I’ve always believed motorcycle gear shouldn’t be stupid expensive. Safety shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be affordable, protective, and cool enough that people actually want to wear it. Not something that feels like a chore or a punishment. That’s why I’ve always gravitated toward brands like HJC, Bell, and LS2. They prove you don’t need to spend superbike money just to protect your brain.
And that brings me to the LS2 Rapid III. This helmet is the latest evolution of what I genuinely consider one of the best bang-for-buck lids I’ve ever owned.
I’ve had both the original LS2 Rapid and the Rapid II. Not just owned, but used and abused. I'm talking daily commutes, long rides, sweaty summers, random rainstorms, and accidental drops in parking lots. Combined, I must've clocked in at least 40,000 miles on those helmets. They took everything I threw at them and just kept going. No weird rattles, no peeling liner, no sketchy visor mechanisms. For helmets that are ultra cheap, they held up ridiculously well.
That low price also gives you peace of mind. You don’t baby them. If it gets scratched? Whatever. Worn out? It’s a helmet, not a collector's item. That alone makes it perfect for new riders and daily commuters.
Style matters too, and LS2 nailed it here. The Rapid line always had a sporty silhouette, but the spoiler introduced on the Rapid II and now refined on the Rapid III makes it look way more expensive than it actually is. Park it next to premium helmets, and most people wouldn’t guess this thing is even cheaper than a replacement visor for an Arai Rapide Neo.
Now for the good stuff. The Rapid III carries ECE 22.06 certification, which is the latest and stricter safety standard. That’s huge for a budget lid. Weight is a claimed 1,350 grams (just under 3 pounds), so it stays comfortable for daily use. As mentioned earlier, LS2 also added a rear spoiler for "better stability," which helps at highway speeds. But really, that spoiler's there for looks more than anything else.
Like all helmets worth your hard-earned cash, the Rapid III's liner is fully removable and washable, plus it’s hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial. Again, stuff you usually expect from pricier helmets. The visor is UV and scratch resistant, and it’s Pinlock-ready for a 70 MaxVision insert. You’ll have to buy that separately, but at least the option is there.
Wind protection is supposedly improved, too, and there’s now a chin curtain to help reduce noise. Don’t expect total silence, but anything that cuts wind roar on long rides is welcome. The tool-free visor swap system is another small but very appreciated touch.
It uses a micrometric ratchet buckle, reinforced for safety. Sure, it isn't as secure and infinitely adjustable as a double-D ring, but it's quick, easy, and perfect for daily riding.
Now for the price. LS2 asks for just £59.99 in the UK and Europe right now. That’s roughly about $75 to $80 USD, depending on exchange rates. Absolute insanity when you look at what you’re getting. Sadly, it seems to be Europe and UK-only for now, but hopefully LS2 rolls it out globally soon.
Here’s the real takeaway. Helmets like this save lives. Young riders with developing skills and oversized egos gravitate toward sporty-looking lids. And honestly? That’s fine. Because when those helmets are affordable and properly certified, more people actually wear them. And at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.
Source: LS2
