Airoh’s a helmet brand you may have never heard of. But chances are, you will soon enough, as the brand has set up shop in the US. The Italian manufacturer sort of sits in the middle of the road when it comes to price, making affordable lids with tech and features that compete with helmets priced higher in the spectrum.
Big names like Shoei, Arai, and AGV continue to dominate the premium helmet segment. But Airoh’s been making waves, particularly in Europe, thanks to its pretty innovative products. Case in point: the new Mathisse II, an interesting modular helmet that dials versatility up to eleven, all while keeping comfort and safety as top priorities.
Unlike a lot of other modular helmets that are a bit awkward when the chin bar is raised, the Mathisse II is supposedly a two-in-one lid. And that’s because of its 180-degree rotating chin bar. This means that riders can seamlessly switch between a full-face setup and an open-face configuration for more relaxed city riding. In the open setting, the chin bar rotates all the way to the back of the head, providing a clean and balanced profile.
The Mathisse II gets a thermoplastic shell offered in four different sizes to cater to various noggins. Meanwhile, over on the inside, it’s equipped with a fully removable and washable lining to ensure longevity. But even more important is Airoh’s Sliding Net (ASN) system. Similar in theory to the Mips system, ASN is designed to reduce rotational forces to the head during a crash.
In a nutshell, the new Airoh Mathisse II is all about versatility—it’s ideal for riders looking for the most practical choice, without compromising safety. For commuters, it provides the convenience of an open-face lid. For tourers, you get the safety and protection of a full-face helmet. Styling-wise, the Mathisse is pretty unique, too. Its round profile gives it a slightly retro feel, reminding me of helmets from Roof and Schuberth. It’s a breath of fresh air from all the wild, angular lids that have been flooding the market.
And then comes the price. Airoh makes a pretty strong case for itself with the Mathisse II, as it’s priced pretty attractively, given how much it brings to the table. On Airoh’s European website, the Mathisse II starts at 299 euros, or about $310 USD. No word yet as to whether or not this lid will make its way stateside, but if and when it does, it’ll surely be a solid, affordable option in the segment.
Source: Airoh Helmets
