Axxis Draken S review | Entry-level budget helmet tested

Date reviewed: October 2024 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: From £59.99 | www.bickers-online.co.uk

The Axxis Draken S on review here meets the requirements of the tougher ECE 22.06 standard, and also has some surprising features given its entry-level price. The difference between this and a more premium lid is clear, but for a rider on a budget, who doesn’t cover many miles, it could be a great option. I’ve been using it on a Zontes ZT350-T to find out how it performs…

Pros & Cons

Outer Shell

Priced at £59.99 for this and gloss or matt black, you can also choose from a range of graphics for £79.99. First impressions of the Axxis Draken’s thermoplastic shell are that it’s got a lovely deep gloss pearlescent white… Look closer though and, unsurprisingly, you’ll find very small imperfections under the paint, and mine did have a small patch of lacquer chip off the chin vent plastic.

More noticeable is a rough finish around the top of the visor aperture and at the top vent. On a £100 or more helmet, you’d be annoyed, but at this price it’s only worth pointing out to those wondering what the differences are between cheap and more expensive helmets.

Another cost-cutting feature of the Draken S is that it only comes in one shell size, so that means that from the XS to 2XL sizes, the outside of the helmet will be the same. Surprisingly though, the medium I have on test doesn’t look overly large.

There’s no printed instruction manual with the Axxis, but there is a QR code, though unfortunately it doesn’t yet have anything for this helmet in the link.

Some areas do look rather poorly finished, but in a budget helmet it’s understandable, and they don’t affect the protective performance

Weight

With this size medium weighing 1,523 grams on my scales, the Axxis Draken is a pretty average weight for an ECE 22.06 helmet, if anything erring on the lighter side of most. More importantly for neck fatigue, there’s no noticeable drag either head-on or during a shoulder check.

Ventilation

The Axxis Draken S features an open/closed chin vent and top vent, along with a permanently open exhaust.

The chin feeds up to the visor via large channels in the non-removable nose guard, and will help reduce fogging if you don’t have a Pinlock fitted. The effectiveness of this obviously depends on the screen on your bike, but while I wasn’t able to feel it against my forehead, there’s no restriction to air getting in the front and up over the back of the visor.

The top vent feeds two ports in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) inner shell, with channels running to two ports in the rear that vent through the exhaust.

With the top vent open, the ports aren’t fully exposed, so airflow is a bit limited here, and I was unable to feel it during use. Air will certainly be moving around, but it’s far from the best ventilation I’ve experienced.

Visor

The Draken’s visor is operated with a single thumb tab on the left (I prefer a central one, or a second on the right for ease of use when holding the clutch), which locks down securely and seals well, with no water getting in through the top edge.

The just-cracked-open position gives welcome extra ventilation (something many premium helmets could learn from), then there are two stages of the smooth but strong ratchet before being fully open. At high speeds, the visor will stay fully open, but will shut itself in the two intermediate settings.

A Pinlock 70 anti-fog insert (the middle level of performance, 30 being the lowest, 120 the highest) is available as an optional extra for £35.99, though if you buy it with the helmet it’ll be worth asking your dealer if it can be part of the VAT-free purchase of the lid, which could reduce the price. If you’re riding in the cold weather at all, I’d recommend getting one. Spare visors cost £17.99.

The Draken S does not have a quick-release visor mechanism – you’ll need a PH2 cross-head screwdriver to take out the screw and large, shaped washer each side.

There’s no built-in sunshield on the Axxis Draken.

Lining

A fully-removable lining is great to see on such a budget helmet as it can make it far easier to wash. It’s a comfortable fabric and appears well made, but I did have problems removing the central, main section. While the cheeks pads are fairly easy to remove and refit, the crown liner was wedged tight between the shell and EPS, and I managed to tear it trying to get it out. The width of the tabs makes it particularly hard to remove, so be sure to take care when pulling. If it won’t release, I’d suggest washing the liner in the helmet with a shower head instead.

Fastening

The micrometric ratchet adjuster is easy to use, giving a secure fit every time you put the helmet on, and only needing setting once. This style of fastener is quicker and easier to use than a double-D, but still provides excellent security.

A tiny grumble is that the spare length of strap can’t be tucked in the sleeve, so while it can be pushed into the cheek pad’s slot, if pulled out it’ll flap around. It’s far from the end of the world though.

Fit

Fit and comfort is the most important thing when choosing any motorcycle helmet, as even a small pressure point in the shop can lead to real pain after an hour or so on the bike, which can ruin your ride

I found the Axxis Draken S to be comfortable, though my usual medium size is quite snug, and it seems to sit a little high on my head. It’s a lot more comfortable than some budget lids I’ve used, but it is always important to try any on for yourself.

My glasses do fit, but they’re a little tight to get in.

Noise

The noise in any helmet will be most affected by your bike’s screen and fairing, but I haven’t noticed and undue noise or whistles in the Axxis Draken.

Can I fit my own intercom to the Axxis Draken S?

Flat sides on the outer shell mean fitting your own intercom to the Axxis Draken S shouldn’t be any problem, and the 48mm diameter recesses will accommodate most speakers.

Three alternatives to the Axxis Draken S

We’re working to review more budget-priced helmets, but here are some others to consider…

• HJC C10 from £89.99 | The C10 was the first ECE 22.06-certified helmet that we'd seen under £100, and were impressed when we reviewed it: it makes a wise buy for anyone on a budget. Read the full review of the HJC C120 here.

• Axxis Panther from £99.99 | While not perfect, we did think that the Panther was well worth trying on. Its main advantages over the Draken S are slightly better venting and a built-in drop-down sunshield. Read the full review of the Axxis Panther here.

• LS2 Storm II from £129.99 | Nudging close to our £150 budget price cap, the LS2 does feature a drop-down sunshield and comes with a Pinlock anti-fog insert. Check the fit though, and be aware of some venting issues. Read the full review of the LS2 Storm II here.

These are just three of many alternatives – you can find all the Helmets we’ve tested here (link to the relevant section of reviews) and be sure to regularly check for the discounts available through Bikesocial membership.

Axxis Draken S review - Verdict

All motorcycle helmets sold in the UK must be tested and certified to the old ECE 22.05 standard, or the newer and much tougher ECE 22.06. The Axxis Draken S meets the requirements of this safer criteria, so could be a great choice for anyone on a very tight budget.

Your helmet is probably the most important piece of motorcycle riding kit you’ll ever invest in, and it can certainly have the biggest impact on your riding comfort and pleasure. If money’s tight, and it fits, I’d definitely recommend trying on the Axxis Draken – and it’s certainly a better bet than some of the dubious lids sold on the likes of Amazon and eBay – but do understand that, while spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean more safety, it can bring with it better build quality, and sometimes more comfort.

Do you own this helmet? Tell us what it’s like, or ask us questions about it at bikeclub.bennetts.co.uk.