After listing the Best 20 carbon fiber helmets, HelmetTips is now off to write a complete review of the helmets mentioned in its Top 20 list. One such high-end carbon fiber-constructed modular helmet is the Schuberth C5 which we have discussed already.
Now it’s time to move towards another high-end hybrid carbon fiber helmet the “LS2 Challenger GT Carbon Flames”. Only a few carbon fiber motorcycle helmet comes with such a nicely blended design. But, what we have here is more than design, construction and compatibility.
Let’s take a glance of the Key Specs of LS2 Challenger GT Carbon Flames:
Key Specs of LS2 Challenger GT Carbon
LS2 Challenger GT Carbon Variants
The LS2 Challenger Carbon Flames originates from the LS2 Challenger Carbon helmet and there are 5 more variations to it. Let’s look all variation closely to find out the perfectly blended design for you and it’s price. Mostly, these variants are different in terms of colors and design. No specific differences to be highlighted. I loved the Challenger Carbon Flames Blue-Gold variants and I am writing this review based on that.
Other variants are also the same. So, you can buy any of the based on your preferences and color choice. Altogether 7 variants of LS2 Challenger Carbon is capable of fulfilling your taste and bike color matching combination.
Why You Should Buy LS2 Challenger GT Carbon?
- Price Comparison
With a price of $449, the LS2 Challenger Carbon falls in the range of some of the top-notch helmets like the Shoei GT Air 2, HJC RPHA 71, Scorpion EXO-1400 EVO, and AGV K6. Mostly, this is a range of helmets that are widely popular as the top-rated sports-touring helmet. Based on its features and outer shell protection level, Challenger Carbon is a great competitor against the mentioned helmets.
- Outer Shell Construction Comparison
As the name suggests, the Challenger GT Carbon from LS2 is made from carbon fiber. With Advanced Laser Cutting shell construction, this outperforms the AGV K6, Shoei NXR2, Scorpion EXO-1400 EVO C, HJC RPHA 71, and Shoei GT Air-2. Compared to these top helmets, there aren’t many differences but the 6K carbon fiber shell of Challenger puts it ahead.
- Weight Comparison
Lighter helmets are always better. As they put no additional pressure on the neck and shoulder area even after a long ride. The Challenger Carbon GT weighs only 1.5 kg or 3.30 lbs making it one of the lightweight helmets within the $450 price range.
Though LS2 declared it as a helmet with 1550 gm weight, we weigh it only 1336 gm. Putting it on the list of lighter than the Shoei NXR2 (1367 gm), Scorpion EXO-1400 EVO C (1404 gm), Shoei GT Air 2 (1486 gm) and Icon Airflite (1720 gm). But the AGV K6 is lighter than the Challenger Gt Carbon with 1330 gm weight, yet it is a lightweight carbon fiber tourist helmet with a sporty look and all.
- Noise Comparison
This is not something to be promoted as the LS2 Challenger performed okay in noise noise-cancelling category. With a 101 db(A) rating, the LS2 Challenger Carbon lies beneath the Shoei GT Air 2, Scorpion EXO-1400, Shoei NXR 2, and HJC RPHA 71. The Challenger is not recommended as a quiet carbon fiber helmet as the performance is average. With this performance, a rider deserves better.
- Ventilation Comparison
This is the best part of the LS2 Challenger GT Carbon Flames that I have tested to write this review. During the road test, the ambient temperature was 101 degree Fahrenheit and the temperature sensor that I have attached to the interior displayed a 1-degree lesser Fahrenheit rating on the inside.
Meaning, that the challenger is capable of keeping you cool on a hot summer day and in every long ride. The ventilation performance of a touring helmet is important, as you will be wearing the helmet in long rides and the LS2 Challenger LS2 Carbon Flame will support you fully.
The LS2 Challenger GT Carbon Complete Review: 4 Months of Vigorous Riding
At HelmetTips, we just don’t review helmets, we test them vigorously to bring the best out. The same rule applied in the Challenger GT Carbon review case. We tested it to learn its benefits, pros, and cons from a rider’s perspective. While some pros may be useful for you to choose it and some cons may keep you out of it from buying. Either way, we are successful in providing the honest & best insights to buy a helmet.
One more thing to mention before going forward, the review written in this blog is the tester’s opinion. One might disagree or may find it otherwise. In such a case, we value your opinion and respect it. In the same way we want you to respect ours.
LS2 Challenger is a Well Ventilated Helmet
I found the Challenger GT Carbon a well-ventilated helmet with a closer interior temperature compared to the ambient temperature. The ventilation ports disbursed throughout the helmet helped its performance to reach the next level. Mostly the inlined channeling of the ventilation port under the EPS liner is the key to keeping the helmet interior cool. For, a sports-touring helmet, this is an important feature.
Two Big Ventilation Switch On Top
On top of the Challenger Carbon, you will find two big ventilation switches. They work like a slider to be opened or closed and easy to use even with gloves on. They are more like a ram air channeling option.
A Standard Forehead Switch Port
On the forehead, you will find a small ventilation port controlling system. Rather than a slider, it works like a switch and this is easy to operate too. With every push, you will hear a click and it’s satisfying.
Chin Bar Venting System
The chin bar system also works like a switch with two stages of working. You can push it down two stages to have a mouthful of air. A thin chin bar venting system has small holes in it to prevent dust, debris or insects.
Exhaust Port Switch on the Back
Well, this is a bit unusual. We always don’t see switches or sliders in exhaust vents. This vents are located in the air diffuser section of the Challenger Carbon in back. But, these switches on the exhaust with the capability close or open is useful if you are riding in a cold weather. You gotta preserve the heat, don’t you?
Overall LS2 Challenger Carbon Ventilation System
Two things I loved the most about the Challenger GT Carbon motorcycle helmet ventilation system is that, LS2 incorporated all those nicely positioned vents that are easily accessible and the channeling system beneath the EPS liners. I am satisfied with its ventilation performance and after 4 months of riding with it, I have never felt too hot or humid.
Although, the liners get wet sometimes but that was in the comfortable level. One thing, I should add here that the Challenger Carbon does not have any ear sealing, so in windy condition, it’s noise cancellation performance is a bit poor. But the ventilation performance is above average with a 4 star rating from my side.
A Lightweight Carbon Fiber Helmet
With so many ventilation ports and Multi-density EPS liner, LS2 produced the Challenger Carbon as a lightweight carbon fiber helmet. Weighing only 3.30 lbs and 1550 gm, this is a top-rated and one of the most lightweight helmet we are talking about. At maximum level, I rode for 4 hours continuously on the day I bought it from Revzilla and it did not hurt a bit on the neck area. Helmet weighs heavier if the liners are not feeling well and even that din’t happen with the challenger. So, I am marking it as a lightweight carbon fiber helmet.
Challenger Has a 6k Carbon Fiber Outer Shell
Carbon fibers are used to create a lighter form of output. That’s why the are so widely used in the automotive industry to the aeronotics industry to the military gears. The 6K carbon infusion of LS2 challenger makes it lightweight and comfortable.
This long oval shaped carbon fiber helmet meets or exceeds DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.05 standards. Meaning, you have a certified carbon fiber shell that is lightweight and protective.
Greater Impact Absorption Capability
Blending Kevlar, Carbon Fiber & fiberglass, LS2 developed this beast to be lightweight but capable of absorbing high impact. In addition, LS2 also incorporated carbon-infusion Multi-density EPS liner that is also designed to capable of absorbing high impact force.
At HelmetTips, we did not test in particular to specifically know about it’s impact absorption capability but yes there is a feeling. The Challenger Carbon’s interior really feels great to wear and the snug fit ensures that it will do good in case of any impact.
The carbon infusion to built the EPS liner is really unique feature to have as you get the protection from the interior also while reducing the force from the outer shell at the first place. So, up-to this point the LS2 Challenger Carbon GT helmet is a good pick as a protective and lightweight motorcycle helmet within $450 budget.
A Budget Friendly Lightweight & Protective Carbon Fiber Motorcycle Helmet
The carbon infusion to built the EPS liner is really unique feature to have as you get the protection from the interior also while reducing the force from the outer shell at the first place. So, up-to this point the LS2 Challenger Carbon GT helmet is a good pick as a protective and lightweight motorcycle helmet within $450 budget.