The ILM 313 full face helmet won't be a Shoei and doesn't pretend to be. Nearly ten thousand Amazon reviews tell you the type of helmet this is and who buys it.
Build specifications and safety standards
Shell: injection-molded ABS. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the most common material used for budget to mid-range helmets. ABS maintains a reasonable weight while keeping prices down. It’s neither fiberglass nor carbon fiber. Its function is to absorb and dissipate the force of an impact by cracking and absorbing. Replace the helmet if it cracks from an impact. This rule applies to every helmet regardless of cost.
Closure system: quick-release metal buckle instead of d-rings. Simply click a button and the strap releases. Faster to use every day, especially when wearing gloves on cold days. Zero risk of unintentional release under normal riding conditions. The buckle clicks securely into place.
Removable inner padding: washable. More important than specifications indicate. The interior of a helmet catches sweat, oil and odors from a summer's worth of riding. Washing the pads in warm water with mild soap extends usability through August.
ILM 313 dot certification indicates that ILM certified compliance with the federal department of transportation (dot) regulations outlined in fmvss 218. The u.s. Government does not inspect each helmet prior to sale. Each manufacturer tests their own products and the u.s. Government randomly inspects manufacturers' production processes afterwards. Any manufacturer whose helmets do not meet these standards faces penalties. This describes the process of obtaining dot certification for any budget helmet on the market, regardless of manufacturer.
Streamlined aerodynamics reduce wind drag. While no frills in terms of styling, this helmet’s form factor works. To compare this helmet to others with similar characteristics, check out our motorcycle helmet comparison chart.
Comfort and fit
Four different sizes available: small - x-large. Intermediate oval head shape. Fits most head shapes. As mentioned earlier, ILM helmets generally run true to size. If you’re unsure, go with the larger size. The cheek pads keep the helmet snugly in place. Therefore, a slightly larger shell with firm cheek pads is superior to a smaller shell that presses uncomfortably on your forehead.
The removable neck scarf is a feature offered by nearly none of its competitors at the same price-point. The scarf clips to the lower edge of the chinbar of the helmet, blocking the gap between your jacket collar and chin-bar. During cold rides, that gap is the primary location where heat escapes and cold air enters. Commuters that travel by bike on monday through friday during extreme cold temperatures will agree that that gap alone causes their neck to become numb approximately halfway through their ride. The scarf fills that gap.
When warmer temperatures arrive, simply detach the scarf by snapping two buttons, slide it back, and the helmet breathes freely like a conventional full-face helmet. The scarf is machine-washable and retains its shape after repeated detachment and reattachment. A number of reviewers have indicated that this feature eliminates the need for a separate balaclava on mildly cool days. However, even at temperatures below Zero degrees fahrenheit, a quality balaclava is preferred.
A chin-vent and upper vents allow for some airflow through basic cross flow ventilation. Not overly aggressive airflow. Good enough for urban commutes. Wind noise at city speeds is average, significantly increases above 60mph, consistent with most ABS-based budget helmets. Use earplugs at highway speeds regardless of price.
What amazon reviewers have said about this helmet
Average rating = 4.5 / 5 stars with 9596 total reviews. That is not a niche product. That puts it squarely in competition with helmets priced anywhere from a premium-a premium or more.
what riders like: the double visor system receives the highest amount of praise. An exterior clear visor for daily riding and a smoked-tinted inner drop-down visor flip down in bright sunlight. No need to swap-out visors mid-ride. Second most praised item is the winter scarf. Several reviewers indicated that they were impressed that such an inexpensive helmet would include both visors along with the scarf.
what riders dislike: weight is the biggest criticism of this helmet. ABS-based helmets weigh more than composite based helmets found in higher-end helmets. This represents a materials compromise. Many reviewers report increased wind noise at higher speeds than budget helmets typically experience due to less-than-perfect sealing compared to high-tier brands (Shoei/arai).
long-term reviewer comments: long term Owners have said that the visor mechanism remains effective beyond one year of ownership. There was no indication of wobble or binding on either the clear or smoked visors. The removable liner retains its shape after multiple wash cycles. All matte finish helmets (not just this one), including matte finish ILM helmets, are more prone to showing scratches/scuffs than glossy finish helmets.
Some reviewers reported minor scratches on arrival. These may have been caused by shipping.
Review this helmet on amazon.com and browse recent reviews for current comments.
Which rider should consider purchasing this helmet?
This helmet would be suitable for commuter riders who ride through shoulder season in colder temperatures and prefer a built-in neck scarf versus purchasing one separately. first-time buyers seeking a safety upgrade from a half or open face helmet don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for a premium model. This helmet could serve as a secondary helmet for passengers who don’t require advanced equipment.
Do not purchase this helmet if you plan on participating in frequent track days. The dot certification provides coverage for road use only. It’s not intended for repeated high g-force crashes experienced at tracks.
If you’ll be doing extended periods of high-speed touring, you might consider a helmet with improved wind sealing/ventilation capabilities. Check out our complete list of motorcycle helmets we’ve reviewed for alternatives.
People who purchase this helmet and remain satisfied understand what they’re receiving. It’s attempting to be an affordable entry-level full face helmet that offers additional features that many budget helmets sell as optional accessories.
When successful in providing those features, it offers solid value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does dot certification represent on this helmet?
Dot means that ILM certified compliance with fmvss 218 federal requirements regarding: impact absorption penetration resistance retention system strength field of vision. Dot certifications mean that ILM tested their own products against these criteria, however the government does not physically test each helmet prior to sale. Instead, manufacturers conduct their own testing, and randomly sample their products later for inspection purposes by the government after sale. If ILM's helmets failed to meet these standards they would be fined by the government. This is how dot certification is applied to every helmet sold within the united states, regardless of manufacturer.
Can you remove the winter scarf for summer riding?
Yes. A simple clip attaches/detaches the neck scarf from the underside of the chinbar using two snap buttons. Taking it off or attaching it takes approximately ten seconds. Once removed, the helmet breathes naturally and appears identical to a standard full-face helmet.
Can you swap-out the visors?
The helmet ships with an exterior clear visor for regular riding and an interior smoked-tinted drop-down visor that flips down from inside when exposed to direct sunlight using a sliding lever located on the left side of the helmet. Swapping shields mid-ride is unnecessary because both visors offer sufficient sun protection.
While replacement visors are available for ILM helmets with aftermarket parts, if you wish to replace the clear visor, there are also aftermarket options available.
What is your recommendation regarding size?
Use your head circumference measurement and refer to ILM’s size chart to determine the correct size for your helmet. ILM helmets fit heads with an intermediate oval shape, making it suitable for most head shapes. If you find yourself between sizes, select the larger size. Cheek pads provide comfort and hold the helmet firmly in position, therefore a slightly larger shell with firmer cheek pads is preferable to a smaller shell pressing on your forehead.
Will this helmet accommodate my glasses?
Yes. The area surrounding the visor seal leaves adequate space for most types of glasses/sunglasses temple arms. Regular prescription eyeglass wearers indicate satisfactory performance with this helmet for daily use. Both the clear and smoked drop-down visors operate unimpeded by glasses without binding/sticking.
How heavy is this helmet?
As stated previously, this helmet is characterized as lightweight for its category, however ABS shell construction results in this helmet weighing more than composite or carbon fiber constructed helmets (for example: Shoei rf-1400 weighs approximately 1,400 g). Most reviewers describe it as feeling sturdy/heavy rather than light/heavy. For comparative reference, the Shoei rf-1400 weighs approximately 1,400g. however it is priced several hundred dollars more than this helmet.
See where this fits against the rest of the market in the comparison table.
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