I wanted to buy an Ayrtek helmet for a while since I first saw Kumar Sangakarra wearing one because I liked the shape and concept behind it but I was not able to buy it earlier because it looked expensive to me
(not now, I mean when I look at the initial price of Elite models when Ayrtek first broke into cricket field they were a lot cheaper than what they cost now (£229)). But after when I saw the new internal lining launched by Ayrtek I was very very keen to get one because for me comfort is most important factor in a helmet. In past I have owned helmets which were not a very good brand helmet nor they offered good protection but they were comfortable and that is what kept me using them.
Anyways, so I saw
revboy selling it and obviously first thing that caught my eyes was the colour as I prefer green colour helmets so I started speaking with
revboy and while I was in talks with him I was absolutely stunned by Tom @ Ayrtek's service, I simply didn't expect this, since Tom also knew that I am from Pakistan, support Pakistani cricket team etc etc what he did as a courtesy was that he threw
Pakistan crest for
free (which normally goes for £20 if I were to buy from Ayrtek directly) so I saved £20 there
(But that savings was not really in my destiny as I got hit by customs for £20 LOL)Now coming to helmet as I earlier mentioned comfort level is very important for me so first thing I did was check how comfortable the helmet is so I took out of the box and wore it straight away
(must mention the scent of the helmet/helmet bag when I opened the box, it smelled amazing for some reason haha). When I first wore it I was like
''It is big mate'' but then I remembered it has got
'pump' on back so I pressed that button many times to fill in air and once I felt I have reached at optimum point I stopped. Then did a bit of shadow batting with the helmet and it felt very good and it passed my initial test.
In the beginning it felt a bit awkward wearing a new helmet because I wore a different helmet almost after a year so that is understandable, I believe it will require few nets before Ayrtek fully moulds on my head. I still remember when I first wore my Masuri I felt something is hurting me from the sides and I would often pull apart my helmet to loosen it but with this helmet that was not the case, it felt amazing while wearing it, the lining is pretty impressive, I really like it.
Second thing I love to have is big gap between front of my face and grill and this Ayrtek helmet passes that test too! I remember I don't know which model was it but I had this Albion helmet whose grill would be literally 1-2 cms away from my nose.
I would like to give Tom a feedback and that is that when I wear the helmet and wear chin strap what is a bit
(little bit only 
) uncomfortable are the plastic 'holders' which are on side
(on ears). The strap is fine as it is in other helmets too but that plastic feels a bit wired when I wear that helmet so rather than that position maybe lower it a bit and position it just under the ear if that is possible and if that make any sense ?
It is very very small feedback and are hardly noticeable but I believe if these are sorted out then it would be better. Again these things have not displeased me for even 2% out of hundred so don't think I am not happy with the helmet or I regret. I am very happy for the helmet and I believe I got a very good price for it too!
So once again many thanks to both
revboy and
Tom both were superb to deal with and I had wonderful experience with them.
After receiving Ayrtek I am fully convinced why they are expensive and why Elite model is £229, they fully deserve that price tag. If down the road of my life I happen to have ample of cash in my hands I can see myself owning Ayrtek Elite helmet
. The question I am asking to myself after receiving this helmet is "If Premier is so good and if I am so happy with this helmet then I wonder how Elite one will be!" and I guess time will answer that
My helmets;
Without crest
With crest
(Tom a good job done eh?)
Author
Topic: Ayrtek Premier Helmet Review (Read 8185 times)