While the TT-REVO is one of the best budget helmets you can buy, there are a few aspects which you need to know
While a new, more capable helmet is a must-buy with your new, more powerful motorcycle, the jump to a helmet which costs about Rs 8,000-10,000 was always a bit confusing. Firstly, there were not a lot of options to consider and secondly, it always felt like a place holder when you finally upgrade to a better helmet that would usually cost about Rs 15,000-18,000.
What KYT has done brilliantly is completely solved that dilemma. With the launch of the TT-REVO at Rs 8,500, and with the latest ECE 22.06 and ISI certification, you won’t need to spend another Rs 15,000 anytime soon. Or at least, that is the idea. Can the TT-REVO be the answer to all your helmet prayers? I have used it for over 3,000km now, and here is what I think.
Design
I do not like loud helmet designs, and that is one of the reasons why I have never been too keen on KYT’s designs till now. However, their solid colors are actually smart. The one that was sent to me is matt grey which, in my books, is the best looking shade in the catalogue. Without the distracting graphics and reflection, the shape and creases of the helmet take centre stage like a blueprint. I love the creases that are in the lower half of the helmet as they help it look sharper, especially in sunlight.
The shape is also quite aerodynamic and it looks like a proper track helmet. The spoiler extension at the back is an add-on but is included in the box so you do not have to spend separately. It comes with a clear visor but the one in the pictures is the Iridium Blue one which costs Rs 1350 – a fair amount for a quality visor.
Fit, Comfort and Weight
At 1550 +/- 50 grams, the TT REVO is in range of other helmets with a similar price tag. And while it’s not particularly light on a weighing scale, the balance is excellent. The TT REVO does not feel heavy on the head and does not cause strain on the neck even on long hours of riding. Even if you are upgrading from a <1000gm helmet, the TT-REVO won’t give you a reason to not pick it every time you’re on a ride.
The padding feels soft and super comfortable. This, combined with the smooth inner liner means that the helmet remains comfortable to wear. The fit is ideal for a slightly bigger head and while I usually wear a medium, this one (also a medium) feels not as snug. Even the padding feels a bit too soft which aids comfort, but not the fit. However, this is not a grave issue, and for a daily helmet, the balance is right. Having said that, the cheek pads usually lose their firmness over time, and if that happens in the TT-REVO, then the fit might become a problem in the long run.
The opining mechanism of the visor also takes some time to get used to. You have to press it in and then lift the visor up to open it. An easier mechanism surely would have been appreciated, but it does feel sturdy and reassuring to use every time. The double-D ring setup ensures a perfect lock every time and because the rings are large enough, even operating it with gloves on does not require exceptional skills.
Vision
With its racing heritage, KYT surely knows how to make a helmet with great vision. This helps as you are always aware of your surroundings, and feel less stressed about traffic passing you. Even when you get onto a more aggressive sports bike and have to look up, the vision does not feel too restricted – as it does with many entry level helmets. Be it on the sides or looking up while being in a tucked-in position on a sports bike, the TT REVO feels natural.
I will also recommend this Iridium Blue visor as it reduces light entering the helmet helping the eyes feel less strained but also does not hamper vision too much at sunsets. But yes, as with any dark visor, you cannot use it at night.
Ventilation and Buffeting
Ventilation is not a strong point of the REVO. While you do have vents on the chin, forehead and at the back, they aren’t large and don’t allow for a lot of volume of air to travel. On very hot days, it will feel hot inside the helmet.
This however helps the helmet remain slippery. At 100-120kmph, the helmet feels quiet and there is not a lot of buffeting. Pushing faster does make the wind more audible and movements more noticeable. But on an everyday basis – there is no such complaint.
Long Term Use
In my use of the TT REVO so far, the helmet has held up fairly well. There are just minor scratches on the shell from some careless storage, and every mechanism – be it of the vents or the visor is still tactile and is holding up very well. I do take care of the visor a lot, especially while cleaning it. This has ensured that it has also remained scratch-free so far. Overall, I am generally happy with the quality of the helmet.
This is just the beginning of my experience with the KYT TT REVO. In the coming year, this will remain my daily driver, and I will keep updating my experience here on BikeDekho. If you are looking to upgrade from a Studds or an SMK, the KYT TT REVO is the perfect choice which won’t force you to empty your pockets.
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