I’d name myself a multi-discipline rider if anybody ever requested, and that’s to not say that I’ve mastered a number of types of competitors (I haven’t), however as an alternative, that no two days within the saddle are ever fairly the identical. Whereas I make investments nearly all of my disposable earnings in a single kind of driving, I preserve an older machine or two round for after I really feel like cosplaying as a canyon carver or a bagger man.
I believe it’s the attainable model of the totally different bike for each day of the week form of dream, however you’d go broke preserving sufficient gear on the shelf to look the half each time. Or would you? SMK Helmets despatched us over one in every of their Retro full-face helmets just a few months again, and primarily based on the MSRP of this throwback lid, simply $149.99, I knew we have been an intriguing proposition.
What’s in a Title Stateside, the SMK identify can get misplaced within the sea of three-letter helmet producers, and whereas their merchandise have solely been accessible right here since 2023, it is best to in all probability get used to listening to it. SMK claims to be the biggest helmet producer on the planet, and its mum or dad firm, STUDDStraces its roots all the way in which again to a small storage in India in 1972. SMK has a lineup of 12 fashions accessible for the U.S., all of which go simple on the pocketbook.
I spec’d out the Retro full-face within the solid-white colorway, however was stunned to search out it’s really a frosty pearlescent after I eliminated it from the velvety drawstring. My XL weighed in at 3.5 lbs (1,588 g), inserting it proper in the course of the highway, and the match and end on the helmet is nice aside from just a few minor niggles. The chrome accents and tan and chocolate colour of the hypoallergenic liner are stellar touches for the value, and mesh, round vents give it distinctive character within the throwback scene.
How’s the Match In studying up on the SMK Retro, I anticipated the match to be an space of competition. It’s been stated that the corporate makes use of simply two shells to accommodate sizes from XS to XL for the Retro mannequin, and it is best to count on it to run small. To the 2X, guys, I provide my condolences.
My head measures 24 inches (61 cm), which places me on the high finish of the XL vary. If there was an issue with the shell dimension, I might have discovered it. The intermediate oval match is kind of good, roomy in reality, particularly within the crown of my head. There was additionally nice protection within the chinbar space, which is stunning, on condition that throwback helmets typically depart your chin out within the breeze.
The inside of the Retro seems to be good and feels even nicer. The hypoallergenic liner feels premium, and the chocolaty fake leather-based trimmings really feel like they have been pulled from a helmet thrice the value. The washable, three-piece liner is definitely eliminated, exposing the multi-density EPS absorption materials, and the outside is comprised of impact-resistant thermoplastic. The mannequin carries each DOT and ECE 22.05 certifications.
Different Options Entering into the nuts and bolts of this factor, we have now to speak concerning the protect. The pivot and detent options of the SMK Retro happen throughout the huge bullseye on the edges of the helmet, and you may customise the coloured inserts or ditch the protect fully with provided inserts if driving in glasses is your factor. The protect has two open detent positions, and whereas it lacks a optimistic latch within the shut place, engagement of the spring-loaded detents has good really feel.
The protect opening has a chrome strip inside its rubber edging that enhances the trim alongside the helmet’s opening, and whereas I anticipated some critical draft across the protect, that merely wasn’t the case. It’s additionally Pinlock 70 appropriate, and SMK provided a transparent anti-fog insert with helped alleviate the fogging I skilled on scorching, humid days.
Lastly, SMK depends on the tried-and-true double-D ring system to affix this factor to your noggin, and whereas it’s arguably probably the most safe system, I’d like to see the Retro graduate to one thing quick-release in its subsequent iteration. The strap was additionally on the skinny facet in my view, which led to some fumbling with the D rings the primary time I pulled it on, however I did respect the inclusion of a magnet for retaining the tail of the strap while you’re locked in.
On the Open Highway At 79°F and 62% humidity, I knew my first journey within the Retro can be probably the most telling, particularly because the helmet lacks exhaust air flow like a lot of its throwback counterparts. The porthole vents have been roughly as much as the duty, however I did discover much less airflow within the chinbar, which led to fogging with out the Pinlock lens put in. The brow vents, nonetheless, carried out admirably, and, total, the helmet didn’t really feel scorching in comparison with a black driving jacket.
Visibility by means of the protect was nice, and the wind intrusion wasn’t extreme at freeway speeds and past, even when pointing my head perpendicular to my route of journey. The middle tab on the protect was simple to function after I ended in search of it on the left-hand facet, and I discovered the 2 open detent positions to be greater than sufficient.
I discussed the Pinlock 70 anti-fog lens SMK included with the Retro helmet, and putting in it makes a world of distinction. You possibly can watch fog develop within the space across the Pinlock, however your visual view stays unobscured, even with all of the heavy respiratory I might muster. Nevertheless, whereas putting in the Pinlock, I encountered a problem with the protect’s design.
You take away the protect by unthreading the middle of the bullseyes with a provided instrument, after which the protect pops out. At this level, you possibly can see two small ball bearings that make the detent positions work, and so they’re spring-loaded behind the black inserts. The problem is that the ball bearings aren’t actually retained within the insert, and after I took the lens off, one shot off onto the store flooring, by no means to be seen once more.
The opposite three ball bearings stayed in place, and the detents nonetheless labored roughly as supposed, however I used to be curious why this occurred. I took the helmet aside as soon as extra to put in the shield-delete inserts (you’d use these for driving with glasses as an alternative of the protect) and located the opposite ball bearing popped out as effectively.
This technique wants some revising, since you stand an excellent probability of shedding these ball bearings anytime you need to take away your protect, or change the coloured inserts within the helmet—which SMK encourages you to customise. So when you personal the Retro and plan on taking any of this aside, I’d encourage you to work on a transparent desk with a drop fabric.
Conclusions I used to be in search of the catch all through all my time with the SMK Retro helmet. It really works fairly effectively on the open highway, carries DOT and ECE certs and has some very nice options—all for $150. That’s precisely half of what you’d pay for probably the most inexpensive helmets within the retro scene, and one thing like 3/10s of what the flagship fashions are getting. Whereas the ball bearing detent system wants work, my helmet nonetheless features as supposed, and I guess they’d guarantee the insert if I requested.
Whereas there are issues that may very well be improved, the SMK Retro is a great-looking, comfy choice for budget-minded riders in search of a classy throwback lid. It will get far more compliments than you’d ever count on from a price range helmet, and I’m positive it’ll stay in my rotation for a lot of miles to return.
Worth $149.99 | Sizes XS to XL | Certification ECE22.05 and DOT | Extra
