SENA Stryker Bluetooth - White

This is a great closed face helmet that would be superb without all of the included tech. The ride is quiet and the there is minimal turbulance at speed. The installed visor doesn't have a pinlock but the anti-fog coating seems to work fine in all weathers so far. The integrated comms system is really high quality, and offers crystal clear sound and mic, and there's a handy LED light on the back that operates in a number of different modes (flashing, solid etc). The only real downside to this technology is the SENA phone app which is quite cumbersome to set up and initial setup requires a firmware update which can be quite confusing to navigate. That said, once set up, you can pair a phone or other bluetooth device to the helmet which then allows for voice commands using Siri etc to play music or radio, make calls, ask for GPS directions etc. The open mesh comms system allows you to connect to multiple riders in a group, but I haven't had the chance to test it yet. There's also noise cancellation and reactive volume, so the louder the outside environment gets, the volume adjusts accordingly. It's not perfect, but it works. Venting on the helmet is fine and the chunky buttons are easy to use when wearing gloves. The only real downside (apart from the app) is the build quality isn't as high as you'd expect for the price, but nothing drastic - just small details such as the chin vent not being properly aligned. Overall, a good helmet with up to date safety ratings and great audio/comms.

This is my first full face helmet and the most expensive one I've bought so far.

I wanted a full face for a quieter ride. Flip helmets tend to be noisier.

It certainly is quieter. My trike isn't the quietest, yet with this helmet the engine is far less intrusive.

Build quality seems really impressive compared to my flip front helmets. The lining and padding is far more comfortable.

My head is pretty big, if I'm honest. My flip fronts are both XXL, yet this one is an XL in the mat black. It fits me beautifully.

The big story with this helmet is the electronics. It has Bluetooth but also includes the new Mesh standard. Connection to my bike and phone have been faultless. I'm yet to try connecting with a pillion ride but I've no doubt it will be easy.

The app that works with the helmet is one of the better that I've seen. It gives you great control and allows you to set the brightness and mode of the read lights. These should really add to safety both day and night.

So, what blows my mind then? Well, it's the sound from the Harmon Kardon audio system that is built in.

It is like listening to a really high end set of headphones. The audio spectrum is superb and base response is superb. I cannot believe they have managed to do with with a crash helmet. The Bluetooth also allows you to share your music via the app whilst keeping phone calls private. They have really thought hard about features.

Ventilation has been well thought out too. The breath mask stops the visor from steaming up and the face vent directs cool air into your mouth. The top vents increase wind noise a little bit and do a good job of moving air around your head.

The only downsides for me are the position of the controls, which are a little too far back and the lack of pin lock. The visors are treated with an anti-mist coating but I have found a little too much moisture can sit on the visor. The sun visor is perfectly judged though.

I'd really like to thank the staff at the Boston store for the help I was given in choosing a helmet that fits well and has the features I want within my price bracket. They couldn't have been more knowledgeable and could speak from experience, which I really valued.

When I mentioned Sportsbikeshop to other members of the Can Am Sypder group they had nothing but praise for the company and the staff in their local stores too. That tells you a lot.

So I guess, if you've read this far, you'll understand that I'd recommend this helmet, especially to other touring riders.