When LS2 decided to implement the safety technology called Asymmetric Rotational Energy Management (AREM) in a modular helmet priced much lower than many high-end helmets, we noticed. We were intrigued about the potential safety benefits of adding a type of protective safety feature you usually don't find listed on anything besides helmets costing hundreds of dollars. The Strobe II puts this same safety technology into a modular helmet. The Strobe II is a flip-up helmet that also meets ECE 22.06 safety requirements, making it one of a relatively short list of modular helmets that meet both safety standards. Many modular helmets meet either DOT or ECE 22.06 safety standards, but very few meet both.
Specs and Build
The Strobe II shell is made with what LS2 calls '"Kinetic Polymer Alloy'" (KPA). KPA is essentially a blend of polycarbonate composites that provide some degree of flexibility when subjected to an impact. Flexible shells help distribute the force generated by an impact across a greater area of the helmet prior to reaching the inner EPS lining. That spreads the load instead of concentrating it in one spot. Rigid shells do not bend as easily and therefore transfer more of the force directly to the EPS liner.
- Type: Modular flip-up helmet.
- Shell material: Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA).
- Certifications: DOT and ECE 22.06 with AREM.
- Visor system: Pinlock ready clear face shield plus built-in drop down sun shield.
- Lining: Removable, washable, moisture wicking.
- Chin strap: Quick-release buckle.
- Weight: Light for its class, though heavier than fiberglass or carbon.
It is good to see LS2 include a quick release chin strap on the Strobe II. You see a lot of D-ring closure straps on helmets in this price range. The advantage of a quick release chin strap is that it makes it faster for you to remove and replace your helmet at gas stops or traffic lights.
The drop down sun shield is operated by a slide on the left side of the helmet and operates smoothly. Simply slide it up when you go through tunnels or areas that are shaded and slide it back down when you enter areas that are exposed to sunlight. The clear shield is Pinlock compatible, allowing you to install an anti-fog insert if you experience fogging issues due to rain, snow, or cold temperatures.
Safety
What really sets apart the Strobe II from other helmets is that it carries ECE 22.06 certification combined with LS2's AREM (asymmetric rotational energy management) system. ECE 22.06 is currently the highest safety standard used globally for motorcycles. It replaced ECE 22.05 in 2024. Among other changes, ECE 22.06 added rotational acceleration testing to assess the risk of head rotation during an impact, along with multiple impact points on the same helmet and a wider range of impact speeds and angles. These tests evaluate whether a helmet protects against angular motion caused by an impact.
AREM is LS2's proprietary technology for managing angular forces experienced by the brain during an angled impact. A low friction layer is placed within the helmet between the comfort padding and EPS liner. During an angled impact, this layer permits slight rotational freedom between the helmet shell and rider's head, thereby transferring angular energy away from the rider's skull and brain. Similar to MIPS, but implemented differently by LS2. With KPA shell deformation at load and AREM working together, there is a multi-layered approach toward absorbing impact energies. The KPA shell absorbs and distributes the initial shock energy. The EPS liner compresses to absorb remaining shock energy. And finally, AREM manages rotational shock energies not absorbed by the first two components.
In addition to meeting ECE 22.06 regulations, the Strobe II is also DOT compliant for US riders. Therefore, you are covered under both regulatory systems. Motorcyclists interested in learning more about specific details regarding each standard may reference our motorcycle helmet comparison page.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Reviews submitted by customers purchasing the LS2 Strobe II paint a consistent picture. By and large, most reviewers moved up from an entry-level helmet or were replacing older modular helmets with newer models featuring updated safety protocols such as ECE 22.06.
Recurring positive comments:
- Drop-down sun visor received praise from numerous reviewers stating that it operates smoothly, does not fog easily, and sits at a height that does not block the view of the instrument cluster or the road ahead.
- Comfort from day one has been noted frequently throughout customer reviews. Customers describe the padding as plush and say the weight distribution feels balanced even on rides lasting two to three hours.
- Ease-of-use with the quick release chin strap has garnered significant praise. Several customers mentioned transitioning from a D-ring based helmet and how much simpler operating the quick release chin strap is compared to their old helmet.
- Several reviewers stated that ECE 22.06 compliance influenced their decision to purchase the Strobe II, citing confidence knowing that rotational shock energy testing is part of the testing criteria.
Recurring negative comments:
- Wind noise was cited as the most prevalent criticism. Like most modular helmets, the flip-up chin bar generates more turbulence than a full-face design, and several reviewers indicated that they would benefit from using earplugs on highways.
- Several reviewers commented on how difficult it initially was to operate the clear face shield until it had broken in somewhat. A few found the detents too tight out of the box.
- A few reviewers commented on sizing, suggesting that the Strobe II ran a tad smaller than expected. A handful suggest trying a larger size if you fall in between two sizes on LS2's size chart.
- Positioning of the sun shade slider was criticized by a couple of left handed reviewers indicating poor positioning, although right handed reviewers didn't comment on any difficulties.
While several reviewers did mention drawbacks, overall, most felt satisfied with their experience using the Strobe II. Reviews focused primarily on fitment refinements and the wind noise inherent to modular helmets, not on quality or safety concerns.
Who Is This Helmet For
The LS2 Strobe II falls between budget-friendly modular helmets and premium touring lids in terms of pricing. It does not cost what a Schuberth or Shoei costs, but it offers safety features those premium brands charge a premium for.
Target audience for this helmet:
- Commuters who ride every day looking for ECE 22.06 protection without paying premium prices for touring lids. Features including drop-down sun shields and quick-release buckles make commuting through heavy city traffic significantly less bothersome.
- Riders upgrading from an older or entry-level modular helmet looking for modern safety standards. If your existing modular helmet only meets DOT requirements or ECE 22.05 standards then upgrading to the Strobe II represents a significant increase in crash-protection capabilities.
- Budget-conscious tourers requiring comfort for lengthy trips through gas stations, restaurants and rest stops, and desiring features including Pinlock-ready shields to protect against inclement weather.
- Riders who want rotational energy management and have done the research on ECE 22.06 standards. The Strobe II represents one of the more affordable options available for riders seeking AREM or a similar system within a modular package.
Not intended for:
- Track riders, who should be in a non-modular full-face helmet. Modular designs carry a structural trade-off at the hinge point, and track organizations often ban them outright.
- Riders seeking extremely lightweight helmets. KPA shells represent lighter alternatives to traditional polycarbonate shells, however they are heavier than fiberglass or carbon fiber-based shells.
- Adventure riders anticipating extreme off-road activities. The Strobe II is street-focused and incorporates ventilation systems tailored toward on-road applications.
For those interested in purchasing the LS2 Strobe II, you can see current availability on Amazon. For those continuing to shop around, our helmet comparison table organizes helmets based on their safety ratings and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LS2 Strobe II ECE 22.06 certified?
Yes. The Strobe II meets all requirements outlined in ECE 22.06, which represents the newest version of Europe's premier motorcycle helmet safety regulation. The new test protocol added rotational acceleration testing at various impact angles and velocities along with multiple impact locations on a single helmet as well as higher and lower velocity impacts than previously tested under the ECE 22.05 standard. Additionally, the Strobe II carries DOT certification for sale in the United States.
What is AREM and how does it work?
AREM stands for asymmetric rotational energy management. It is LS2's proprietary method to reduce rotational forces experienced by the rider's brain during an angled impact. Within the helmet shell, a low friction zone exists between the comfort pads and EPS liner. Upon an angled impact, this zone enables a small degree of freedom in rotation between the helmet shell and rider's head, thereby transferring angular energy away from the skull and brain. It works alongside the KPA shell for layered impact protection.
Does the LS2 Strobe II have a built-in sun visor?
Yes. The Strobe II comes equipped with a sliding drop-down internal sun visor operated from the left side of the helmet. It slides up when passing through tunnels and shaded areas and down when entering sunny conditions. It is tinted and wide enough to cover your full field of view without gaps. The clear face shield is Pinlock-compatible, enabling riders to install anti-fog inserts if experiencing fogging problems due to rain, snow, or cold temperatures.
Is the liner removable for washing?
Yes. All comfort pads are completely removable and washable. This is standard on most modern helmets in this price range, but it is worth confirming because some budget modular helmets still use fixed liners. Being able to wash the liner after a hot summer ride keeps the helmet from getting funky over time.
Is the LS2 Strobe II noisy on the highway?
All modular helmets produce wind noise due to turbulent airflow behind the opening created by the flip-up chin-bar section. The Strobe II produces wind noise while riding at highway speeds as described by Amazon reviewers. Installing earplugs will greatly reduce this effect. A good pair of filtered earplugs cuts the wind noise while letting you hear sirens and horns.
What head shape does the Strobe II fit best?
LS2 designs their helmets with intermediate oval-shaped heads as their target fitment profile. This is the most common head shape among riders. Fitment tends toward snug-medium by factory specifications. Several Amazon reviewers indicate that the Strobe II tends to run smaller than anticipated, therefore it is highly recommended that riders measure their head circumference accurately prior to selecting a size, and consider going up a size if unsure per LS2's recommended sizing chart.
The LS2 Strobe II brings ECE 22.06 certification and rotational energy management to the modular helmet space at a price that respects your budget, which makes it one of the stronger value picks in this category. Browse our motorcycle helmet collection, check out more helmet reviews on our blog, or view the LS2 Strobe II on Amazon.