Safety Gear from Head to Toe

Head

I’ve been riding my own bike for over 20 years, and over that time, I have acquired many different types and brands of “safety gear and apparel.” One thing that I have learned is that not all gear is made equal, nor is it going to be a good fit for every rider. With that being said, I’m not here to suggest any specific gear or brand to you. I’m also not going to suggest you should, or should not wear certain gear. I’m just here to share my findings about gear from the research I have personally done. I thought it would be fun to look into the latest safety gear, starting from head and working our way, monthly, down to toes.

When it comes to helmets, the basic shape and main idea have not changed much in the last 15 years. I recall the same types from when I first looked for a helmet: Full-Face, Modular, Half-Helmets, and Open-Face Helmets. There are also Dual-Sport and Off-Road helmets for Adventure Riders. Most large companies still use the same or similar materials, and the general way of making helmets is the same. I found that in 2021, the safety standard was raised, so I imagine that made some companies update their lower-model helmets.

The biggest thing that caught my attention in helmet technology is the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology. This technology involves adding a low-friction layer between the outer shell and the EPS liner. In the event of an impact, this additional layer allows the helmet to move slightly, reducing the rotational forces that can cause brain injuries. If you would like to read about MIPS, click here.

In addition to a helmet’s shell, there have been lots of what I would consider fun and smart possible upgrades. Some are focused on comfort, and others on the technology side. Now, there are all sorts of fancy visors that pop up and down, inflatable cheek pillows, easier chin straps, and simple ways to transform your helmet. It’s as if the things we see in futuristic movies are really coming true.

The technology available in helmets has also exploded. It used to be fancy if you had two helmets that could talk to each other, but now you can answer phone calls, stream music with buttons on the helmet, and listen to your GPS. Some of the articles I have read talked about being able to see these things along with the views from 360-degree cameras around your helmet right in your visor. Technology keeps advancing, and so does the love of riding.