Akuma Stealth Helmet
Olaf Wolff
AllAboutBikes.com Sr. Staff Writer
If a motorcycle helmet featuring authentic U.S. Airforce stealth aircraft elements and markings from both the B2 Spirit Stealth bomber and the F117 Stealth fighter doesn’t spark your afterburners, maybe the built-in headlight and twin taillights will. Admittedly, the kitsch-factor was the big draw initially. Why a military motif? And what’s the deal with the lights? Who dares to stray that radically off the main helmet esthetic road?
The answer – Kerry Harris. He invented and patented the I.P.S (Integrated Power system) and developed the IHT Technology, Inc. line of helmets. According to Harris, the I.P.S. technology is a total product philosophy, allowing for the helmets to be easily integrated and upgraded with the latest electronic features. He’s not yanking us. This is a serious endeavor, and once I got past the overt conversation starters, the quality substance of this lid shone through.
• An integrated, rechargeable lithium ion power system, juicing the two red LED’s located in the rear vents for increased visibility, and to up the cool quotient.
• A single, ultra bright white LED, built into the left front pad of the helmet. Useful for map reading, quick adjustments. Light wherever you look.Includes a wall charger.
• A Coolmax, removable and washable interior.
• A mesh chin-curtain.
• DOT and ECE 22-05 Certified.
• Composite Fiberglass/Kevlar construction.
• Eight airflow vents with Titanium screens.
• A wind tunnel designed aerodynamic shape.
• UV resistant clear-coat.
So, what’s the story with the iconoclastic appearance and the custom trademarked graphics by world-renowned artist Mike Lavallee of Killer Paint Inc.
“I was a Navy pilot when this whole IPS/helmet thing came to me. One of the reasons I joined the Navy was because of the movie Top Gun. The cinematography and the F14 Tomcats really got me. Our first helmet, the V-1 Ghost Rider (themed after my favorite plane of all time), was a hit when we released it back in late 06,” explains Kerry.
“I discovered there was something universal to this whole military theme. It hits right in the middle, not too crazy, yet cool and broad enough. It spans across many demographics, there’s usually someone related to you, or someone you know, who has been or is in the military. We also discovered how competitive the military branches were. When I released the Ghost Rider, we got requests for an Air Force Version. After we released that, we got requests for an Army version, and it just kept snowballing. Ultimately, the military is an integral part of our daily lives. It just made sense to leverage that theme into the coolest helmets we can make. Doesn’t work for everyone, but its worked pretty good for us so far.”
The Akuma fit well right from takeoff, and after several hours of riding there wasn’t a single hot-spot or nagging little annoyance. It comes a full-size smaller then some other lids though, so measure carefully. I generally wear a large but required an XL.
Air circulation is adequate, even though there’s no discernable difference between the open and closed setting on the front vent. In fact, the entire front vent and lever is iffy, cosmetically, as well as functionally. Shield replacement is quick and easy, sans tools, and it holds firmly in position on all seven settings, at freeway speeds.
There’s a hard plastic panel on the inside of the chin-guard, housing the two tiny LED toggle switches. Ideally, contouring the panel a bit more would provide a smidge more chin room. Also, the plastic molding framing the helmet opening sits a tad askew over the chin-guard. There are two small screws securing the aforementioned plastic panel and the molding doesn’t conceal them entirely. It’s a slight detail flaw, but one you wouldn’t expect from a helmet in this price range.
Overall, this is a sturdy piece of equipment, and a solid attention-grabber at any pit stop.
Akuma Stealth - $419.00
1.888.458.2586
http://akumahelmets.com/home.php
