#InConversation with Mark Bryant, founder of Vozz Helmets

August 10th, 2016 Avinash Noronha Features, Interviews comments

Rider safety technology is forever improving and we have seen airbags being fitted into racing leathers by leading gear manufacturers Alpinestars and Dainese. Helmets have been getting lighter and safer. But helmet technology hasn’t seen anything really revolutionary. Till Skully and Vozz Helmets burst onto the scene giving a very different perspective to helmet design.

The revolutionary design of the Vozz RS 1.0 is that it doesn’t use a chinstrap to secure the helmet. Instead the helmet has a hinge function at the rear which allows the rider to secure it from the sides.

The Australian helmet company has been working on this design for many years now and have spent countless hours testing it and ensuring that the product is different from every other helmet in the market currently, while at the same time being as safe if not safer than conventional helmets.

Unlike conventional helmets, the RS 1.0 isn’t slid onto the top of the head and fastened at the chin. Instead, the helmet splits into two parts with the hinge at the top rear. When the helmet splits it leaves sufficient space for the helmet to easily encompass the head, after which the helmet is shut closed from the rear bottom. The manner in which the helmet is worn and removed allows the underside of the helmet to be extended towards the neck, thus removing the need for a chinstrap.

We got a chance to have a quick chat with the founder of Vozz Helmets Mark Bryant about the RS 1.0. Here’s what he had to say:

xBhp: For how long have you been associated with the helmet industry?
Mark Bryant: 11 years since 2005.

xBhp: What made you think of designing a helmet without a strap?
Mark Bryant: Rear access helmets were developed back in the 1600’s by the scottish, we have perfected this technology so it is suitable for helmets today.

xBhp: Do you think the market is ready for such a helmet? Are riders receptive to unfamiliar technology?
Mark Bryant: Yes, riders are always looking for the best safety equipment and changes in technology so we are well placed to cater for the riders needs with this exciting new helmet technology.

xBhp: Your thoughts on Skully Helmets and the recent news of its closure.
Mark Bryant: I am not a big fan of heads up displays or coms systems as riding a bike is hard enough without any further distraction, I believe with new studies being conducted on such devices it may well prove that they are major distraction to riders.

xBhp: In case of a crash paramedics will search for the strap as in a conventional helmet. How simple/ difficult is it to remove this helmet from a crash victim?
Mark Bryant: The helmet can be removed by simply releasing the 2 locks either side of the helmet to gain full access to the rider without movement of the downed riders head.

xBhp: Besides not having to secure a strap, what is the biggest benefit the rider has from using the RS 1.0?
Mark Bryant: Aerodynamics, ease of use, and a super snug fit without lifting or buffeting affecting the helmet to name a few.

xBhp: Is the RS 1.0 available for all shapes and sizes of heads?
Mark Bryant: Rs 1.0 is available in 3 shell sizes with 6 fractional fittings from xs to xxl and has a round internal eps shape.

xBhp: Is the helmet shell manufactured by Vozz or a third party?
Mark Bryant: The helmet is made in the same factory as other leading helmet brands by a third party provider.

xBhp: Is the helmet DOT and ECE certified?
Mark Bryant: The helmet is ECE, DOT and AS/NZ certified and soon to be SG/JIS certified as well for the Asian market.

xBhp: Which are the markets you are targeting?
Mark Bryant: Global release, Australia followed by Canada, Europe, UK and USA.

xBhp: Can Bluetooth attachments be used on the RS 1.0?
Mark Bryant: The Rs 1.0 has no provision at present for coms systems however retrofitting such devices can be done.

xBhp: Since there is no strap involved, is it possible to wear/ remove the helmet while wearing riding gloves?
Mark Bryant: That is one of the benefits. Not having to remove gloves to don the helmet.

xBhp: Visor fogging is an issue every rider dreads, how well does this helmet handle riding in the rain?
Mark Bryant: The helmet has an anti-fog treatment and with the visor being further away from the rider’s mouth and nose we have not experienced any fogging issues to date. We have tested in the UK at -2 deg with no issues.

xBhp: Is it possible to open the visor easily with riding gloves on, to reduce fogging?
Mark Bryant: Yes

xBhp: Will we see a carbon version of the RS 1.0 in the future? Also when and what can we expect in the next version of the helmet?
Mark Bryant: Our second model which has started development will take another 1 year to complete and will be a full carbon/ composite version with coms system and styling changes to shape and venting, stay tuned for updates as they come to hand.