I just purchased my new Sparx Helmet. KBC created the Sparx line to offer a helmet with an entry price point. The helmet is both DOT and ECE / 22-05 certified. Brand new their helmets cost around $150, I got mine on close-out for $69. I searched for the right helmet for a long time, I wanted something with color that would pop, simple yet striking design and have some strong contrasts. I finally found the Sparx S-07 Corsa helmet.
I've only had it for about a week. The helmet is a tight fit, I usually need a large but had to purchase an extra-large. The extra-large fits fine but it wasn't immediately comfortable. Definitely try before you buy.
Most of the issues I have with the helmet are directed at the visor. The visor is not clear, it doesn't cause me headaches but it definitely has a bit of a distortion. The visor is also very difficult to adjust, it twists and contorts as you move it through the different positions and the smallest opening for defogging is open too large for my tastes. Finally the visor has two vents at the upper corners. I've only had them open once and while they let a good amount of air in it increases the noise a bit. Also the dark vents are in your peripheral vision, this bothered me a lot at first but I got used to it soon enough. Finally the eyeport seems smaller than I'm used to and looking over my shoulder to see traffic behind takes a bit more effort.
The liner is actually quite comfortable. The best news is the way the interior stitching is designed it doesn't leave large red impressions or marks on my head... great if you are bald... I am. The bad news is the liner has started to come apart. Not the actual stitches but whole pieces of the lining such as this example -
I think I will be able to glue this piece back into the shell, just surprised that it fell apart so quickly.
The good news is the helmet is extremely light. While I stated the helmet wasn't immediately comfortable I really like the fit of it now. The pressure points inside the helmet aren't stressful for me and wearing the helmet for long rides is no issue. If you wish to put speakers in the helmet there are nice big pockets and I had no trouble fitting sunglasses on under the helmet.
Overall the helmet is good but it didn't have that immediate comfort of the Scorpion EX700's I tried and I don't think the construction and visor clarity are as good as my old Icon Alliance. However I will admit that I purchased this helmet because of looks and style, it was exactly what I wanted and the few shortcomings aren't dealbreakers and don't detract from usefulness or safety. If you like the looks of the helmet (they have many refreshing designs in this series) give it a try but understand it is an entry level brand. One final note, the helmet comes with a five year warranty, a crash replacement policy, ear plugs and plenty of Sparx stickers.
