More Filipinos, including women, are driving personal motorcycles these days. In the past, I’ve always found it hard to find stylish and safe motorcycle gear like helmets that fit properly. Thankfully, more brands are coming into the country and giving riders different options to match their riding style and personality. If you’re a motorcycle rider, OBR, or a commuter who regularly uses motorcycle taxis looking for a lid that combines style and safety for city riding, then feast your eyes on the retro-inspired Eldorado helmets by SMK Helmets.
The Eldorado is a classic-styled motorcycle helmet that comes in full-face and open-face (jet) variants ideal for urban riders. This is just one of several models by SMK Helmets, a European-designed brand that manufactures its products in India. The helmets are now available in the Philippine market through Motoworld, the premier destination for high-quality motorcycle accessories, riding gear, and apparel at affordable prices. The folks at Motoworld were nice enough to send me this helmet for this product feature along with a new MTB helmet. Thank you so much to Motoworld for powering our two-wheeled adventures!
Their line of helmets ranges from Full Face (Titan, Force, Stellar, Twister, Eldorado), Open Face (Eldorado Jet, Streem, Cooper), Flip-up (Glide), and Flip Off (Hybrid Evo). While other people may have their own preferences, I was immediately attracted to the Eldorado model because of its timeless design that matches the look of classic motorcycles. I opted for the open-face jet version, but check out the full-face variant in the same color as posted by Makina Moto himself.
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About SMK Helmets
SMK is a brand of helmets designed in Italy and manufactured in state of the art manufacturing facilities equipped with the latest technology and machinery in India. SMK stands for Sidhartha Madhu Khurana, a brand of their parent brand Studds Accessories, which was first established in 1973.
Today, the brand exports their helmets to over 50 countries around the world, including the complete European Union, South America, North America, and large parts of Asia (Philippines, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, in development Indonesia/Japan) Australia, New Zealand, and some areas of Africa.
From producing its first helmet in a garage, SMK Helmets is now capable of manufacturing an estimated 7 million helmets a year (2019 estimates) and employs a team of 2,800 employees. In the last five decades, SMK Helmets has continuously innovated to deliver on their promise of providing safety to all 2-wheeler riders and become the largest helmet manufacturer in the world.
Design
The SMK Eldorado is a modern take on timeless lines, combining retro style with plush fabrics and cool graphics. I think the designs will appeal to both male and female motorcycle riders.
The graphic options for the full-face version of Eldorado include Unicolor (Black/Yellow, Matt Black/Yellow, and White/Red), Adventure (Blue/Orange, Red/Yellow, and Black/Orange), Seven (White/Red, Blue/Gold, Copper/Black, and Silver), and Mehendi (a gorgeous Indian tattoo-inspired design in Black and Gold). Ganda rin nito!
The SMK Eldorado Jet offers partner helmets that combine a blast from the past with modern manufacturing, comfort, and safety. The half-face helmet comes in a few matching graphics as the full-face options in the Unicolor and Seven models, which seem to be a throwback to classic sports. The complementary full-face and half-face options make them a cool choice for couple riders who like to wear matching motorcycle gear, or you could mix and match colors and design.
There are a couple of other designs with retro graphics like Speed TT (Black/Red, and Black/Blue) and Tracker (White or Tan peppered with black sticker decals and graphics). The jet helmets are highly customizable as per individual tastes.
In terms of the design alone, I think the Eldorado helmets look very stylish and match retro-styled scooters, cafe racers, classic motorcycles, and cruisers. Some of the sportier designs could also be used with modern scooters, dirt bikes, and big bikes.
Product Features
All SMK helmets are equipped with the latest technology like EIRT (Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic). Both variations are equipped with Multi-density EPS and UV resistant and scratch-resistant visor. The helmet contains 2 shells which are ECE certified.
The full-face helmet has a top air vent and chin air vents and fastens with a reinforced strap. Inside, the helmet contains a Hypoallergenic and breathable liner, that is removable and washable and a neck roll. The liner is made of a combination of real leather and fabric with moisture management and antistatic properties. Pinlock Anti-Fog Lenses can be added to the full-face version.
The Eldorado Jet contains most of the features as the full face variant, except for the chin protection and corresponding chin air vents. It also doesn’t have the Pinlock option.
Helmet size chart
The outer shell of the helmet comes in 2 major sizes: M and L, while the inner helmet size comes in varying sizes of XS (54), S (55), M (57), L (59) and XL (61). Check out the size charts below for reference. This applies to both full-face and open-face models.
Field Test Notes
I know full-face helmets are safer, but to be honest, I prefer using open-face helmets for city rides and errands because they’re easier to put on and take off, not as heavy and don’t get as hot. I thought it would also be a more practical choice considering city rides are probably the only types of rides I’ll be doing in the near future.
Long leisure rides are still restricted because of the ongoing pandemic and group rides are highly discouraged, so I’ve just used the helmet for some errands and work-related assignments in the city to test it out. I received the helmet from folks at Motoworld Philippines at the end of September, just in time for the socially distanced Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2020 this year with my husband.
The most striking feature of the Eldorado helmet is definitely its looks. The Pearl White shell just looks so classy! I really like the classic lines and simple colors. I think it matches Art’s Royal Enfield Classic perfectly. Shooting the helmet was a nice excuse to get out of the house and dress up in dapper attire in the spirit of the DGR.
The Eldorado Jet helmet has a surprisingly good ventilation system. Presko siya at cruising speed. The visor feels very solid and sturdy, unlike some other flimsy visors that tend to crack or just completely get dislodged from the frame if you happen to accidentally drop the helmet. The visor locks in place well. I thought the outer shell was a bit bulky, but the padded lining inside makes it a snug and comfortable fit. The size I got was Medium, which fits me. The padding makes it a tight fit for my husband, but he can also wear it if by replacing the side padding with that of his old helmet.
My main problem with this is the strap fastener, which does not have buckles or automatic plastic fasteners that you can adjust. The strap here has a fixed snap-on button. It’s not a perfect fit, and despite adjustments, there’s a part of the strap that sticks out on my chin. It also takes some time to get used to fastening and unfastening the strap. Maybe this design is a throwback to the classic style of helmets or is the style in other countries that I’m just not used to.
Another drawback (or bonus depending on how you look at it) is that I’m afraid to leave this helmet lying around on tables or hanging on a motorcycle unattended because it might get stolen. Nakakatakot din magasgasan. Haha. Well, it’s new, so I’m just being extra careful with it now and storing it properly in a motorcycle bag when not in use, unlike other helmets which I just leave lying around in the basement.
Price
This stylish helmet is surprisingly more affordable than it looks. The full-face white has an SRP of P3,950.00 while the open-face jet helmet retails for just P2,950. Not bad compared to similar premium-looking helmets in the market today, right?
Verdict
The Eldorado Jet helmet offers a stylish, comfortable, and affordable motorcycle helmet for city driving at an affordable price point. The different styles and color options will appeal to scooter riders who prefer all things vintage and retro. If you don’t have a helmet yet or are looking to replace your old helmet, you might want to consider this brand. This is the type of helmet you can use if you have to attend business meetings or events by motorcycle and need to dress up a bit, for casual rides in the city, and simple hangouts with friends at cafes.
Even non-riders might appreciate this. With the ongoing pandemic, it’s necessary to have a personal helmet with a visor for added protection on the road. While motorcycle taxis in the past would lend helmets to passengers, going forward, this option may not be very hygienic and could potentially be a cause of virus transmission. Other passengers who have never purchased a helmet before but who frequently ride motorcycle taxis like Angkas and Joyride for mobility might also be on the lookout for a new lid.
Buying a helmet may seem like an added burden especially these days. But think of it as a good investment in terms of your health and safety. Instead of settling on just any helmet that fits, you might as well get a comfortable and good-looking helmet if you’ll be using it often.
Where to buy SMK Helmets
SMK Helmets is officially distributed by MotoMio Co., Ltd. and is available in Motoworld, MotoMarket, MotoStyle, and authorized dealers nationwide. Check out their list of stores or easily shop online.
Hello,
You mentioned you wore a medium of the SMK retro. My wife measure XS (53cm) according to the SMK size chart but has never worn anything smaller than an S with other helmets.
Size M is 58-59cm. Would you say this is try to size for your head measurement?
Thanks,
J
Can i install intercom unit on full face SMK el dorado helmet? If yes how.. thanks