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| 2000 plus Helmet Technology |
In 1995 all standards agencies except DOT switched to ISO headforms, a closer approximation of the average head shape. Between 1997 and 2000 NexL® developed it's patented foam liner technology using ISO headforms. Our resilient High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) foam liner with a density variation of only +/-3% compresses where styrofoam with a density variation of +/-10% crushes and polyurethane just doesn't make it. So we can make a liner 6 mm thinner and meet DOT specs on DOT headforms with an excellent safety margin. On ISO headforms our helmet sits 1/2" lower, just like on your head and as a result we have even better coverage and safety margin.
A smaller helmet lowers wind resistance and drag and makes a huge difference once you get over 30mph. No lifting and "parachuting" with our helmets. A large shell with wads of padding makes a heavy helmet with a fat side profile which loves to lift off. While padding may feel good it goes flat instantly under load. We make three shells with two liners each, snug, form fitting sizes to keep your helmet as small and light as possible. Truly an aerodynamic design, not just another brain bucket.
Knowing we had the smallest liner possible, we took the approach of producing the lightest liner/shell combination and bit the bullet on shell cost. Our Kevlar® and Carbon Fiber Reinforced (KCFR) composite dry fabric shell is state of the art technology. With NexLs' KCFR shell and HDPE liner NXT™ helmets are 3/4 lb to 1 lb lighter than any other DOT helmets, comparing the same size and style to size and style. Yes they are expensive helmets to make, they are the smallest and lightest DOT helmets you can buy and DOT records for 2005, 2006 and 2007 confirm this, we believe the savings in fatigue and neck and back pain alone are worth every cent.
DOT TEST DATA for 2007 - 2005
DOT has published data of their 40 helmets tested in each year. We analysed the data at flat anvil low temperature (worst case) to see how well our patented liner performs and noted only 4 NXT™ helmets and 2 ARAI helmets with a 10ms horizontal rise/fall time, 60 helmets with an 08ms horizontal rise/fall time and 12 helmets with a 06ms horizontal rise/fall time. ASTM, Snell and all other helmet standards limit peak acceleration to 300g, most helmets are designed for 200-220g. This adds up to 39 helmets per year, we omitted one helmet exceeding 300G in 2005 and 2006 and exceeding 300G plus failing penetration and retention tests as well in 2007.
What does this mean for you the rider? The longer time and lower acceleration the better for your head. Arai state their helmets have a multi-foam (density) liner for comfort no single-foam liner can match, we agree, we have our patented dual laminate HDPE liner with very similar characteristics. The differences between NXT and Arai are weight and price, apples to apples:
• NXT 201 L 1196 grams (42oz) BLACK $199.95
• Arai XD XL 1624 grams (58oz) BLACK $485.95 and yes, we know you get bells and whistles with Arai.
NexL® Foam......... The right foam for total body protection.
NexL® is an acronym for
- Nitrogen
- Expanded
- Xross
- Linked
NexL® foam is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). -- Water and milk containers are HDPE.
NexL® foam is Made in the USA using a unique nitrogen gas process -- Air is 70% Nitrogen.
Xross-Linking makes it tough, flexible, and resilient. -- All cells are interconnected and work together. Kind of like "all for one and one for all".
Completely waterproof with great UV stability.
Useable working range from 250ºF to -90ºF.
Quality is incredibly uniform @ +/-3% density.
Approved for direct skin contact with no odors or chemicals.
Kevlar® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company used under license.
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