How Do We Test Your Helmet?
- Using specialist laser technology, we create a real-time 3D hologram of your crash helmet / riding hat at each inspection point.
- We then apply a small amount of heat (+2-3degC) to your helmet at the inspection point.
- While the laser is focused on the inspection point, the coefficient of thermal expansion kicks in. As your helmet cools we compare how the hologram changes shape to reveal areas of damage to the helmet, should they exist.
- We then record the inspection data and capture images.
Repeat steps 1-4 until the entire surface of your helmet has been inspected.
Why Test a Helmet?
A crash helmet / riding hat is capable of harbouring safety-critical damage, which in many cases is simply not visible to the human eye. So,
a visual inspection, even by a trained technician,
is as effective as predicting a winning lottery number.
The resins and glues used to manufacture the shell naturally deteriorate over time, but the factors that accelerate the rate of degradation are complex, which is why manufacturers normally state a helmet is good for 3-5 years.
Our lab has tested helmets that are less than 2 years old, which have failed. We have also tested helmets that are +10 years old and they have passed.
These results reinforce our position that a visual inspection is wholly ineffective.
But Ultimately ...
It's because we’re also bikers, boarder, skiers, cyclists, mountain bikers and equestrians - and we want to provide people like us with
peace of mind for the most important part of your gear.