Steelbird SBA-8 BT Flip-Up Helmet Review: Most VFM Bluetooth Connectivity Solution For Bikers?

There are two major trends which are certainly on the rise in a country like India, and Steelbird helmets are aiming to catch on to both with its new product launch - the SBA-8 BT. The first one has to do with the growing awareness around motorcycle safety and the second is on-the-go connectivity while riding them. Traditionally, a consumer would buy a motorcycle helmet and spend extra to purchase a bluetooth headset to install with it. The benefit of the new SBA-8 is the fact that you not only are getting both products together but it also comes pre-installed from the manufacturer. And for anyone who has previously installed bluetooth headsets in a helmet, you would know what an uphill task that can be.

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Before we get to the actual functioning of the Bluetooth module and other features, let’s touch upon design and features. The new SBA-8 is designed to be a sport touring lid and its styling reflects that. It is a modular helmet and features an openable lower half through a button placed inside near the chin area. The design of the helmet is sleek and even gets a rear winglet for that sporty look. Furthermore, the SBA-8 is available in a variety of colour options to choose from. Unfortunately, the unit we had for our test was finished in gloss black and that failed to achieve any wow factor from onlookers whilst riding. As for safety, the SBA-8 is ISI-rated and constructed of a high-impact resistant thermoplastic shell. This is nothing to really write home about but at least does cover the bare basics in terms of safety.

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However, what it lacks in safety additions, it makes up for in comfort. It features a well-padded and perforated interior, which helps while riding in peak summer. During our test, we ended up using the helmet in extremely hot weather for a long ride and we had no complaints by the end of it. Over that, I usually wear a size 57-58 helmet and a size Medium is what fits me best. Over that, it has plenty of ventilation to help during hot weather. You have multiple inlet and outlet exhausts which did a decent job while the visor was shit. However, where it stands out is the features that it has to offer, namely the built-in bluetooth module, LED lights and flip-down sun visor.

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The SBA-8 features Bluetooth 5.2 and its controls are placed on the left-hand side of the helmet. Credit to Steelbird where it's due, the buttons are easy to place, easy to press and feel very tactile. It was fairly easy to connect, too and I had the system up and running within five minutes. Steelbird claims that its battery gives you 48 hours of talk time backup and 110 hours of standby backup. We weren’t able to test those claims but we only charged it once over a three-day test period. 

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With that, you get a type-C charging port and a charging time of 2 hours. The audio was fairly loud and clear for calls but not the best for listening to music. The second feature which stood out was two LEDs at the back. These came in handy as power on/off indication for the Bluetooth system, added safety while riding at night and lastly, look cool. However, its biggest downside is the fact that this is a non-IP67-rated system, which means it is best left for dry weather conditions. Which also seriously limits its use as a sport ‘touring’ helmet.

Overall, the Steelbird SBA-8 is a good-looking, smart helmet option for those who want basic safety and mobile connectivity at the most affordable rate for urban usage. The helmet is priced at Rs 3,999 and is available with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. However, the niggles I had to face were a flimsy visor mechanism, a lanky cable for the Bluetooth charging port and aforementioned, a lack of waterproof capability.