It was in 2003 that I got my first bike. The 1st generation Pulsar 150. That was my first bike but I was still particular about a good quality helmet. But the nearest helmet shop was selling only dabba helmets. So I bought one half face helmet for Rs.150. I used it for a week before which I found out a helmet dealer through Justdial. I went to him and started checking various helmets. I asked him to show me the costliest one. He gave the Studds Ninja. It was Rs.800 those days(even today in 2012 after 9 years, it is just Rs.1000). It felt very stylish but a little tight. The seller told me that a helmet should be tight only.
Within a few weeks after I purchased it, I met with an accident(due to rash driving - javaani ka josh. I was just 19). I straight landed on my face from 60 Kmph. But my Studds Ninja took all the beating and scratches saving my face. I only got a small scratch on my chin. The pillion rider who did not wear a helmet even after insisting, lost his front two teeth and tore his forehead. He had to go through stitches on forehead and lips and a root canal treatment for his teeth. He was bedridden for almost 2 months. I feel very sorry for him. I escaped with just 4 stitches on my elbow.
I learnt my lesson. Always take good helmets though they might be a little costly then the local ones. And now a days, Ninja is no more the costliest helmets in any store. It comes under the beginning range of helmets. When you’re buying a bike spending so much, can’t you spend just a few more thousands for saving your life?
Ninja is one of the best helmets available if you’re on a budget.
1) It has liftable chin, but don’t ride while lifting. Your jaw will remain unprotected. And jaws are the first things to hit the ground in case of accidents(telling you from experience. I had 3 major accidents - I am still alive here writing this review only because of my helmets)
2) It has air vents to de-fog the visor. It helps in ventilation also.
3) The visor says it is scratch free(but it develops a lot of scratches within a year. But don’t worry. Ninja is such a popular model that you get new original visors for Rs.150. So, change it whenever it is not clear)
4) The visor is extremely clear until it develops scratches. In the night, sometimes you don’t know whether the visor is down or not(You’ll try scratching you nose but will hit the visor and smile to yourself:)
5) Don’t use it for more than 4 years. The foam contracts due to changing weather and it will become loose. It might not be very safe then. Also, since it is not washable, it might stink in 4 years:) Also, the chin lifting levers might give away in 3-4 years.
6) Over all, it is a very good buy.
Hope this review is helpful