Tried And Tested: ILM-953Pro Modular Motorcycle Helmet

Summary

• ILM offers affordable helmets with integrated Bluetooth tech and safety certifications for various activities.
• Despite a slightly off fit and some discomfort issues, ILM-953Pro is a cost-effective helmet with features comparable to competitors.
• The ILM-953Pro may be a suitable choice for those needing multiple helmets with Bluetooth at a lower price point.

A helmet that is not only modular but also has integrated Bluetooth technology, as well as all the normal standard features for a low cost, sounds almost too good to be true. However, with ILM, this idea has become a reality. The company established a North American office in 2013 and quickly became one of the leading brands in online helmet sales. The company utilizes Asian manufacturing with a U.S. sales team to instill a sense of trustworthiness, as well as an impressive focus on safety standards, including certifications from DOT, ECE, SG, CCC, and SNELL.

ILM offers helmets for various uses, including both on and off-road motorcycles, as well as illuminated scooter helmets, snowboarding, skateboarding, bicycling, and more. It also carries a modest amount of riding gear and accessories, all offered at extremely reasonable prices. In this tried and tested review, we’ll look at the ILM-953Pro, dissecting its features, comfort, and performance to present a comprehensive overview for riders seeking the perfect blend of technology and safety.

ILM-953Pro Modular Motorcycle Helmet First Impression

At first glance, the helmet appears to have some decent branding, sometimes disregarded in the more inexpensive helmet lineup, with the brand and its trademark printed on the helmet sleeve. Upon further inspection, the helmet has a bit more heft than expected from its advertised weight and the communication controls on the side are branded as FreedConn. Having previously tested a FreedConn helmet, this was an assumed competitor; however, it appears that a possible attempt to re-brand and sell the manufacturer’s product to a broader American market might be going on here.

FreedConn also sells a seemingly identical helmet with a slightly different communication device design for quite a bit cheaper on Amazon, but it’s worth noting that the ILM version comes in multiple colors. For ILM’s sake, we will also assume that the 953Pro model underwent more stringent testing regulations to meet the U.S. market standards, considering its DOT certification, but the exact product differences are questionable.

Overall, the helmet looks like most other helmets in its class; the design looks aerodynamic and has all the vents and gadgets you could need. The chin flap is rather large, covering quite a bit of surface area to prevent wind from entering the helmet, and the modular release button, while clunky, works as advertised. Despite the questionable source, all that really matters in a motorcycle helmet is comfort and safety, so let’s try it on and go for a ride.

How It Feels When Riding

Sliding the helmet on in its closed modular position is uncomfortable, especially if you have longer hair. The chin flap is rather large, creating a small hole to slide your head into, but, fortunately, this can be quickly remedied by lifting the entire chin guard before putting it on. The padding around the face feels tight but comfortable enough, but unfortunately, after wearing it for about five minutes, there are two pressure points at the top of the helmet that are hard and quite annoying. For a quick jaunt, it’s okay, but anyone who has worn a helmet for hours at a time knows a strange sensation will magnify and drive the rider to madness til their next stop.

The modular part is also a weak point, even if it helps to take the helmet on or off, as well as communicate at a red light. If you decide to ride anywhere with it lifted, the whole helmet shifts back. A friend said I looked like a 5-year-old at the BMX track with his helmet strap loose and the helmet uselessly sitting on the back of my head. That said, riding with the helmet closed does block a lot of wind with the big chin flap and functions as expected.

Visor

The helmet comes with a clear visor with a centered gripping point, which makes it easy to find and move up or down. It also comes with an internal shade visor for the sun that moves up and down via a lever on the side of the helmet just behind the communication controls. This might need some getting used to since the controls are easy to grab and will interrupt some of the Bluetooth functions accidentally.

Communication System

As mentioned, the controls on the communication system are very easy to manipulate. This could also be considered a weak point on the helmet as a drop on the right spot would most likely snap the controls off; however, this wasn’t tested. The battery for the device is the same as other FreedConn products, with a lot of tiny fragile-looking pins, and plugging in the battery could potentially be a problem, as ILM states: “Please do not forcibly plug the chord completely into the charging port, save a little space for better user experience.”

Once installed and charged, the Bluetooth works, albeit too tinny sounding to really enjoy music; when paired with another helmet, the voice can be heard well enough at speed. ILM advertises that with the 953Pro, its technology can be paired with up to six to eight devices, and its standard version will only pair with two to three. We could not test this feature, but it did, perhaps unsurprisingly, pair easily with a FreedConn helmet. This might indicate the difference between the almost identical modular helmet FreedConn advertises on Amazon.

Fit, Comfort, And Sizing Recommendation

While the top of the helmet might introduce slight pressure points, potentially making it feel heavier, the ILM-953Pro does have a fully washable microfiber lining and adjustable vents for cleanliness and temperature control. The strap uses a quick-release technology that easily attaches and adjusts to your size and comfort. This helmet also runs one size smaller due to the incorporated Bluetooth module, so it’s important to measure before purchasing to find what will suit your head size.

ILM-953Pro Modular Motorcycle Helmet Vs The Competition

ILM-953Pro Vs BILT Nomad

• 

  ILM-953Pro Modular Motorcycle Helmet

  The ILM-953Pro Modular motorcycle helmet features integrated Bluetooth technology with all the modern helmet capabilities at an affordable price. The sizing is slightly off, and the overall comfort of the helmet is inadequate. It is able to support a group of up to eight helmets with communication, but apart from that, it is not the least expensive option available on the market for the quality.

  Brand

  ILM

  Size Range

  S-XXL

  Shape

  Oval

  Material Type

  Glass reinforced plastic expanded polystyrene (EPS) Fiberglass

  Model Number

  ‎953Pro-MB-S

  Weight

  4.4 lbs

  Price Range

  $269.99

  Certifications

  DOT Certified

• 

  BILT Nomad Modular

  Expert Opinion: The lightweight modular design makes the BILT Nomad comfortable to wear and offers a moderate amount of noise dampening. The quick-release push button chin-bar operation makes it easy to eat or take a drink without removing the helmet.

  Brand

  BILT

  Size Range

  2XS – 5XL

  Shape

  Oval

  Material Type

  Injection molded alloy composite

  Model Number

  BLH507

  Weight

  3.88 lbs

  Price Range

  $159.99

  Certifications

  DOT

The BILT Nomad Modular helmet may lack the technological advances of a pre-integrated Bluetooth communications system, but it makes up for that with its sizing and comfort. BILT is a trusted brand that delivers a safe helmet at an extremely affordable price. It’s worth mentioning that it is likely possible to add a comm system to the BILT helmet and still break even or save money when compared to the price of the ILM-953Pro Modular Motorcycle Helmet.

ILM-953Pro Vs Shoei NTC2 BLK 2 SNL NEOTEC II

• 

  ILM-953Pro Modular Motorcycle Helmet

  The ILM-953Pro Modular motorcycle helmet features integrated Bluetooth technology with all the modern helmet capabilities at an affordable price. The sizing is slightly off, and the overall comfort of the helmet is inadequate. It is able to support a group of up to eight helmets with communication, but apart from that, it is not the least expensive option available on the market for the quality.

  Brand

  ILM

  Size Range

  S-XXL

  Shape

  Oval

  Material Type

  Glass reinforced plastic expanded polystyrene (EPS) Fiberglass

  Model Number

  ‎953Pro-MB-S

  Weight

  4.4 lbs

  Price Range

  $269.99

  Certifications

  DOT Certified

• 

  Shoei Helmets NTC2 BLK 2 SNL NEOTEC II

  The Shoei Helmets NTC2 BLK 2 SNL NEOTEC II is a state-of-the-art motorcycle helmet designed for the modern rider who demands both style and functionality. Crafted with Shoei’s signature attention to detail, this helmet features a sleek black design that exudes sophistication. Its advanced aerodynamic shell is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and optimal protection. The NEOTEC II is equipped with an innovative flip-up face shield and an integrated sun visor, offering versatility for various riding conditions. The interior is plush, moisture-wicking, and easily removable for cleaning. With its superior ventilation system, this helmet provides excellent airflow, keeping you comfortable on long rides. Meeting SNL safety standards, the NTC2 BLK 2 is the epitome of engineering excellence, making it a top choice for discerning motorcyclists.

  Brand

  Shoei Helmets

  Size Range

  XS-XXL

  Shape

  Oval

  Material Type

  Carbon Fiber

  Model Number

  ‎0116-0105-04

  Weight

  5.90 LBS

  Price Range

  $1,099 – $1,251

  Certifications

  DOT

If price were no object, the Shoei Helmets NTC2 BLK 2 SNL NEOTEC II is a clear winner. Shoei offers a Bluetooth communication system specifically designed to fit the helmet, and the quality is unmatched by the ILM-953Pro Modular Motorcycle Helmet. Of course, at $1000 or more extra, this is quite the investment. However, the argument could be made that you shouldn’t put a price tag on your head. It can also be said that a more affordable modular Bluetooth helmet could be better to start with in order for the rider to understand their needs better, but any of the Shoei NEOTEC II helmets would surely not disappoint.

Is The ILM-953Pro The Right Helmet For You?

Since ILM does have an office stationed in La Mesa, California, you might find it easier to contact them should you have any questions or concerns about the product, which is a positive. It’s also tempting to buy this helmet for yourself and a few of your friends to play around with while still being cheaper than the cost of a single top-of-the-line helmet with similar features; just don’t hold your breath for the overwhelming gratitude when they try it on. The helmet honestly ticks all the boxes apart from comfort, but for long-term use, it’s hard to get past the overwhelming number of flaws.

When considering purchasing, have a clear idea about what it will be used for. If you desperately need eight helmets with modular and Bluetooth capabilities at the lowest price point, this helmet could be a potential candidate. That said, if it’s just you and a couple of friends, it’s hard to dismiss the FreedConn helmet that appears to be the same with a $20 off coupon at the time of this review, which will save you roughly $90. In my humble opinion, pass on this helmet unless it is absolutely your only option.