[SURVEY]: Best Indian made Helmet

[accuengineer]

I have been think this for quite some time. We have discussed in lots about the foreign origin helmets like AGV, Arai ,etc. But I don't think that all can buy these helmets as they cost a lot(of course no compromise for safety). But there are good helmets available in India also (Made in India). So please help the biker's who can't afford a foreign helmet but can get a good and safe Indian made helmet. Here are some of them to start with
1. Vega
2. Studds
3. Wrangler
4. Globe
5. Aerostar

[antz.bin]

Thread Approved

[princesirohi]

1) out of the listed brands, i guess only studds and vega are actual competitors in terms of quality, sales numbers & designs available etc etc..
2) you forgot steelbird.
3) my vote goes for STUDDS.

[Samarth 619]

I have/ had both Studds and Vega helmet. I haven't tested Steelbird though.


Somehow, Studds appeared as the more sturdy one. It appeared durable, like something you can trust. I was using the Studds Modular helmet Ninja, when I crashed into that no-headlight guy. The Studds helmet did not break at all, at a crash at the speeds of 45-50 kmph. The visor broke though.

Vega Boolean did make up for the features and convenience though. It has a Sunglass dropdown system, replaceable side parts, etc. It is also reasonably durable, but I haven't crashed with a Vega on (hope that never happens).


Not surprisingly, the Studds helmet costed me Rs. 900 and the Vega one Rs. 1650, although you can get the Vega Boolean for Rs. 1400 too. My vote will go to Studds though, for durability and overall features.

[antz.bin]

Well, I have had a Studds Golfball, an Aaron FlipTop one and a Vega Boolean. And I can safely say that the build quality of the 1200 rupee Aaron is far superior to the 1700 rupee Vega. My Vega helmet actually disintegrated with just regular usage over 1 year. The dropdown sunglass stopped working after 3-4 months, the side plastics became loose and fell off when I was riding, the flip up mechanism was broken, it would go all the way back. The helmet would flip up without pressing the button if I did it with a slight jerk. The interior plastic in front of the chin area broke within 1 month! And then comes the wind noise. That wind noise can be used as a benchmark for noise!

Coming to the good bits, the strap was strong and the locking mechanism was fail safe.
The ventilation inside the helmet was good. There was real airflow inside the helmet when you opened the ventilation vents and these did close properly (in case it got cold).

Needless to say, I have thrown away the Vega Boolean due to its life threatening flaws. Stil have the Aaron (Lost the Golfball sometime during hostel room shifting)

[Shibadip]

Vega Boolean did make up for the features and convenience though. It has a Sunglass dropdown system, replaceable side parts, etc. It is also reasonably durable, but I haven't crashed with a Vega on (hope that never happens).

Well, I have had a Studds Golfball, an Aaron FlipTop one and a Vega Boolean. And I can safely say that the build quality of the 1200 rupee Aaron is far superior to the 1700 rupee Vega. My Vega helmet actually disintegrated with just regular usage over 1 year. The dropdown sunglass stopped working after 3-4 months, the side plastics became loose and fell off when I was riding, the flip up mechanism was broken, it would go all the way back. The helmet would flip up without pressing the button if I did it with a slight jerk. The interior plastic in front of the chin area broke within 1 month! And then comes the wind noise. That wind noise can be used as a benchmark for noise! Coming to the good bits, the strap was strong and the locking mechanism was fail safe. The ventilation inside the helmet was good. There was real airflow inside the helmet when you opened the ventilation vents and these did close properly (in case it got cold).

Oh, God... I almost made up my mind to buy myself the Boolean helmet. But reading the above comments form you, is making me think twice. A Question for both of you. If the Jaw Guard in the boolean helmet is flipped up, then does that put extra weight on the neck, or does it get uncomfortable while city rides??? And If not boolean, then suggest me another good option. Conditions - a) Have to have that Open Face, and Full Face mechanism b) Budget of 2-2.5k. So got to be an Indian brand. c) A sunglass thing like that of VEGA would be good. (Optional, not necessary)

[Traveller01]

Vega boolean looks good but Studds ninja 3G is more comfortable & well built. I have used the ninja for good long rides & found it was more silent than the boolean. It served me well in the rains & the only after effects were the rust in the modular springs which became fine after a little lubing.I didn't find steelbird in your list but very recently It has launched Zorro which is a very nice helmet though I found it has got a bit less padding (upper side) than the boolean but the built quality seems to be good.

[Samarth 619]

Oh, God... I almost made up my mind to buy myself the Boolean helmet. But reading the above comments form you, is making me think twice. A Question for both of you. If the Jaw Guard in the boolean helmet is flipped up, then does that put extra weight on the neck, or does it get uncomfortable while city rides??? And If not boolean, then suggest me another good option. Conditions - a) Have to have that Open Face, and Full Face mechanism b) Budget of 2-2.5k. So got to be an Indian brand. c) A sunglass thing like that of VEGA would be good. (Optional, not necessary)

No, it does not put much weight on the neck. It was never noticed by me at any point of time.

I suggest you go for Studds or LS2.

1. Studds Ninja 3G does have specs built in, plus its a better helmet than Vega Boolean now. And it should cost around 1200 or so. It meets all your needs.

2. LS2's base models should fall in your budget. They're durable and have good quality.

The downsides of a LS2 are lack of an ISI mark, so big city cops might trouble you. But its got DOT certification of USA, so its better,
Secondly, in this budget, I don't think LS2 helmets have a modular (full/half face) helmet, only full face ones.

[IronHide Shetty]

Defntly studds. Very good quality reasonable prices and personally its the best, the reason- 1 fine day i was waiting at the signals and on 'Green' i accelerated and a 'Auto rickshaw' god knows from where, came and crossed me and BHAM the front tire of my activa kissed the rickshaw so passionately seeing this my studds helmet got angry and it flew away (as i didnt buckle it up) from me and BHAM hit the rickshaw, so he understood my feelings, hehehe. I would love if Studds would come up with 'Rossi series'.

[antz.bin]

Oh, God... I almost made up my mind to buy myself the Boolean helmet. But reading the above comments form you, is making me think twice. A Question for both of you. If the Jaw Guard in the boolean helmet is flipped up, then does that put extra weight on the neck, or does it get uncomfortable while city rides??? And If not boolean, then suggest me another good option. Conditions - a) Have to have that Open Face, and Full Face mechanism b) Budget of 2-2.5k. So got to be an Indian brand. c) A sunglass thing like that of VEGA would be good. (Optional, not necessary)

Shibadip my friend, it would be better if you stay away from the Flip top, especially one made by an Indian brand. They are really not very good and the flip-up lock will eventually face. I didn't personally see this happen but Surojit(The 200NS owner) and the rest of the gang, back in 2010 went for a ride to Varandah Ghat (near Pune) which I couldn't join in. There was a new guy in the group who was wearing a Vega Boolean who happened to crash on that ride and when he did, the flip top mechanism lock gave way and the top flipped up exposing his face to the road. The guy went home with a badly scratched (and possibly fractured) chin. Ask Suro (over PM preferably) he will tell you the entire story.

This particular incident scared me a LOT at the time since I also had a Vega Boolean. And since I changed to a fixed type LS2 Helmet, I realized that I really don't miss the flip top too much. Of course there is no ISI mark on my helmet but it feels sturdier, better made and fits a LOT better (I have the Air Pump model FF358 which costed 3.2k I guess).

Coming to the Sunglasses, I would recommend that you wear proper polarized sunglasses inside the helmet which help a LOT in cutting the glare while they don't reduce the light as much. I practically cannot ride the bike in the sun without mine nowadays. The added benefit of polarized sunglasses is that you can see right through the water at water crossings (if you encounter them) with minimal distortion and can gauge the best possible paths without having to first walk through it. These start from 700-800 for unbranded (my specs guy has them), 1100-1200 for IDEE and similar brands you can find at a Pantaloons/Westside store or something similar, 2800-4500 for Polaroid, 6-7k for Ray Ban, 8k+ for Oakley's.

By comparison, the tinted inner visor of the Vega Boolean doesn't even have UV protection. Using it will only cause damage to your eyes.

[shahbaz63]

Shibadip my friend, it would be better if you stay away from the Flip top, especially one made by an Indian brand. They are really not very good and the flip-up lock will eventually face. I didn't personally see this happen but Surojit(The 200NS owner) and the rest of the gang, back in 2010 went for a ride to Varandah Ghat (near Pune) which I couldn't join in. There was a new guy in the group who was wearing a Vega Boolean who happened to crash on that ride and when he did, the flip top mechanism lock gave way and the top flipped up exposing his face to the road. The guy went home with a badly scratched (and possibly fractured) chin. Ask Suro (over PM preferably) he will tell you the entire story.

This particular incident scared me a LOT at the time since I also had a Vega Boolean. And since I changed to a fixed type LS2 Helmet, I realized that I really don't miss the flip top too much. Of course there is no ISI mark on my helmet but it feels sturdier, better made and fits a LOT better (I have the Air Pump model FF358 which costed 3.2k I guess).

Coming to the Sunglasses, I would recommend that you wear proper polarized sunglasses inside the helmet which help a LOT in cutting the glare while they don't reduce the light as much. I practically cannot ride the bike in the sun without mine nowadays. The added benefit of polarized sunglasses is that you can see right through the water at water crossings (if you encounter them) with minimal distortion and can gauge the best possible paths without having to first walk through it. These start from 700-800 for unbranded (my specs guy has them), 1100-1200 for IDEE and similar brands you can find at a Pantaloons/Westside store or something similar, 2800-4500 for Polaroid, 6-7k for Ray Ban, 8k+ for Oakley's.

By comparison, the tinted inner visor of the Vega Boolean doesn't even have UV protection. Using it will only cause damage to your eyes.

That Helps me alot, Thanks sirji, I own same VEGA Boolean & coz of safety purpose I've just twisted its lock in the way that it won't lock up easily & once it got locked it will not open easily... and till yesterday was not using that Tinted Visor too ... Hoping to change it soon now....

Let me see the options for Helmet or any way I can improve this one .. I hope UV Protection Tinted Visor comes in VEGA

[princesirohi]

flip-up helmets are not all bad, obviously because it is made of two parts instead of one, it means you have to trade a balance between safety and convenience. they may be less safer than full face helmets, but you have to decide, how much safety you want or how much convenience you need. they do provide a decent level of protection, you can use them in your daily riding within city or on highways if you don't go too fast. obviously if you wanna race on a race track or travel on highways too fast, then full-face is the way to go.

Shibadip my friend, it would be better if you stay away from the Flip top, especially one made by an Indian brand. They are really not very good and the flip-up lock will eventually face. I didn't personally see this happen but Surojit(The 200NS owner) and the rest of the gang, back in 2010 went for a ride to Varandah Ghat (near Pune) which I couldn't join in. There was a new guy in the group who was wearing a Vega Boolean who happened to crash on that ride and when he did, the flip top mechanism lock gave way and the top flipped up exposing his face to the road. The guy went home with a badly scratched (and possibly fractured) chin. Ask Suro (over PM preferably) he will tell you the entire story.

This particular incident scared me a LOT at the time since I also had a Vega Boolean. And since I changed to a fixed type LS2 Helmet, I realized that I really don't miss the flip top too much. Of course there is no ISI mark on my helmet but it feels sturdier, better made and fits a LOT better (I have the Air Pump model FF358 which costed 3.2k I guess).

Coming to the Sunglasses, I would recommend that you wear proper polarized sunglasses inside the helmet which help a LOT in cutting the glare while they don't reduce the light as much. I practically cannot ride the bike in the sun without mine nowadays. The added benefit of polarized sunglasses is that you can see right through the water at water crossings (if you encounter them) with minimal distortion and can gauge the best possible paths without having to first walk through it. These start from 700-800 for unbranded (my specs guy has them), 1100-1200 for IDEE and similar brands you can find at a Pantaloons/Westside store or something similar, 2800-4500 for Polaroid, 6-7k for Ray Ban, 8k+ for Oakley's.

By comparison, the tinted inner visor of the Vega Boolean doesn't even have UV protection. Using it will only cause damage to your eyes.

either his flip-up latching mechanism was faulty or was not completely latched before accident.

i too had a ninja flip-up helmet. and i had atleast three accidents with it. all frontal. first one, i skidded and my head collided with a pole head-on. nothing happened.
second, there was gravel on one corner, i went in too fast and applied brakes while still leaned, needless to say what happened next, a frontal impact with a rock while i was still partially in air. result - only a few scratches on the helmets. i used that helmet for some time then replaced with another ninja. the third accident was a very devastating one, and it is described with photos on a thread also, in short it was a frontal impact at very high speeds with a jeep. the front flip-up portion got broken into pieces, but that was a very nasty crash. so--
1) flip-up mechanism did not snap open.
2) the flip-up portion did broke to pieces.
another thing i noticed by using ninja helmets for so long period and using 3 helmets all ninjas, is that the locking mechanism losses its effectiveness or crispiness after say 1.5 year or so, and sometime did not latch properly, so you always have to double check to ensure its properly latched.

so i will say, if you if you intend to use it within city, nothing beats it and if you don't ride too fast say you stay with-in 80-90 kmph you should be alright. for anything else, get a full-face one.

see some more info here--

Seven Flip-Face Motorcycle Helmets Compared - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine

Flip Up Helmets and Plastic Locking Mechanism

a one more thing, snell does not certify flip-up helmets.

and ECE 22.05, now has an option of a optional chin-bar test.

ofcourse, i don't think indian ISI has anything for chin bar stability test.

now, i am more of a highway rider with high speeds, i have shifted to a full face cross helmet. ofcourse this cross helmet is a total crap, but thats another story.

[Shibadip]

flip-up helmets are not all bad, obviously because it is made of two parts instead of one, it means you have to trade a balance between safety and convenience. they may be less safer than full face helmets, but you have to decide, how much safety you want or how much convenience you need. they do provide a decent level of protection, you can use them in your daily riding within city or on highways if you don't go too fast. obviously if you wanna race on a race track or travel on highways too fast, then full-face is the way to go.

Thanks @Prince. Got to look for the Ninja then. Also I think it will be cheaper than the boolean.

Shibadip my friend, it would be better if you stay away from the Flip top, especially one made by an Indian brand. They are really not very good and the flip-up lock will eventually face. I didn't personally see this happen but Surojit(The 200NS owner) and the rest of the gang, back in 2010 went for a ride to Varandah Ghat (near Pune) which I couldn't join in. There was a new guy in the group who was wearing a Vega Boolean who happened to crash on that ride and when he did, the flip top mechanism lock gave way and the top flipped up exposing his face to the road. The guy went home with a badly scratched (and possibly fractured) chin. Ask Suro (over PM preferably) he will tell you the entire story.

@antz. thanks for your advice, and it certainly gives ma a perspective of what I can expect from a Flip open helmets. (So I'll be extra Cautious)
But I am more of a City rides, and will be doing few tours as well. But i'm a very safe kinnda rider, and wont be doing speeds >90 kmph even while touring.

Also, though I'm not claustrophobic, but I feel kinnda congested in full face helmets. and it hampers the side vision as well. Thats why opting for the Flip Open types.

So, you suggest it is better going for Studds -Ninja, than Vega -Boolean??


EDIT and OFF-TOPIC - Also Please suggest me what kind of Glasses I can use both during day and night. I absolutely Can't ride without my sunglasses (or else, I every time feel that some thing is getting into my eye, and have some dangerous experience when my eye-lid shut for as long as 5sec while riding)
People think I'm totally mad or a complete show-off when they see me wearing my sun-glass even at night.
Note - I have normal eye power, and do not wear glasses in regular use. I use Fast track sun-glass, which covers from side as well. Normal glasses don't do that, and I dont want to carry two diff kind of glasses, one for night and one for day.

[princesirohi]

Re: Best Indian made Helmet

ninja has two models 2G &3G. 3G is better. 2G produces lot of wind noise.

boolean also seems good.

but if you purchase a flip-up helmet, be advised that it offers limited protection and always double check if the latching mechanism is locked properly.

Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk 2

[Shibadip]

ninja has two models 2G &3G. 3G is better. 2G produces lot of wind noise.

boolean also seems good.

but if you purchase a flip-up helmet, be advised that it offers limited protection and always double check if the latching mechanism is locked properly.

Thanks On the 3G advise.

I will be using the Helmet with the Jaw guard Open In the City rides(which will b 85% of the Time), and will close It during the Tours.