KYT Striker Helmet Review: World-Class Safety, Affordable Price

You may have seen MotoGP riders wearing KYT helmets and thought, “One day, I’ll save enough money to buy one too.” Maybe you’ve even read our review of the brand’s NZ-Race or R2R Pro helmets. While these are cheaper than those worn by professionals, they are still a bit out of reach for those just starting out riding. Don’t worry, KYT has solved that problem with the Striker – their entry-level helmet designed to bring smart, stylish protection to the masses.

First off, the forward looks, well… striking (pun definitely intended). There are a variety of colors to choose from – my review unit was black and blue, mostly black with blue and neon green highlights. I can’t overstate how sharp and aggressive it looks. Full marks for graphics, material quality and paint finish. In addition to the English KYT logo, the Japanese brand name is printed on both sides of the helmet. The dark visor complements the overall design and I had no issues using it on night rides. The large field of view ensures you won’t face any problems while riding in the city. My only complaint is that KYT doesn’t come with a retractable sun visor like some other manufacturers, but you can wear sunglasses.

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In terms of safety, Striker is only ISI 4151:2015 certified. Some may be disappointed that it does not have ECE or DOT certification, but for everyday riding, this helmet will keep you absolutely safe. The outer shell is made from what KYT calls “advanced thermoplastic” and is said to be highly impact-resistant. A double D-ring mechanism further ensures the helmet stays securely in place in the event of a crash.

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Initially, I wasn’t a fan of the internal filler, especially around the cheeks, as it felt a bit thin, but certainly not uncomfortable. Weighing approximately 1.5kg, the helmet is lightweight for everyday use and has ample ventilation ducts to keep you cool. It fits snugly and doesn’t feel too tight. There are plenty of vents around the helmet that can be opened for better air circulation, and I didn’t feel stuffy inside the Striker even after riding in hot weather. However, the unit isn’t very effective at canceling out wind noise during highway driving. Thankfully, you won’t encounter this problem while wandering around the city.

What’s really impressive is the price – it’s just Rs 5,950, or Rs 5,750 if you opt for the simpler matte model. For this price, you’re getting a quality helmet that’s sure to turn heads. It doesn’t feel like KYT took any shortcuts. It’s smart, secure and affordable. Given its attractive price point, the Striker is likely to help KYT build a strong following in the budget helmet segment in India.