News | Worlds First Foldable Multi-Impact Helmet
Over the past few months we’ve had a multitude of bike related crowdfunding campaigns, from on the go adjustable stems to a complete redesign of the bicycle pedal… Now the latest sees a totally new concept in helmet technology with ‘Headkayse’, the world’s first soft and foldable cycle helmet.
The creators claim the helmet to be ‘revolutionary’ as it steers away from the conventional concepts of expanded polystyrene, instead using their own ‘Enkayse’ material. The helmet is a world first in being able to take repeat impacts whilst still conforming to world safety standards, meaning that you won’t have to throw the helmet away after a crash like a typical polystyrene helmet which will split on impact. The soft design and ‘X’ strap harness gives the helmet infinite adjustability and so it will be a one size fits all product.
The helmet has been completely designed and developed in the UK with the production also set to take place in Britain, it is now ready to go into production, but that is where the crowdfunding campaign comes in. The base target is to raise £ 60,000 (approx € 85,000) with more design options such as new buckles, straps and colours should they exceed their target. It will retail at £ 89 (approx € 130) and should be available – if the campaign is successful – in June 2016.
We will of course have to reserve judgement until we have tested the product but whilst the looks may be a matter of personal taste, one potential issue we can foresee compared to the traditional concepts is that the soft shell may grip the impact surface on crashing, increasing friction and rotational forces, perhaps creating potential for injury. This is something other helmet manufacturers have worked on systems to reduce, such as on Leatt’s 360 Turbine. The helmet weighs in at around 350 g still in its prototype form so it is highly likely the helmet will have slimmed down by the time it hits the shelves.
It remains to be seen whether the Headkayse will be able to establish itself in a very competitive market, if you want more information of fancy backing the product then head to it’s crowdfunding page.
Words: Ross Bell Photos: Headkayse
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