Core77

Updated helmet design pays attention to the way they're actually used

By Rain Noe - April 21, 2009

in Object Culture

One of the more interesting details in Mark Bowden's book "Blackhawk Down" is that the older, more experienced Special Forces soldiers did not wear ballistic Kevlar helmets, opting instead for plastic Pro-Tec skateboard helmets. The latter were more lightweight, more comfortable and did protect from the head bumps a Special Forces troop was bound to encounter while crawling around in tight spaces, although they offered zero protection from bullets. In short, they were willing to sacrifice safety for comfort.

Similarly, in New York during summer you'll often see messengers whizzing around on scooters with their helmets perched on top of their heads, like bulbous beanies. Obviously it offers little protection that way, but it is significantly cooler, temperature-wise.

Apparently messengers do the same thing in Brazil, and Sao Paulo design firm Questto Design noticed. Their design of the Capacete E8 helmet, produced by Brazilian firm EBF, has a hinged lower fascia that can be tilted up and out of the way, providing some temperature relief while ensconcing the rest of your noggin.

via josh spear

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Leonardo

15 years ago

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The brazilian police also use this kind of helmet too. but not are supplied by the BMW.
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Ben

15 years ago

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I'm afraid you guys are indeed missing the point here. While flip-face helmets have been around for years, they were not designed to be worn both open and closed WHILE RIDING. A lot of the images in the links you've submitted illustrate why -- you can't go 60mph with a huge plastic shelf jutting out from the top of your head! Wind resistance would make this awkward. What Questto is bringing to the table is the ability to transform your helmet from either a solid helmet to a 3/4 style helmet when it's hot outside -- and still haul butt!
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Z

15 years ago

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Not only is it not a new idea but it's not as good as current flip front 'lids' available on the market.

With most flip fronts the chin can move round to the back of the helmet whilst allowing the visor to be used to protect the eyes (from wind and pebbles etc). At least that seems to be the case from the image.

Otherwise it looks nice.
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andre gascoigne

15 years ago

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The South Australian Police force use these helmets and I believe they are supplied by BMW.
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Bart

15 years ago

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Sorry but this is not new.
BMW system 1 (80s) (latest is system 6) was one of the first flip up helmets.
Providing also a better way of communication (as used by lot of police in Europe.

Also look at this thread for some more helmets with that feature
http://boards.core77.com/viewtopic.php?t=18183

B-art
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stephen

15 years ago

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how is this any better than the already manufactured - modular full face helmets on the market?!
http://www.aeolus-online.com/catalog/pics/Modular_Full_Face_Helmet.jpg

am i missing something?
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Evan

15 years ago

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Although this is a very nice looking design, the concept is not a new one. My boss had one of these when I was in high school (~2001). He never rode his motorcycle with the front part up for safety reasons, but he liked it specifically because you could put on / take off your helmet without removing your glasses.
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Josh

15 years ago

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This style of helmet has been out for years... Is this really news?
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