Share This Article
Written/Tested By: Eddie Laret
If you have seen me or any of my bike tests over here at Keefer Inc. Testing, I’m a pretty big fan of the 100% ARMEGA goggle. When I pick goggles it’s about comfort, protection, seal and sweat resistance. The ARMEGA has all those areas well covered for me. But these past few weeks I have been testing a few different goggle brands. In this first impression review I tested the HAVOC Helios; Havoc sent us two sets of goggles with different lenses and straps. At first glance the Helios looks very basic looking. As I dove deeper into the goggles it has many features I liked. Most goggles now have a hinge system to secure the lenes. One thing that stood out for me was the simple strap replacement. There is a little tab you push to release the strap, then it slides out and can be removed. A few other things I noticed is that the frame is flexible with a thick foam to secure it to your face so it contoured to my face well on the initial fit.
Key Features:
Magnetic side lock quick change lens system
High impact Ansi z87/ EN1938 rated lens
17mm high density triple layer compressed foam
1 click removable strap technology for complete customization
Anti-fog and Anti-scratch lens w/metal tear off posts
Removable nose piece and anti-dust foam seal
Adjustable 3D embroidered anti-slip strap
First, I should note I tested these with a 6D ATR-2 helmet. 6D has a very large goggle opening and the Helios fit with no problem. The goggle sits tight on your face/bridge of your nose but not so tight it leaves a hot spot. I will say that my nose is quite large so you larger nosed fellas should enjoy the fit. Once I had the goggle on you can reach back and make the final adjustment of the strap without having the strap snap or break on you. You’d be surprised on how many other goggles have done this to me. After a few motos in the goggles, I noticed the foam held up to sweat well which was the first test. I AM A SWEATER, like most big riders. I also noticed after some dude roosted me that the goggle held up to debris behind the lens. Nothing sucks more than having some dirt bouncing around while you’re moto’ing.
Another key feature was the ventilation pockets. The goggle breathes very well, I never had any issues with fogging on cooler days here in So. Cal. We don’t have the humidity like you east coasters do, but so far so good on colder days. The lens is offered in a standard or dual pane lens and it also comes in a variety of colors. I used the red crystal lens for sunny days and the clear lens for overcast days. I preferred the red crystal lens to block the sun rays as my eyes are sensitive to bright light or bright colored dirt. The lens clarity wasn’t an issue without tear offs as I could see just fine. However, once I tested the standard singles some of that clarity went away. When you use the singles, the max I could stack is 3 before the vision gets cloudy. The tear off is thick, which makes it easy to pull, but harder to get clarity when you stack more on top of one another. The 7 per stack laminates are very thin to ensure it stays clear on the lens. I didn’t notice any issues with vision on the 7 stack, but with bigger fingers they are hard to find on the side of the goggles, but to be fair I have this issue with most of the brands. I didn’t experience any issue with dirt getting between the lens and tear offs. The strap design has a thin rubber layer on the inside of the strap for traction on your helmet and like most other straps out there, I never felt the strap move while riding.
Let’s wrap up with the overall comfort of these goggles, which was a hit for me. Each time I rode in the Havoc Helios it got better for me. Between the ventilation pockets and the Anti fog lens it made for clean vision. The quick-change lens and strap design makes it easy to customize your goggle to your preference. I didn’t mind the removable nose piece as I rode with it installed and had no problems. Havoc has priced the Helios goggle at $125.00. This is your average price for a high-end goggle nowadays. It is nice to have other options out there besides the other big name brands that have dominated the goggle market for so many years. Havoc could be on your short list if you’re looking for something different.
If you are looking for any further information Eddie@Keeferinctesting.com or havocracingco.com is the spots to go.
