Steelbird SBA-20 Helmet Review: Flippin’ Good Deal

When it comes to helmets, manufacturers often face limitations in balancing features with affordability. However, the new Steelbird SBA-20, a modular flip-up-style helmet, manages to offer stylish graphics, double visors, and plenty of ventilation, all at an attractive price of ₹1,869. So, what’s the compromise?

To begin with, the SBA-20 offers cool graphics – the unit we tested featured a bold tricolour pattern. Its design aims to emulate premium helmets like the Shark Race-R and, to some extent, the AGV Pista GP. While some might call it ambitious, I'd like to think of it as opportunistic. Constructed with high-impact thermoplastic material and featuring a high-density EPS layer inside, it is available in three sizes – medium (580mm), large (600mm), and XL (620mm). Now, I usually wear a medium-size helmet, but I did not find the fitting of the SBA-20 medium to be adequate. If your requirement includes more safety and features, you might want to look at options like the MT Thunder 4 and Steelbird SA-5 Monster instead.

Despite being a budget offering, the SBA-20 is equipped with decent features to keep commuters happy. It includes a washable or replaceable inner passing, along with reflecting surfaces for safety while riding at night. The main visor is composed of anti-scratch thermoplastic material. The helmet also has an inner sun shield, which can be used while riding with the helmet in the flipped-up position. The visor offers ample visibility and provides a full view of the surroundings. To sum it up, while the price of the SBA-20 may make you question its value, it is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a modular-style helmet with good aesthetics and basic ISI certification.