A Helmet without a Chin-strap? Yes please!

Love them or loathe them, helmets haven't really changed much over the years. Every year, they get marginally lighter or aerodynamic. Perhaps they're made from carbon now and there's a general decrease in pricing from just about everyone but Arai. About the only "revolution" I can think of comes from Reevu, with it's internal rear view mirror

I tried one on in the store. Didn't seem that useful to me.

Despite all this innovation, the one thing that hasn't changed is how you put it on. It goes over the head, you close the chin-strap.

If Voztec have their way, that will be no more.

Their new helmet allows the user to put on the helmet by using a rear hinge. Watch the video above. It's perhaps more crazy than it sounds.

The first thing that leaps to mind is safety. If the helmet is supposed to absorb and dissipate impact forces, how well does that happen if it's two part? The video doesn't address this point and it's also still a prototype, but Voztec suggest the helmet already undergoes rigorous testing and that it will pass all required safety requirements when available. So far, so good.

The plus points are numerous though. Firstly, the large thumb buttons to release the rear mean it will be easy to put on and off even with gloves on - try that with your d-rings. It also seems faster than regular helmets.

Secondly, in the event of a crash, there's a hinge release lever. As long as the paramedics can find it, this means that the helmet can more easily be removed and the rear pad supports the head and spine when it is. This is a huge win.

But what about that chin-strap? Doesn't it mean the helmet can release? No. Instead, the "hole" is tighter and more aerodynamic (and cleanner looking) than on a regular helmet. There's also a solid chin bar that can be adjusted that provides a more solid fit.

Overall, this looks to be a huge step forward for helmets. About time.

More about Voztec here