased weight, complexity, and potentially more wind noise due to the seams in the chin bar mechanism. While the 1Storm offers versatility, the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet offers the structural integrity and lighter weight of a solid one-piece shell, along with a superior safety certification. The choice comes down to convenience versus ultimate structural safety and weight.

Our Final Verdict on the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the LS2 Stream II Full Face Motorcycle Helmet sets a new benchmark for safety and value in the budget helmet category. Its ECE 22.06 certification and KPA shell construction provide a level of protection that was, until recently, unheard of at this price. It’s a comfortable, feature-rich helmet with a premium feel that belies its affordable cost. The integrated sun shield is a fantastic convenience, and the overall build quality is impressive.

It’s not without its quirks. The fit is undeniably snug, so ordering a size up is highly recommended, and it can get a bit noisy at high speeds. However, these are minor trade-offs for the top-tier safety you’re getting. We would recommend this helmet without hesitation to any daily commuter, weekend rider, or new motorcyclist who wants the best possible protection without draining their bank account. It proves that you no longer have to compromise on safety when you’re on a budget. If you’re looking for a helmet that delivers peace of mind and modern features, you can check the latest price and user reviews for the LS2 Stream II right here.