The "DN" series of five different helmets released by DAYTONA. It is still fresh in our minds that the company's first original helmets and their extremely reasonable prices have attracted a great deal of attention. The Webic staff will review all five types of "DN" series helmets by actually using them! In this fourth installment, we will review the "DN-004LT," a "flip-up" model.
Entry-level flip-up model with inner visor and excellent ventilation system!
Webike Plus Takimura will introduce 5 new DAYTONA helmets!
So far, we have introduced the sporty model "DN-001RS," the high-spec model "DN-002CP," and the basic model "DN-003NM," one after another. Each of these helmets had completely different features, but they all fit into the "frame" of a regular full-face type helmet.
However, the "DN-004LT" introduced here is the only "flip-up model" in the DN series, and is also the most multifunctional system helmet in the series.
Some riders may not be familiar with the words "flip-up model" or "system helmet," so I will briefly explain that a "single" helmet can be both a full-face helmet and a jet-type helmet. Normally, the shell covers the entire head like a full-face helmet, but it can be instantly transformed into a jet-type helmet by moving the chin part to the top.
However, the price tends to be higher, and "004" is in fact the most expensive of the DN series. The prices of all other series except "004" are in the low approx. 128USD range, but only the "004" helmet is in the low approx. 128USD range at approx. 184 USD including tax.
Nevertheless, the price can be said to be "unbeatable" among system helmets, and this is where DAYTONA's passion for cost performance can be felt. The helmet is not only "movable" but also incorporates comfort features such as an inner visor and speaker holes that match modern trends.
We have actually used the "004," which can be said to be the fruit of such efforts by DAYTONA, and would like to share our review.
Large inner visor protects eyes from glare. The shape is also cool, like sunglasses!
Flip up to change it into a jet type at once. The inner visor can be left in place.
Very large jaw area, giving it the appearance of an off-road helmet when viewed from the side.
The back of the head is simple but intakes can be seen at the top and bottom respectively. The lever for the inner visor is also large and easy to use.
The head air intake is the only one in the DN series that can be adjusted in three levels. Fine adjustments can be made according to the climate and temperature of the day.
The air intake at the mouth slides up and down to open and close. The air inflow is more comfortable than it looks.
A huge inner intake is placed to raise the air circulation rate inside the helmet.
Large air vents in the back of the head also provide excellent front to back ventilation.
It has a liberating feeling like an off-road helmet! Comfort that you don't mind being a little heavy
The first thing I felt when I tried on the full face was a sense of freedom around the mouth. The jaw area seems to be made quite wide, and there is no feeling of suffocation or blockage at all. In fact, when looking at the helmet from the side, it is obvious that the chin part is forward like that of an off-road helmet.
This can be felt noticeably when actually driving, and a considerable amount of running wind circulates around the mouth. However, since the chin curtain is installed, there is not a lot of entraining wind, and most of it will probably come from the large intake at the mouth.
To be honest, I am not really aware of the running wind from the head and other parts of the helmet, as it feels like the running wind from the mouth is spreading throughout the entire interior of the helmet. However, the internal environment is definitely comfortable, and I could imagine that it would be very cool even in summer.
The inner visor can be opened and closed by operating the lever on the left side of the helmet. This operation is also smooth, and the visor can be easily "swung" in and out without any effort. No stress is felt at all.
Slide the lever to open and close the inner visor. Easy to operate even with thick gloves.
What bothered me was that after the inner visor is stowed, only a portion of the visor remains halfway out of view. It is not so much an obstacle, but it might be a little annoying to see a part of the visor glancing at the edge of the field of vision.
Does not obstruct vision, but part of the inner visor does flicker out of view
As for the weight of the helmet, it is the heaviest among the series because it is a system type helmet. While it is not so heavy in full-face mode, it is heavy enough to cause neck pain on long-distance touring.
And of course I tried it in jet mode by flipping it up. My review is that the balance is honestly not good, and you can't help but feel the weight of the jaw area that has moved to the front part of the body.
This may be a regrettable point unique to the system helmet, but the momentum of the flip-up also moves the helmet itself. This is also the case when changing back from a jet to a full-face helmet, and in the worst case, the helmet may move so much that it blocks the view.
In this case, I used a size L, which is a little larger than my head size, but I would recommend choosing a size that is a little tighter.
However, overall, the performance of the "004" is astonishingly high at such a low price point. In addition, I personally like the design very much, and if I were asked to choose one of the DN series, I would definitely choose the "004".
For riders who are interested in system helmets but cannot afford them because of their high price, we recommend this helmet as their first system helmet.
To flip up, simply trigger the red lever on the chin section and raise it straight up.
When perfectly raised, the jaw section "clicks" into place at the top.
The liner had deep slits carved into it. Seems to contribute to high ventilation.
Deep speaker holes are placed so that even thick-walled speakers do not hurt the ears
The interior is also removable and hand washable. Can be kept clean.
It is a cool design with functional beauty!
DN-004LT Rating
Good points
Excellent design
Many helpful designs such as speaker holes, chin curtains, and inner visors
Multifunctional and reasonable
Comfort due to high air circulation rate
Quiet enough for the needs of the customer.
Points of concern
Inner visor does not stow perfectly
Feels heavy after flip up.
The helmet itself moves when you flip it.
DN-004LT Details
Price: approx. 184 USD including tax
■Color: matte black and white
Size: S/Mega/l/XL
High-strength cap ABS+PC
■SG Standard
