Daan Zoetmulder, the founder of Headfirst Helmets, hails from Amsterdam and has been cycling “his whole life”. In that experience, he has some glaring issues with commuting helmets: they don’t fit right (which can make them unsafe), they’re uncomfortable, and “they make you look like a moving mushroom”. It’s for these reasons that he’s teamed up with the award-winning Design Studio APE to create the Headfirst Echo Pro.
The Echo Pro is a revolutionary helmet that uses Headfirst’s pioneering, proprietary SafeFit System. This system is designed to deliver the “perfect fit”, better protection, a smart light, and a better-looking aesthetic that urban commuters will want to wear.
After two years of development and testing, Headstart has just launched a Kickstarter Campaign. They look to be getting strong, early support.
Let’s break it down.
Perfect Fit is First of its kind?
Headfirst’s patented SafeFit system is able to adapt to the rider’s head with a simple push; no adjustment dials are needed. Unlike other helmets where the shell shape doesn’t change but an internal harness does, the SafeFit system seems to actually cinch the helmet shell down to fit the rider.
To accomplish this, there is an internal ratchet system that holds the adjustment when you push the sides of the helmet in. There is a simple lever to release the helmet if you need to readjust.
In recent studies, it’s been shown that 35% of adults wear ill-fitting helmets. And that number jumps to a staggering 90% when it comes to children wearing helmets that don’t fit right. In both instances, protection is reduced by up to 50%. Headfirst Helmet’s claim that their SafeFit solves this problem.
Multi-Impact Protection
Also, unlike traditional cycling helmets, which are deemed unsafe after one impact, Headfirst’s advanced materials “can handle multiple hits”.
Childhood through Adolescence
The Echo Pro is designed to evolve with the user and will be usable from the age of 4 through teenage years. This is because of the SafeFit system’s adaptive framework that can accommodate growth while maintaining consistent protection, creating a versatile safety solution that grows with young riders.
Smart Design
Each of the Echo Pro helmets features an integrated brake light. The light automatically activates when you slow down. This can significantly increase visibility while riding in traffic.
Great Styling
Headstart says that they believe that they’ve reimagined the helmet as a “clean, minimalist accessory that will want to be worn”, because the safest helmet is the one that riders actually want to wear.
Durable
The materials used to manufacture the Echo Pro are recycled materials. So, the helmet is designed for longevity, not the landfill.
The successful Kickstarter Campaign closed last week, but you can still pledge late to get in on one of the first round of helmets. Click the link below for more info!
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