SMK Twister Logo ECE Certified Full-Face Helmet Review

SMK Twister Logo yellow variant

The SMK Twister Logo was an upgrade from my old Studds Shifter. I bought it a year ago when I also bought my new motorcycle the Honda CB Hornet 160R. Before that, I had a scooter. So a comparable helmet was necessary with a 160cc bike. I did not want to go for any ISI-only certified helmets. Instead I wanted a DOT or ECE certified one with style, comfort and safety. After some search online, I came across the SMK brand which is a brand owned by Studds itself. My search finally settled on the Twister Logo yellow model and I bought it for ₹4,300 from Moto Central. This is a review of SMK Twister Logo after a one year use.

• Product Name : SMK Twister
• Variant : Logo (Yellow+Black)
• Item Description : ECE certified full-face helmet with Pinlock-30 anti-fog visor.
• Price : ₹4,300 at Moto Central
• Colors : Multicolor
• Manufacturer : SMK (Studds)
• Country of Origin : India
• Manufacturer Website : https://www.smkhelmets.com
• Product Page : https://www.smkhelmets.com/full_face_helmet/Twister

• External shell : Aerodynamic, moulded in EIRT (Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic)
• Internal shell : Moulded in differentiated density EPS
• Inner : Breathable, hypoallergenic, anti-static, fully removable and washable liners.
• Removable breath deflector and wind protector.
• Ventilation : Adjustable chin and top air vents.
• Visor : Scratch-resistant and UV filtered with rapid release. Compatible with Pinlock Systems® Original Extra Wide Vision and comes with Pinlock-30. Spare visors available in multiple colors.
• Sun Visor : Internal with easy release system.
• Retention System : Quick release buckle with micro metric adjustment.
• Bluetooth and intercom compatible
• Certification : ECE 22-05
• Weight : 1450g ± 50
• Sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL

• 1 x SMK Twister Helmet
• 1 x Helmet Bag

PROS : Good build quality - Sun visor - Pinlock-30 - ECE certified - Removable and washable liners - Multiple color options - Value for money

CONS : Heavier than specified - Matte finish lose color quickly - No Double D-Ring - Low quality stitching and inner lining materials.

The Twister is one of the many style-centric full-face helmets from SMK. It has many variants in many color and graphics combinations to match your style. I bought the yellow Logo variant, even though my bike was red.

Shell

The helmet has multi-shell construction with hard Thermoplastic on the outside and multi-density EPS inside. The outside shell is aerodynamic, and both shells are well integrated. I had an accident just a month after buying it. I was thrown to the road by my side. The helmet absorbed the impact and the visor was severely scratched which I had to replace. The shell remained intact with minor scratches.

Visors

It comes with double visors, an external scratch resistant visor that is available in multiple colors - Transparent (default), Chrome, Iridium, and Tinted (buy them from here). The visor can be easily removed and the step adjustment is reliable. Additionally, the helmet comes with Pinlock-30 anti-fog visor inserts. The Pinlock-30 layer prevents fogging due to exhalation. It works by absorbing the moisture in the air. Thumbs up to SMK for including this by default. Pinlock visors are manufactured in Netherlands and is compatible with almost all DOT or ECE certified helmets. It alone costs ₹650 at Moto Central.

The sun visor is helpful in protecting your eyes from intense sun, and the release mechanism is the best in the segment, even better than MT's.

Inner Linings

The inner linings are all removable and washable. They're also anti-static and hypoallergenic. Means, you can continue using the helmet for a long time even if you sweat a lot. It won't smell much or become affected by bacteria or fungi. I have to only wash my helmet every month or two. But I have noticed some quality issues with the lining. The cloth material is too thin and the stitching is not good enough. I had the problem of one of the neck rolls loosening often. I had to fix this problem by myself. Also, after year of regular use I can see damages on the linings. I might have to change them soon.

Retention System

This helmet comes with normal quick-release adjustable straps. While this is easy to fasten and release, it is not as safer as Double D-Ring system. Nevertheless, the quality of the quick-release system is very good.

Ventilation

The two air vents located above your forehead and around chin provide enough air circulation inside. I never had any issue with over-heating or suffocation. Since there are no filters in place, the dust and smoke will find their way through. Use an anti-pollution mask to protect from dust and smoke.

Bluetooth and Intercom

There is provision for integrating Bluetooth headsets or intercoms. If you want to add an intercom, there's enough space and grills left for earpieces.

Weight

The specs says the weight is around 1450g ± 50g. But it weighs more than that - 1550g in my case. I was able to compare the weight with an MT Thunder-3 SV which is lighter than the Twister. Adding other accessories such as intercom, action camera will make it even heavier. Albeit, I had no issues of any pain or anything even after using it for long rides. I bought the Small version by the way, and my head is small.

Spare Availability

Thanks to an indigenous brand, almost all parts, excluding the shell are separately available from online sellers.

Fit and Comfort

Measure the length around your forehead and choose the one that is recommended by the manufacturer. A new helmet should fit tightly around your head. This is because the inner linings will take shape around your head over time and will loosen in future. So if you choose a loose fit one initially, it'll start to wobble later which is unwelcomed. Mine had a tight fit when I first started using it, but now it fits perfectly.

If you properly insert and remove the helmet, you'll have no problems with comfort. Use a cotton balaclava to make it easy and to prevent sweat odor. A balaclava is like a socks for helmets.

Paint and Graphics

All variants come with dope graphics and styles. Some are matte finished and some are gloss - both finished very well. The disadvantage of matte finished helmets is that the colors fade quickly and are more prone to scratches. My helmet's yellow and black colors have faded now.

SMK Twister is an affordable and stylish helmet with all necessary features and is Made in India. It is better than the competition in providing better finish, build quality, and extra features such as Pinlock by default compared to AXXOR, AXXIS etc. The ergonomics is best in the segment. The ₹4.3K price point is reasonable and if you're comfortable, GO FOR IT. If you have more budget consider any MT helmets such as Thunder3 SV which costs ₹2.5K more. It offers better quality but doesn't come with Pinlock visor. Twister is better than MT's Mugello in terms of features it offers for the same price. Mugello doesn't have sun visor or Pinlock. So Twister is one of the best you can get for this price.