Airoh Spark 2 Helmet Review: 5-Star SHARP Full-Face Helmet
There are plenty of motorcycle helmets that look good on a specification sheet. The more useful question is whether all those features actually add up to a helmet worth putting on your head.
The Airoh Spark 2 has quite a lot going for it before we even get into the clever bits. It is a full-face road and touring helmet with ECE 22.06 approval, an internal sun visor, Pinlock® anti-fog insert included, removable lining and two outer shell sizes.
There is now another fairly important reason to take it seriously: SHARP has independently tested the Airoh Spark 2 and awarded it the full five stars.
That immediately makes this one of the more interesting full-face helmets in its price range.
In this Airoh Spark 2 helmet review, we'll look at what you actually get, what the safety results mean, where Airoh has spent the money and, most importantly, who we think this helmet will suit.
Airoh Spark 2: The Quick Verdict
The Spark 2 is best thought of as a well-equipped everyday full-face helmet with touring features rather than a stripped-down sports or race helmet.
You get an internal sun visor, wide main visor, Pinlock® 70 MaxVision anti-fog insert, micrometric fastening, removable interior, ventilation developed in Airoh's wind tunnel and preparation for compatible Airoh communication systems.
It also includes Airoh's ASN impact-management system and AEFR emergency-release cheek pads.
The shell is thermoplastic rather than composite or carbon fibre, so this isn't a £600 superbike helmet pretending to have escaped from MotoGP. What matters is how the complete helmet performs, and the five-star SHARP result is difficult to argue with.
For commuting, weekend riding, touring and general road use, the Spark 2 gives you a very sensible mix of protection and useful everyday features.
5-Star SHARP Safety Rating
This is probably the biggest reason the Spark 2 deserves another look.
The UK Government's SHARP helmet safety scheme tested the Airoh Spark 2 and awarded it five stars out of five.
SHARP testing goes beyond simply checking whether a helmet is legal for road use. The helmet is subjected to additional impact tests at different speeds and impact locations, allowing riders to compare the relative protection of helmets that have already passed their required approval standards.
The Spark 2 performed strongly enough to receive SHARP's maximum overall rating.
That is particularly interesting because the Spark 2 does not use an exotic carbon-fibre shell and doesn't sit at the very top end of the helmet market.
We covered this subject in more detail in our guide to whether expensive motorcycle helmets are actually safer. Price and impact protection are not as closely connected as some people assume.
A more expensive helmet can buy you lighter materials, a more luxurious interior, additional shell sizes, more sophisticated ventilation and better aerodynamics. Those things absolutely have value.
What the price tag cannot do is replace an independent safety test.
ECE 22.06 Approved
The Airoh Spark 2 is approved to ECE 22.06, the newer European motorcycle helmet standard used for current-generation helmets.
ECE 22.06 introduced more demanding testing than the older 22.05 standard, including a wider range of impact points and additional testing intended to represent different types of accident forces.
That means the Spark 2 starts with current ECE approval and then adds the five-star SHARP result on top.
They are not the same thing.
ECE 22.06 is the approval the helmet must achieve. SHARP gives us additional information about how an approved helmet performed during its own independent testing.
HRT Thermoplastic Shell and Two Shell Sizes
The Spark 2 uses Airoh's HRT thermoplastic shell.
Thermoplastic sometimes gets dismissed because carbon and composite materials sound rather more exciting. That is far too simplistic.
A motorcycle helmet works as a complete system. The outer shell, EPS impact liner, interior, retention system and overall design all have a part to play.
In this case, we also have that five-star SHARP result to tell us how the complete package performed.
Airoh produces the Spark 2 in two outer shell sizes:
- XS, S and M
- L, XL and XXL
Using more than one shell size helps keep the outside dimensions of the helmet better matched to the rider's head rather than using one enormous shell and filling the smaller sizes with progressively more padding.
What Does the Airoh Spark 2 Weigh?
Airoh quotes the Spark 2 at around 1590g, plus or minus 50g, depending on size and specification.
So let's be sensible about it: the Spark 2 is not trying to be an ultra-lightweight carbon race helmet.
That weight is understandable when you consider that it carries an internal sun visor, emergency-release system, substantial touring interior and other everyday features.
Whether a helmet actually feels heavy is also affected by balance, aerodynamics, riding position and the motorcycle you are riding. A well-balanced helmet can often feel less tiring than a lighter helmet that constantly gets knocked about by turbulent air.
Wide Visor and Pinlock 70 MaxVision Included
The main visor is one of the Spark 2's strongest everyday features.
Airoh has designed it to provide a wide field of view, which is useful whether you are commuting through traffic, touring or simply trying to keep track of what everybody else on the road is doing.
The visor also has an anti-fog opening position that allows a small amount of extra airflow when needed.
More importantly for British riders, a Pinlock® 70 MaxVision insert is included with the helmet.
That distinction matters.
Plenty of helmets are advertised as “Pinlock ready”, which means the visor has the mounting pins but the anti-fog insert itself is another thing you have to buy.
With the Spark 2, the insert is supplied.
If you ride through a British autumn or winter, you'll probably appreciate that considerably more than another paragraph about aggressive aerodynamic styling.
Built-In Sun Visor
Behind the main visor is a retractable internal sun visor.
For a road helmet, we think these make a lot of sense.
You can drop it down when the sun appears and put it away again when the light changes, without carrying another visor or stopping at the side of the road.
That is particularly useful during commuting and touring, where you can go from low morning sun to cloud, rain and darkness during the same journey.
It is not complicated technology. It is simply one of those features you tend to miss once you have become used to having it.
Ventilation Developed in Airoh's Wind Tunnel
Airoh says the Spark 2's ventilation and shell shape were developed using its wind tunnel.
The system brings air into the helmet and allows warm air to escape from the rear, with adjustable vents allowing you to change the airflow to suit the conditions.
As with every helmet, the ventilation you actually feel will depend on more than the number of vents.
Your motorcycle, screen height, speed, riding position and even your jacket collar can dramatically alter the air reaching the helmet.
Anyone promising exactly how cool or quiet a helmet will be without knowing what bike you ride is getting a little ahead of themselves.
Coolmax Interior and Everyday Comfort
The Spark 2 uses a removable interior made with breathable materials including Coolmax® fabric.
The lining can be removed for cleaning, which becomes considerably more important once a helmet has spent a summer collecting sweat, hair products and whatever else has managed to find its way inside.
The interior is designed to give the Spark 2 the sort of comfortable fit expected from a road and touring helmet rather than the extremely tight race-focused feel of some competition lids.
That doesn't mean you should automatically buy your normal helmet size.
Helmet fit comes down to both size and head shape.
How Should the Airoh Spark 2 Fit?
The Spark 2 should feel evenly snug around your head, with firm contact through the cheeks and crown without creating painful pressure points.
When you move the helmet from side to side, your cheeks and scalp should move with it. The shell should not rotate freely around your head.
A new helmet can feel firmer than expected because the comfort lining will settle slightly with use.
What you do not want is sharp pressure across the forehead or temples, or obvious gaps that allow the helmet to move independently of your head.
And don't buy a larger helmet simply because it feels wonderfully comfortable during the first ten seconds in the shop.
Your favourite slippers are comfortable too. We wouldn't recommend those for head protection.
If you can, keep the helmet on for several minutes before making your decision.
ASN – Airoh Sliding Net
The Spark 2 includes Airoh's ASN, or Airoh Sliding Net, system.
ASN uses a three-dimensional fabric structure inside the helmet designed to allow relative movement between its layers and help manage energy transmitted to the head during an impact.
It is another part of Airoh's approach to managing forces rather than relying solely on the outer shell.
The structure also allows air to circulate through it, so the system has been designed with both protection and ventilation in mind.
AEFR Emergency Cheek Pad Release
The other useful safety feature is AEFR – Airoh Emergency Fast Release.
This allows the cheek pads to be removed more easily in an emergency while the helmet is still on the rider.
Removing the cheek pads creates more space around the face and can help trained medical personnel with subsequent helmet removal after an accident.
Hopefully, it is a feature you will own for years and never need.
That doesn't make it pointless.
Micrometric Fastening
The Spark 2 uses a micrometric chin-strap buckle.
For everyday road riding, this type of fastening is simple to adjust and quick to use, particularly when you are taking a helmet on and off regularly.
Some riders prefer a double-D fastening, especially for racing and track use, but the Spark 2 is primarily aimed at road and touring riders rather than being a dedicated competition helmet.
If you are buying any helmet specifically for track days or competition, always check the individual organiser's helmet requirements before assuming it will be accepted.
Intercom Ready
The Spark 2 is also prepared for compatible Airoh communication systems, including the AWC range.
This makes it easier to add Bluetooth communication for navigation, rider-to-rider communication, phone calls or music if that is something you use.
As always, “intercom ready” means the helmet has been designed with installation in mind. It does not mean Airoh has secretly hidden a Bluetooth headset in the lining.
What We Like About the Airoh Spark 2
- 5-star SHARP safety rating
- ECE 22.06 approval
- Two outer shell sizes
- Internal drop-down sun visor
- Wide main visor
- Pinlock® 70 MaxVision included
- Removable and washable interior
- Coolmax® lining
- ASN impact-management system
- AEFR emergency-release cheek pads
- Micrometric buckle for easy everyday use
- Intercom preparation
- A wide choice of colours and graphics
Things to Consider
No helmet is perfect for everybody, so there are a few things to keep in mind.
- The thermoplastic shell is not as light as the carbon and composite shells found on more expensive helmets.
- At around 1590g, this isn't an ultra-light sports helmet.
- The micrometric fastening is aimed more at road convenience than dedicated racing.
- An internal sun visor adds useful functionality but also adds components and weight.
- Most importantly, the Spark 2 still has to suit the shape of your head.
None of those points make it a bad helmet. They simply tell you where it sits in the market.
Who Is the Airoh Spark 2 For?
We think the Spark 2 makes most sense for riders looking for a practical full-face helmet for:
- Everyday road riding
- Commuting
- Weekend riding
- Sport-touring
- Longer touring
- Riders who want an internal sun visor
- Riders who want Pinlock anti-fog protection included
- Anyone placing a high value on an independent SHARP safety result
If your priority is the absolute lowest possible weight, a carbon or composite helmet further up the price range may make more sense.
If you want an everyday helmet with plenty of useful equipment and a maximum SHARP rating, the Spark 2 becomes much harder to ignore.
Our Verdict
The Airoh Spark 2 doesn't need us to describe it as revolutionary, groundbreaking or life-changing.
It is a motorcycle helmet. A rather good one.
What makes it stand out is the combination of things it gets right.
You have ECE 22.06 approval, a five-star independent SHARP rating, wide visor, Pinlock® insert included, internal sun visor, removable Coolmax® lining, two shell sizes, emergency-release cheek pads and Airoh's ASN system.
There are lighter and more expensive helmets. There are helmets made from more exotic materials. There are race helmets with double-D fastenings and enormous spoilers that make you look faster while queueing for petrol.
But for normal road riders looking for a well-equipped full-face helmet, the Spark 2 offers a lot of helmet without disappearing into premium-helmet money.
The five-star SHARP result is the icing on the cake.
Just remember that the best helmet is still the one that fits your head correctly.
At RaceLeathers in Darwen, Lancashire, we can help you check the size and fit properly before you buy. Try the helmet on, leave it on for a while and make sure it suits your actual head rather than simply ordering the size you had in your last helmet.
You can browse our current Airoh range, compare our full-face motorcycle helmets or see our complete range of motorcycle helmets.
Airoh Spark 2 Frequently Asked Questions
What SHARP rating does the Airoh Spark 2 have?
The Airoh Spark 2 has achieved the maximum five-star SHARP safety rating.
Is the Airoh Spark 2 ECE 22.06 approved?
Yes. The Spark 2 is approved to the newer ECE 22.06 motorcycle helmet standard.
Does the Airoh Spark 2 come with a Pinlock?
Yes. A Pinlock® 70 MaxVision anti-fog insert is supplied with the Spark 2 rather than simply having a Pinlock-ready visor.
Does the Airoh Spark 2 have a sun visor?
Yes. It has a retractable internal sun visor behind the main clear visor.
How much does the Airoh Spark 2 weigh?
Airoh quotes a weight of approximately 1590g ±50g, although the exact weight can vary depending on helmet size.
Is the Airoh Spark 2 suitable for touring?
Yes. The wide visor, internal sun visor, Pinlock insert, removable interior, ventilation and intercom preparation make it particularly well suited to road riding, commuting and touring.
Is the Airoh Spark 2 a carbon helmet?
No. The Spark 2 uses Airoh's HRT thermoplastic outer shell. A carbon shell is not required to achieve a high safety rating, as demonstrated by the Spark 2's five-star SHARP result.
Should I buy my normal helmet size?
Not automatically. Use your head measurement as a starting point, but helmet brands and models have different internal shapes. The correct Spark 2 should feel evenly snug, remain secure when moved and have no painful pressure points.