O'Neal Sierra II Helmet - Brutally Honest Review after 6 Months [20,000 km] 

I have this helmet since 6 years and use it 365 days a year and wanna just say: Listen to this man, he knows what he is talking about :) The most annoying thing for me is the integrated sunvisior which is directing the airflow around it and straight into the eyes. For cold season you need a decent balaclava to not get your head frozen, but for summer i find it very well designed and never got the feeling of getting hotheaded but rather enjoy the good airflow of this helmet. As per design, its not good for anything above 100kmh cause of the edgy design and big shield. But the big shield is a good thing to have in rain/snow.

I have run this same helmet (but do not have the pin lock on mine) as I have been running ONeals for several years because they fit my head shape perfectly. I get all day comfort and you have a HUGE viewing area in the helmet. I have LS2, Leatt, and Bell along with many others over 50 years of riding. This helmet, for the price, I love. I wear it all day in the heat and cold of the MidAtlantic year round as well as traveling around the US. I lead rides and check BDR sections year round. I have given my review at the O’Neal site but all in all I have loved it for the last couple years and still using it. A helmet is a very individual thing-what works for you may really be a poor choice for me. Its about fit, viewing, air flow(this has huge ports that I tape in the winter so not to freeze my noggin) and SAFETY. Being out in the sun a LOT has not caused my visor to change at all BUT yours did. I really like the fit of this helmet, even with glasses. I added a notch for comms speakers and the GoPro mount and everything works well. It IS a bit louder than some but then it is more for off road at slower speeds and ear plugs fix that well. I have a nice Bell for road trips. I DO like the visor cut outs that let the air come through even at triple digits, uhh- I musta had it set for metric-no high speed here ;). I had a broken neck so wear a EVA neck brace under it with no issues either. Anyway, I have been following you from your start so know you give honest opinions of gear and such as I do. There are always good/bad in anything but the price point along with the features and FIT this helmet gives me is amazing. I sure do not get sponsored so I have to buy my stuff too. Keep doing what you do my friend. You have great reviews and give super information on travel and gear all the time. Thank you for all you do for the riding community.

хах случайно попаднах на точно това ревю и веднага разбрах, че е свой! много информативно и добре аргуменирано видео, благодаря!

Great review. I was looking at this earlier helmet at the store.

No one can say Pavlin has sold out or isn't honest. Good review, a lesson for other youtubers in not selling out for free products. Well done.

Love your reviews

Thanks For the Review

A great review mate. On the subject of the Pinlock system, I have similar issues. Wife and I both have Shoei Neotec 2 helmets. Both are fitted with Pinlock system. Wife has no issues at all and loves the Pinlock system. I have had constant issues with mine, fogging and the pins working loose. Plus the same added annoyance of the Pinlock area being small in relation to the size of the visor. I have now given up and do not use the Pinlock. Love the helmet otherwise. as you have also alluded to, every rider is different, and will have a different experience with a helmet due to shape of head, style of riding, does the bike have a fairing, .... There are so many variables. I personally think that one of the reasons my wife has no issues, is because she is a pillion, the airflow effects her differently, having a different effect on her, and a different result. Loving your videos mate.

What you need is the LS2 Explorer helmet. It has (many) closable vents, wide pinlock, comfortable, quite quiet and you can buy it for about 200 euros.

I've had this helmet for sometime and it fits my head great. I wear a small in size. The O'Neal only comes in one shell size which means padding is added to accommodate different sizes, which is ok as a lot of other helmets do this. But for me with a small head the helmet looks big for my body size. This helmet was tested by MotoCAP and received 4 out of 5 stars. This was against much expensive helmets too. The Bell MX9 received 4 stars which is more expensive than the O'Neal helmet. So as far safety goes the O'Neal helmet is great. I also have the Bell helmet but have found it not as comfortable as the O'Neal helmet, but Bell comes in 3 shell sizes so the helmet does not look big to wear.

Thanks for review. Just bought it on sale for 84 euro, for such price I think I'll be happy with it ;)

2 weeks in and im really liking this helmet. Ive bought some Isopropyl Alcohol wipes to deal with the fogging, and it works well. The best thing about it is the air flow, perfect for the Southeast Queensland humidity. Another thing I have done is put fabric inside the vents at the side, this has minimised the harshness of the wind whipping around the ears... it's not much but it takes the edge off the noise. I've owned multiple helmets with vents around near the ears, and I can guarantee you that the most of the noise is coming through that area. Those vents that sit next to your ears are the culprit.

i bought them because of Your first review and I still think that quality for that price is excelent. Probably because I paid 95E for new one :)

I use an O'Neal helmet like that for MTB. I don't care how bulky it is, that's the reason why I got it.

This was my first helmet! Did all kinds of riding in all conditions (all. Rain, snow, wind, sun, hot, cold). Loved it! Upgraded to klim krios pro after 3 years for better aerodynamics and increased safety.

Pavlin, I still have, still love, and still use this same brand/model helmet after 3 years! While [IMO] it is a very nice helmet, I really like to have the visors on my helmets, and no matter what I did, when air/wind caught the visor on mine, it would really force my head around - like a bobble-head-doll.. I had no choice but to remove it, but, still enjoy the helmet as my back-up! For my Go-To, I use the Scorpion EXO-AT950. Love That One, and being Modular, Even Better! Apparently they run 'narrow/small', but, my child-sized-head has no issues with that. haha Great review! 🤘😎 Sam -

Appreciate the review. The noise factor is the non selling point. Someone actually said it was quite in a Google review. But i heard elsewhere with 1st sierra so wanted to make sure... Think I'll opt for a sedici viaggio with Bluetooth option. Only $200. The Bluetooth makes it worthwhile

Nice helmet. All Spanish adventure helmets are very similar:) LS2, MT, O'Neal I have a LS2 MX436 (looks almost the same) and all you said is 100% valid for mine too Take care with the lubing the sunglass mechanism. I did the same with some WD40 and after that the clear visor didn't stayed in up position. I had to clean it very well and just after a while it becomes stiff again in open position. Best regards !

Good Job

I will be using this helmet for snowmobiling. I hope it works well.

Same experience I have - next time my helmet will be cheaper, and I will change it more often. Better is. Regards

you are right Paviln, it is personal choice and you are right that expensive helmets will be solution for everything. This spring I have purchased Schuberth C4 Pro and I am not super happy. Maybe I made too few kms in it yet(ca. 400), but first impression was ...the question to my self was it worth?

Hi Pavlin. I am on my 2nd Sierra helmet both gen 1 models. I broke the peak off my first and the noise was unbearable after that had gone. My current one is slightly different to the first and is much better quality than the first one I had. Will be looking for a new one soon but not sure if it will be a Sierra 2 or another brand, its hard to find one that fits me as well as the Sierra. I love the fit, features and price but the quality of them is a let down, lots of little plastic bits to break off.

Thanks Looking for a helmet around 200$ thats not funneling wind noise into my ears..and I do wear ear plugs on hywy and AFX still loud with plugs!

I have the exact same model. Everything Pavel said is true. The two main negative things that would stope me from buying again, it's how noisy it is at 120 Km/h and the vents that are not closeable. The mate finish, doesn't help either. It' gets dirty very and it's very hard to clean. Beside these points, it's a nice helmet.

You could try shoei hornet. I'm sure you know the brand and the price is not that high as other top brands. In winter time it should be possible to get it around 350 euro. Me for example I've used shoei some time ago and loved it. Now I have airoh commander and I'm a bit disappointed after 10k km.

I tried one of these helmets on and unfortunately it seems to be the wrong shape for my head, I found it was tight on my temples in XL. There is a new version coming out called the Sierra R V.23 which meets the new ECE 22.06 safety standard, I will give this a try too as it's great value, preorder price is £132. Otherwise I think the Arai Tour X4 is the gold standard for adventure helmets, I've never felt anything as immediately comfortable! Big investment of course, but as they say - buy cheap, buy twice!

I have this helmet. Don’t use the visor so the sound is also not an issue. As an open helmet is always noisy. Yes even in the rain. It’s also more of an enduro helmet. For its price I love it LS do not have my head shape. Would have loved to try otherwise

You should really try the Caberg tourmax. I am happy having it for some like 7 years and at some point hitting a lot of kilometers. I will definitely purchase a new one same model

I've gone open face as I travel so slowly. Shark Nano with full face visor. I know protection isn't as good but I love the lightness, visibility and comfort. Possibly most important bit of kit but not talked about that often, elsewhere. Good one Happy, safe travels 👍

The color difference between shell and the pick, makes it look badass somehow.

Sehr guter Bericht. Zusätzlich ist noch zu erwähnen, dass der Helm ab ca. 120 km/h den Kopf, verursacht duch Fahrtwind, sehr stark nach hinten/oben drückt. Der Helm ist nicht schlecht für langsame Fahrten im gemässigtem Klima. 15-25 Grad Celcius. Der Tragekomfort ist ganz gut.

I assume you know that the pinlocks do have some adjustment ?? The pinlock on my Arai lost its seal, but the pegs at the side work like cams, so I was able to adjust / tighten it again to regain the seal.

I found the noise is deafening even with ear plugs in. I found it the noise was comming up through the foam at the back if I put my head over to the side it would be a little better

I have been looking for a good dual sport helmet for riding and I love this one but can you connect a communication device like a Cardo radio?

Try a Caberg Tourmax! I have one and I like it a lot. Not expensive but good!

Two things...you need to remove chin inset to improve ventilation and helmet is not cold at all. I've rode it at 1000m ASL at -2°C at speeds up to 100kmh, without chin inset and I was never cold. In fact, my head was sweating under the helmet.

Hi great review. Not sure if I missed it but have you or anyone watching worn the helmet with goggles without taking the visor off? Cheers

Are light and dark color helmets affect the temperature that we felt when we were using it?

That's the coolest lamp I've ever seen! I've never owned O'Neal helmets but that one seems interesting because of the flip shield which my HJC doesn't have, I didn't know they made them for motocross type style helmets, but that O'Neal is pretty ugly and overkill. I'll stick with HJC.

🤙🏻

What we have a different helmets for summer, Winter and rain

Hello, can you tell me what kind of Go Pro holder you have on your helmet?

Is this helmet good for street riding? I have a dual sport. I ordered this but I am concerned because on the website it only talks about this helmet being for off-road use in the description. Doesn’t mention anything about on road use.

My pinlock started failing rather quick too, this year. I just bought a brand new visor and brand new pinlock for my helmet. Last set lasted me few years easily, but now the pinlock came loose from the visor well before finishing one season.

This is the same helmet as Vemar Kona. I think it is might be Vemar who makes the helmets for O´Neal???? ( I have used the Vemar Kona for 3 years...)

Does MX goggles fit with it ?

What helmet has the best ventilation? Please.

About the weight - grams mentioned in the back of helmet sometimes not accurate. There could be even 150g more.. in some XL version.

A question I've wanted to know the answer to for a while, but have never really asked. Do these helmets, the O'Neal Sierra II helmets, have different colour visors? Or simply just black? To be honest, when riding, I don't want anymore to see my face, lmao, and mine at the moment is clear-

i have that helmet without sun visor ... i wish it had one

I have almost similar O’Neal D-SRS helmet. Cheap helmet with removable peak. Very noisy helmet indeed. I think the peak makes the noise. The visor doesn’t stay slightly open, closes after 60 km/h, so it’s too loose. Pinlock is ok, had to buy it separately. Worst thing is that it’s very hot helmet. The ventilation doesn’t work at all, no difference if top vents are open or closed, can’t feel any cool breeze on top of my head like in my old Shoei. Only way to have some cooling is to remove the chin curtain. Certainly wouldn’t buy it again neither. It’s cheap helmet and it shows. Ok helmet for short trips.

Is this eye glass friendly?

would you recommend better buying a modular helmet vs ADV? I don't see you often going nuts off-roading or wearing goggles anyway. modular helmet has better aerodynamics and much less noice.

How mach

Clear silicone lube works great on visor mechanisms.

this helmet is imo not made for street riding and travel, its loud and not closeable top vents will let rain inside the helmet, the O'Neal D-SRS would be the better pick in the cheap helmet sector if you ask me. but for the price you cant expect a great helmet.

it is a motocross helmet not adventure. I only use this for off-road with minimal country roads.

Is it noisier than just wearing goggles?

Prise

its the same helmet with nox n312

Not street legal, correct?

Продай мне свою 660 , если цена была бы хорошей я бы её купил 🔥 и ещё шлем не плохой 🔥

BELL DUAL MX-9 ADVENTURE MIPS don't use Pinlock and their visor technology is far way better!

I had this helmet...didn't really like it: too heavy, too noisy. I changed to a Schuberth.

It’s a shame, the O’Neal stuff seems to be at a decent price point but the execution doesn’t seem to be there. I have a pair of their off road boots which have cracked and failed letting in water despite regular cleaning and care. Not impressed

I gotta ask that why are you using adv helmet? They're quite useless to be honest. They don't offer mx level ventilation. Peak is also way smaller than mx helmets and actually don't offer its usage in normal riding conditions. Seriously, how many adv riders do ride in group and have to cover them with peak from rocks, muds etc.? Imo it's conventional street bucket or mx helmet. Adv is pretty much for the looks.

Pavlin - can you plz make a vodeo, where you PROPPERLY adress the issue with the double D rings ? - Lately more, and more MC-helmet makers tend to install those DD rings, claiming that they are SEFER than those with MICRO-LOCK. I don't disagree on that, but all should be correctly placed. If the helmet is used with extreme speeds - yes. DD rings will, probably hold it better in place, but for many, it is simply a hussle - to lock / unlick those DD rings in a CITY.... inter-city use. Besides, I'm 100% sure, that it's NOT the safety the rerason for DD rings "popularity", but their COST. DD rings are 2 metal pieces on a strap. This construction costs far cheaper to produse, than a good ( or any ) micro-lock, but WE PAY the SAME for helmets with DD rings, or even more !!! 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢

Slooow

First comment

800 or 200 dollars helmet don't matter both are noisey only comfort wearing. It's questionable???

I like helmets that a round profile. If you fall off and roll a round helmet profile will roll with your neck. A helmet with dirt bike profile will lift and slap as you roll. Not good for neck. Simple

Why would you use that piece of garbage? There are many better alternatives.

If riding motorcycle is such an important part of your life why would you ever buy such a bad helmet? The helmet makes the biggest difference in motorcycle crashes where you hit the head on the ground. It will make the difference of having brain damage or not after an impact on the road. You say they all pass the safety standards. But all they have to pass is the over 20 year old 22.05 standard which is not safe at all and now already surpassed by 22.06 which has much higher requirements. O'Neal does not make helmets, they are being produced by nameless chinese companies that make them to barely pass the lowest standard and sell them as cheap as possibile with no brand name to protect. They do not care about your safety. And then there is the problem that these helmets have completely shit build quality, rattle apart, badly fitting pinlocks, bad venting. There is just no point to wear them if you ride more than to the grocery store. I hope you will not suffer again with such a bad helmet just to save a few euros. A GOOD helmet will also last 2 or 3 years of heavy use easily. (Airoh Commander is not a good helmet btw) Luckily we are getting more and better ADV helmets every year with high standards and most of them with sun visor.

Hi Pavlin, please check your Fb messenger, I sent you a message over there. Thank you.

Hi Pavlin! I almost bought it, but after a research I decided to try this: Nexx X. WED 2. You should check too. Thanks for the videos!