Indian manufacturer SMK Helmets is making a splash in the U.S. market. The storied helmet company's lineup combines bold style, trusted safety certifications, and an impressive range of features. And all this at a price point that’s surprisingly low. SMK Helmets offers a full range of helmets to suit every rider’s style–full-face, modular, off-road, open-face, retro look, and half helmets. These aren’t premium-priced helmets, but they check many of the same boxes: modern shell shapes, removable liners, integrated sun visors, and even Pinlock-ready face shields.
What really grabs my attention, though, are the color options. SMK Helmets offers several styles in pink and purple—a rarity in the powersports world. Yet many women riders (sure, not all) are on the lookout for feminine color options. With eye-catching designs across full-face, modular, and open-face models, SMK Helmets bring more style—and choice—for motorcyclists.
SMK Helmets—Not Just Pretty Colors
SMK Helmets designs, tests, and manufactures all its helmets in-house. The process includes development in the company’s own wind tunnel. Arora asserts this level of control ensures consistent quality across the lineup. And--you won’t believe the pricing. Doing everything in their own factory enables the company to minimize transport and other costs. This factor keeps the price surprisingly low given the quality level.
Built for Safety and Comfort
The full-face Typhoon is both DOT and ECE 22.06 certified. SMK Helmets prides itself in manufacturing helmets to meet the newest standards in the U.S. and Europe. The dual certification gives it instant credibility among safety-conscious riders. The outer shell is compact and aerodynamic, built in two shell sizes to help streamline the fit.
My size XS (the smaller shell size) weighs in at just below 3.5 pounds. The larger shell weighs just over 3.5 pounds. The helmet is roomy inside indicating it is more of an oval shape.
First Impressions: Eye-Catching Design
The SMK Helmets Typhoon’s pink and purple Mystic GL295’s bold, sweeping graphics are hard to miss. I normally choose boring old black and gray helmets, but feel this refreshing departure still has plenty of edge.
The Mystic graphic is offered in a vibrant range of six color options designed to stand out on the road. Each color features bold, flowing graphics over a sleek black base. The Typhoon line also includes other graphic styles such as Azonix, Sports Tourer, Aerot, Reptile, Freeride, Style, R01, Thorn, and Solid. The line offers a variety of looks from subtle and streamlined to aggressive and edgy.
Ventilation That Works
Ventilation on the Typhoon is impressive. It has large top and chin vents with rear exhaust channels that help keep airflow moving. Even on warm days, I feel comfortable, and for added air it’s possible to crack the faceshield open. The included anti-fog Pinlock insert attaches to the inside of the faceshield to eliminate fogging. For colder weather, a breath deflector and chin curtain are included to reduce wind and moisture inside the helmet.
Face Shield and Sun Visor
SMK Helmets’ visors are designed with optical clarity in mind and meet safety standards including ECE 22.05/06. The main shield on the Typhoon Mystic is engineered for excellent visibility. It’s also scratch-resistant, UV-protected, and Pinlock-ready for fog-free riding. The drop-down sun visor provides generous coverage and operates smoothly with a convenient side lever. I do notice some mild distortion when using the sun visor, due to the thicker edge on the bottom. This could be due to different manufacturing processes or materials than those used in premium helmets, but it doesn’t significantly interfere with visibility during casual riding.
Changing the shield is simple. The quick-release system is similar to other helmets I own, but isn’t quite as smooth to operate. It took me a bit to figure out the technique to get the faceshield to snap in place. Even with this learning curve, it is a simple and quick procedure that doesn’t require tools.
Interior Comfort and Care
The helmet’s liner is plush and breathable, with anti-static and moisture-wicking properties. It’s fully removable and washable, which is a must for anyone riding in different seasons or sweating under the summer sun. The liner materials feel soft against the skin and don’t cause hot spots, even on longer rides.
WRN Recommendation
U.S. riders can purchase SMK Helmets directly through SMKHelmets-US.com or from authorized retailers. Some brick-and-mortar dealers are starting to pick up the line. Other outlets include online retailers like Sierra Electronics and Amazon.
The SMK Typhoon Mystic is a value helmet in the increasingly crowded U.S. market. It delivers modern safety certifications, a stylish design, and rider-focused features—all at an affordable price. With a removable liner, easy visor swaps, and loads of color and graphics options, it’s a great option for riders who want to color coordinate. Backed by a woman-led distribution team and a global manufacturing powerhouse, SMK Helmets is poised to become a go-to brand for riders who seek quality, comfort, and a bit of flair.
