Steelbird Launches SBH-23 AVA Glossy Half-Face Helmet

Indian helmet manufacturer Steelbird has launched a new half-face helmet called SBH-23 AVA Glossy. Priced at ₹1,299, the helmet maker claims that it has been designed to tackle the challenges of summer riding with six built-in air vents. The funny thing is that it is a half face helmet and with no chin bar, it is bound to be breezy. Hence, these ‘vents’ turn out to be more marketing gimmicks. 

“With the SBH-23 AVA, we’ve developed a helmet that not only offers safety and ventilation but also elegant Italian styling that riders will love,” stated Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Helmets. Yup, the inner paddings of the helmet is designed in Italy with multiple pores for better air circulation. Plus, the inner padding is washable too, which is standard across all helmets.  

The helmet shell is built using high-impact ABS material with multi-layers of high-density EPS. The polycarbonate visor is scratch resistant, and complimenting it is a black sunshield as well. However, Steelbird’s latest half-face helmet is just BIS (IS 4151:2015) certified – so despite the comfort on offer, it’s not the safest option out there.

While half-face helmets are not our go-to recommendation for anyone looking to ride seriously, it’s at best a casual purchase that one can wear during short commutes. The new SBH-23 AVA sounds casual at its best and given Steelbird's large consumer base of 8.7 million in the country, we expect it to find many takers as well. Having said that, it’s high time that Steelbird sends its helmets for stringent tests like ECE, SNELL and JIS, so that riders get better and safer options, and thereby make our roads safer.