VOZZ strapless/rear-entry helmet
 

A very interesting new design from a company in Australia...

This video answered a lot of my queries about how securely it is held on your head - although I'm not sure how well the chin cuff is going to allow you to speak (via bluetooth of course) or sing along to yourself as you ride - which I've been known to do!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnydMibNojo

I understand they also intend to offer a dual-sport/dirt version in the near future too.

Jx

I don't wear a full face very often, so I guess my opinion is a bit pointless. Nevertheless, after seeing the video, it looks impressive. I particularly like the safe removal in an emergency feature.

Vozz
 

Love to see true Aussie innovation. Proves you can build a better Mouse trap.
:D:D:D

Problem for Vozz will be marketing/distribution. But if they build it in China (where about 80% of today's helmets are made) then cost could be kept in line, but QA would have to be watched closely)

But it will still take major financial backing to go up against Arai, Shoei, Shuburth, HJC, AGV, Nolan, Suomy and the dozens of other brands few have heard of that are mostly junk but THOUSANDS wear them anyway.
(USA riders are VERY poorly educated in general)

It will take a lot of exposure (and pure luck) to get riders to try out and then accept (and then BUY doh) this new design ... and not everyone will like it.:(

Celebrity endorsement can help but these days it can be a LONG ROAD to real success. If they've got resources to do bike shows, races and major bike events worldwide for 5 years, plus strong connections to media, then they'll have a shot at it.

But on top of all that the helmet has to be BETTER than what is out there now.

Arai, Shoei and HJC have not just been sitting still all these years. I know that in the case of the Japanese, much of their stuff is proprietary. (Shell composites, foam types, et al.) Hard to get a factory tour ... and even then, they won't show you everything! :innocent:

Even though the basic "Flip Up" helmet has it's downsides, I like the ability to flip it up to deal with people or do things and NOT have to remove it and carry it around. Hands Free! :thumbup1:

Is it the safest? No. Because of this ... Arai don't even make a flip up helmet .... never have. Shoei do and that is the one I own. (among several others)

I'm sure mr. Vozz has tried his lid on a lot of humans for fit. I'm not sure every nose and face will fit into the designated area. But I love his rationale and explanation about this regards safety. But what about long term comfort?
Fogging? So many nit picks on helmets. I really wish him luck!

Always loved Arai and Shoei ... but I was lucky enough to have resources to buy them and when put on next to others ... just no comparison. QUALITY!

Good luck Mr. Vozz! I would love to try on one of your new lids if you ever get over to USA! You Rock! :D:D:D:D

bier

Sooo, how do I lock it onto the bike???:oops2:

Through the visor port, as you would on any full face or flip up helmet.
I hope you don't lock up your lid using the chin straps :nono:

I carry a short steel cable lock on board. less than 30 seconds to secure and lock helmet to rear rack. :clap:

I wish them luck with the EU approval. There will be at least one directive on chin straps and there is no way it'll be as simple as trying to pull it off a model head. doh

If you use a cable lock in London you may want to drill a drainage hole in the helmet for when drunks can't find anything more convenient :eek3:

I struggled with sound on the video. Was there mention of fitting? You would think they would need to supply variable padding and chin cups and instruct on adjustment? I also want to see one not misting when coming down hills in the likes of Norway, the Isle or Man, Lake district etc. in fog.

Andy

"the visor port, as you would on any full face or flip up helmet.
I hope you don't lock up your lid using the chin straps "

MD you are right of course, guilty on the second charge (ocasionally)

TWB; the chin cup is adjustable....

I like the idea, but with the close fit at the neck, and limited ventilation in that area I can see lots of fogging problems with that helmet too. Sure you can open up the visor but then rain, snow, hail and cold become a problem.

...........shu

Honestly, it's much more likely Vozz will release one low-volume run of its own helmets to prove the concept, then license the patent to Arai, Shoei, etc. :)

I agree, licensing to Arai or Shoei would be smart. But would be a very hard sell IMO. Up and comers like HJC or Shuburth may express more interest. :mchappy:

I use the D ring on my helmet strap to lock it to my bike and to carry my helmet frequently. Is that bad?

I like the Vozz helmet concept, but if it restricts chin movement and mouth opening, that would be a deal-breaker for me.

I though it was a specific UK law that you must have your helmet strap done up, so there is presumably something in the law requiring a helmet to have one.
I've now found the law states the helmet must be securely fastened, so they might be ok. That will depend on the exact wording of the E22-05, which I've just looked up. Section 6.11 covers the retention sytem.

The helmet is required to have a retention system which fastens securely under the lower jaw.
If that retention system is a strap, there are many further requirements on design, construction and fasting methods, but it does not have to be a strap...

The only part where the Vozz might struggle on the retention system is 6.11.7 - the means of a quick release mechanism must be self evident. As an unconventional helmet, the standard release is NOT self evident, if you are only used to standard helmets. The catches to release the helmet must be red (which they are on all the helmets I could see in the video), and other nearby parts must not be red. The red helmet he uses for some of the demo should therefore fail.

His bar code for emergency release is also not self evident.

6.11.7. If a retention system includes a quick-release mechanism, then
the method of release of this mechanism shall be self-evident.
Any levers, tabs, buttons or other components which need to be
operated to release the mechanism shall be coloured red, those
parts of the rest of the system which are visible when closed
shall not be similarly coloured, and the mode of operation shall
be permanently indicated.


I've only looked at retention systems in the regs. There may be other rules in there, which would be far harder to overcome...

Having said that, the Vozz website does suggest in the FAQ section that it is already AS/NZ, DOT & ECE certified.

The reference to the chin strap was only to do with using the chin strap/D rings to lock to the bike. Bad Idea. Thieves just cut them! And they are a pain to re-install. This happened to me in round 1980, lost a nice helmet that day.

I have no clue regards laws regarding chin straps, only that I never use mine to lock to bike. A short cable works well run through chin bar, just be careful not to
scratch shield where the helmet hangs.