Torch Apparel T2 Bike Helmet with Front and Rear LED Lights

In general, this product is a little bit cheap. Specifically, it doesn't look very waterproof. The transparent window over the LEDs shows no evidence of sealing. And battery charging is done with two barrel connectors that have no protection whatsoever. So when I hang the helmet on the bike during the day the sockets are facing up towards the sky. I fear the smallest little rain shower would get in an ruin the electronics. Nothing bad like this has happened yet, but it is my concern.If wishes were fishes, I would wish that the front and rear lights would have a unified charging port. I would wish to use micro-USB connectors, so the cable would be common. I would wish for a rubber door to seal the charging connector from the rain. I would wish for a seal around the lenses.If I could have anything, I would wish for some sort of charge indicator. Perhaps the lights could flash in some special pattern during the first few seconds so I could know how soon I needed to recharge. If I could have anything, I would wish for some quick adjustment mechanism for the strap. The reason for this is that the length needed changes substantially if I wear a stocking cap underneath. Often I need a long strap in the morning and a short strap in the evening. Some sort of easier adjustment should be possible in a high-dollar helmet like this.

I have had my Torch T2 helmet coming up two weeks now, and it's just fabulous. i have no complaints so far. Everything is as described. I was concerned that the One-Size-Fits-All helmet might not fit well since I wear a XL size helmet, but I didn't have a problem. The box also came with plenty of extra padding for those with small heads. Front light on helmet is not bright enough to illuminate the roadway, I knew that before I bought it. I will still need to get a real bike light. But the built-in front light is bright enough to alert oncoming traffic, and most importantly alert cars ahead of me going in the same direction, and in the process of crossing into to the bike lane to make a right hand turn as I am riding up to an intersection. They can see me coming in their side mirrors.The rear built-in light is golden. Obviously the light is higher than typical bike lights which are usually attached under the bike seat. These Torch helmet rear lights flash brightly. I have definitely noticed a big difference having a flashing light as opposed to no light at all. Cars do carve a wide path around me when they pass me, and having the light high up at head level makes me stand out even more. The fact that the lights on the helmet are easily charged via a USB port is a big plus. No changing batteries and all that crap. I charge it once a week for 5 nights of riding home from work on a 15 minute ride. I have not yet tested how long a charge last but the specs indicate something like 6 hours I think (but don't quote me).Finally let's talk about the coolness factor. Can I just say how dope this helmet looks? I have resisted wearing bicycle helmets for a long time because I don't think they are attractive (not a good reason compared to a cracked skull, I know). Most have the Function part of the equation nailed down, but Form and aesthetics leave much to be desired. These Torch Helmets got Form and Function in the bag. I get drivers and pedestrians checking my helmet out all the time. I bought the black Midnight edition which is super cool. You can't tell the helmet has built-in lights when the lights are off during daytime riding. The front and rear lens are tinted black to match the helmet for that monochromatic matted look. But come night time, you click on the rear lights, and suddenly the back of your helmet comes alive in glowing red. Now the only thing left is to see how long these helmets last. I take care of my stuff so I am expecting not to have any problems in workmanship showing up anytime soon.

Despite some bad reviews, I was excited to get this helmet. As you can see from the picture, it arrived broken straight out of the box. I could probably fix it with a bit of crazy glue but then I also realized that they didn't send the charging cables so it is basically useless. I am sending it back right away.

First, positives.Aesthetically, its great. I can see how some would say it look/feels cheap (more on this later), but I like the shape and color, especially the midnight one, with the tinted LED panel. It does not provide sufficient lighting if you're hoping to use this to light your way, but very bright to make sure you're visible to others at night, which is what i needed. Its comfortable enough, even during the summer, that I don't notice wearing it after a while, but then, i'm always wearing hats.Now for cons.I ordered one which arrived in seemingly perfect condition. Turned it on, tried out the different light settings, came at 75%~ battery. Plugged it in with the charger, and set it down. The first sign of defect, that I ignored at the time, was that the LED panel in the back was slightly loose, and can be pressed down. Then, the next day, turned it on and one of the rear lights was out. Sure, I could have just kept it, but at that point I've only had it for 2 days. Sent it back.Ordered another, same model/color, because I really liked how it looks, and the other helmets with lights did not appeal to me. Second one arrived, I let it run for hours on different light settings, to test and see if any of them were dead. Left it on over night. Next day, all the lights we're still working, charged it, and reached full battery within the stated time. Then, as I was about to go for a ride, it slipped out of my hand and fell on the ground. No visible cracks, lights still worked, but then I noticed that one side of the front LED panel had come loose. Does not seem to be broken in anyway, just came loose. Granted I dropped it, but again, only day 2 of helmet no. 2. I'm keeping it and plan on just supergluing the stub (in the same hole it came loose from) and maybe find a waterproof sealant to protect the lights (as others have mentioned, the panels are not sealed, and as I've learned, definitely not secure).Despite my experience, I still like it because of how it looks and fulfils the function that I need. Just be aware that its a crapshoot whether you get a fully functional, none damaged one as others have mentioned, which at this price point, should really not be an issue, but unfortunately, is.Update:A month and a half of using the second helmet. Further thoughts:the Matte black easily shows scratches. I don't mind, gives it a "weathered" look. Speaking of weather, I have used it riding around during some rainy days, and one particular rainy day, I was out for hours.Happy to say that the lights held up, somewhat. I use the solid bright setting exclusively, drains the battery fast, but the ride home at night is only 15-20 min or so I get about a weeks worth of use before charging again. But after a month, the rear lights shuts off after 5 min of use when lower than 50% battery level. This means I may not have rear lighting on and may not know it once I start to ride. I just make sure once I notice its at 50% to charge it up again, or use flashing mode for the rear lights only to make it last longer.On the safety side of things, I've take a couple of falls, nothing too serious, but the helmet definitely holds up and does its job of keeping everything inside my head.