Will Elastomers Change Helmet Design?
Will Elastomers Change Helmet Design?
ROUNDUP
New 6D ATR-1 helmet aims to dramatically reduce concussions
THIS SEASON IN AMA 250cc SUPERCROSS, Eli Tomac and his Team GEICO Honda teammates are wearing a special new helmet designed to reduce concussions. Called the ATR-1 and built by 6D—a company started by Bob Weber and Robert Reisinger in Brea, California—the helmet looks fairly conventional but features a proprietary kinetic-energy management system said to be much more effective than traditional MX lids in absorbing lowthreshold impact energy, the primary cause of concussions in riders.
Most traditional helmets, says 6D, are made stiff to pass DOT and Snell drop tests and typically feature a single, energy-absorbing liner made from expanded polystyrene (EPS). The ATR-1, in contrast, has two EPS liners beneath its hard carbon-fiber/fiberglass/ Kevlar outer shell. And between each liner is a “very specific programmed array” of 27 hourglassshaped elastomeric dampers that serve as a “freemotion” suspension for the rider’s head. The dampers, which create a 6mm air gap and have a rapidly increasing spring rate under compression, allow the split liner to shear omni-directionally within the helmet to provide improved performance against oblique impacts and, hopefully, reduce rotational brain injuries caused by angular acceleration.
Some specifics: The ATR-1, which weighs 1490 grams and exceeds DOT and ECE standards, is fitted with titanium D-rings, a flush-mounted, tear-away visor, a sternum pad, a washable CoolMax antibacterial liner and removable cheek pads that channel air from the chin bar to the air gap for improved ventilation. What’s more, a clavicle cutaway helps reduce mass, while a large eyeport accommodates all popular motocross goggles.
The ATR-1, which has a three-year warranty, went on sale in February at an estimated $745. Not inexpensive, for sure, but very much in line with the price of today’s upper-end street helmets. And if you’ve had a history of concussions or just want to avoid getting one in the first place, the ATR-1 certainly deserves a look. We plan to sample one soon. In the meantime, visit www.6Dhehnets.com to see a raft of data backing up the laudable claims of this potentially revolutionary helmet.
Andrew Bornhop
I QTo our local IKEA, for providing motorcyclists with dedicated spots in its huge parking lot. While on the surface it may not make much sense to ride a motorcycle to this giant retailer of assemble-it-yourself furniture, there are times when all you might have to pick up is a bag of frozen Swedish meatballs. Or the three small shelf-support pegs that were missing from the bookcase you just spent all afternoon assembling. Not that we would know...
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Among the study’s findings: Areas with a Wilderness designation have a much lower per capita income compared to non-Wilderness areas. Moreover, economics did not underlie the Wilderness Act of 1964; rather, it was established more for emotional, ecological and cultural purposes. There are 759 Wilderness areas in the U.S., totaling 109,663,992 acres. They are found in all states except Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland and Rhode Island.
