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The Icon Ultraflite is a strong mid-price street helmet. It combines a fiberglass shell, MIPS, DOT plus ECE 22.06 certification, a drop-down sun visor and two shields in the box for $325 to $399. It’s also the first Icon to earn 4 stars from the UK’s SHARP impact tests under ECE 22.06. The trade-offs are weight, about 1.8 kg, and above-average wind noise, so it suits commuters and sport-touring riders better than long-haul tourers who want silence.
This review is research-based. We didn’t test the helmet ourselves. It’s built from Icon’s specs, SHARP’s published test results, retailer listings, an independent hands-on review and owner feedback, all checked in November 2026.
Quick verdict
- Buy the Ultraflite if: you want MIPS, ECE 22.06 and a sun visor in a stylish helmet under $400, and you have an intermediate oval head.
- Skip it if: low weight or a quiet ride is your priority. The Airframe Pro is lighter, and premium touring helmets are quieter.
- Compared with the Airflite: the Ultraflite is safer-rated and better equipped, but slightly heavier and a bit louder.
What is the Icon Ultraflite?
Icon launched the Ultraflite in mid-2025 as a 2026 model, and UK trade press described it as the replacement for the long-running Airflite. It keeps the Airflite’s aggressive chin bar and internal sun visor, but moves to a hand-laid fiberglass composite shell and makes MIPS standard on every version.
Icon Ultraflite specs
| Spec | Icon Ultraflite |
|---|---|
| Shell | Fiberglass composite (carbon on the Ultraflite Carbon), 3 shell sizes |
| Certification | DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06, Japan PSC |
| Rotational protection | MIPS, standard on all versions |
| SHARP rating | 4 stars (tested 2026) |
| Weight | About 1.75–1.82 kg depending on shell size (Icon figures) |
| Sizes | XS to 3XL |
| Head shape | Intermediate oval |
| Shield | UltraShield, quick-change, Pinlock-ready; clear and dark smoke included |
| Sun visor | Internal DropShield |
| Ventilation | 4 intakes including a chin vent, 2 exhausts, channelled EPS |
| Liner | Removable, washable HydraDry with emergency-release cheek pads |
| Comms | Ready for Icon HelmLink (made by Sena), sold separately |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Specs are from Icon’s Ultraflite page and US retailer listings.
Prices and versions
- Ultraflite Solid (black or white): $325
- Rizz Rizz graphic: $350
- Graphics such as Nuestra Señora, Opal Mandala, Misanthrope and Doodle3: $399
- Ultraflite Carbon (black, silver or gold): $525 list, often discounted
Every version shares the same certification, MIPS liner and features, so the solid colours are the best value.
Safety: SHARP 4 stars
SHARP tested the Ultraflite in April 2026 against the ECE 22.06 protocol. It scored the top mark in every zone at the two lower impact speeds, and kept 5/5 at the front and rear at the highest speed, but dropped to 3/5 on the left and right sides. Overall, that gives it 4 stars, which is the best result an Icon has achieved in the newer test. It’s a clear improvement on older Icons like the 2-star Airmada. Source: SHARP Ultraflite test.
MIPS adds a low-friction layer that lets the helmet move 10 to 15 mm relative to your head in an angled impact, which aims to reduce rotational forces on the brain. Our MIPS motorcycle helmets guide explains how it works and what the evidence says.
Comfort, fit and weight
The Ultraflite uses Icon’s intermediate oval “Sport Fit”, the most common head shape. Owners report it runs small and feels snug pulling it on, so if you’re between sizes, go up and check Icon’s chart or our helmet size calculator.
Weight is the main compromise. Icon lists 1,745 to 1,820 g depending on the shell, and a hands-on reviewer measured a large at 1,803 g. That’s about 100 g more than an Airflite. Riders notice it most with the visor open at speed.
Visor and sun shade
The UltraShield is a quick-change, Pinlock-ready shield. Icon includes both a clear and a dark smoke shield, which saves around $50. Note that only the clear, Pinlock clear and dark smoke shields carry ECE 22.06; other tints are DOT only. The DropShield sun visor drops fully over the eyes, and Icon says to use it only with the main shield closed.
Ventilation and noise
Airflow is the Ultraflite’s strongest point. An MX-style chin vent, a top vent and channels in the EPS move a lot of air, and one hands-on reviewer scored ventilation 9/10. Noise is the flip side. The same reviewer gave it 6/10 for noise, and owners describe it as louder than the Airflite and at the upper end for a full-face helmet. Wear earplugs on the highway.
Bluetooth and accessories
The Ultraflite is designed for Icon’s HelmLink, a Sena-made intercom that fits the helmet cleanly. Any universal intercom that clamps or sticks on will also work. See our best motorcycle intercom guide for options, and our intercom installation guide for speaker placement.
Icon Ultraflite vs Airflite vs Airform
| Ultraflite | Airflite MIPS | Airform MIPS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $325–$525 | $250–$330 | $150–$250 |
| Shell | Fiberglass | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Certification | DOT, ECE 22.06, PSC | DOT, ECE 22.06 | DOT, ECE 22.06, PSC |
| SHARP | 4 stars | 3 stars (older test) | Not tested |
| Weight | About 1.8 kg | About 1.7 kg | About 1.76 kg (XL) |
| Head shape | Intermediate oval | Long oval | Intermediate oval |
| Shields included | Clear and dark smoke | One | One |
If you have a long oval head, the Airflite may fit better. If budget matters most, the Airform has most of the features for less. Our Are Icon helmets good? guide covers the whole range.
Pros and cons
Pros
- SHARP 4 stars, the best result for any Icon under ECE 22.06
- MIPS, DOT, ECE 22.06 and PSC on every version
- Excellent ventilation
- Clear and dark smoke shields included, Pinlock-ready
- Internal sun visor and emergency-release cheek pads
- Wide range of graphics
Cons
- Heavy at about 1.8 kg
- Louder than average at highway speed
- Runs small, and fit is snug to pull on
- Chin curtain can pop off when removing the helmet
- Only a 1-year warranty
Who should buy the Icon Ultraflite
Buy the Ultraflite if you ride on the street or do sport-touring and want the safest-rated Icon, with MIPS and a sun visor, for under $400. The solid colour at $325 is the best value. If you ride long highway days and want quiet, or you want the lightest helmet possible, look at a premium touring helmet or the lighter Icon Airframe Pro instead. For alternatives at this price, see our best helmets under $300.
FAQ
Is the Icon Ultraflite ECE 22.06 certified?
Yes. It’s certified to DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06 and Japan’s PSC standard.
Does the Icon Ultraflite have MIPS?
Yes. Every Ultraflite, including the Carbon, has a MIPS rotational-impact liner.
How much does the Icon Ultraflite weigh?
About 1.75 to 1.82 kg depending on shell size, per Icon. A large was measured at 1,803 g.
Is the Ultraflite better than the Airflite?
For safety and features, yes. It has a fiberglass shell, MIPS on every version, a better SHARP score and two shields. The Airflite is slightly lighter, a little quieter according to owners, and fits long oval heads.
Does the Ultraflite have a sun visor?
Yes. It has Icon’s internal DropShield sun visor.
