To begin I want to provide full disclosure. I the Manufacturing Production Manager with KIRSH Helmets. You may ask "what does that mean?" and "why is this important?" I lead our manufacturing team in the crafting of the silicone fluid displacement liner (FDL), hand assembly, packaging, and logistics. It is important for you to know that I work for KIRSH Helmets as my approach to educate about head protection will come from my knowledge and experience working for them.
"Who is KIRSH Helmets?". We are a small start-up company in the Upstate New York area. All components for our helmets are sourced, manufactured and assembled here in the USA by Veterans and People with Disabilities. Our goal is to "flip the script" on the old foam technology way of protecting the head and brain. After an exhausting 8 years of research and development our first product the CHM-1 half shell entered the marketplace the end of October 2020. The half shell helmet is only the starting point for KIRSH Helmets. Our engineers are working to incorporate our patent Impact Technologies design into different styles of motorcycle helmets as well as other head protection devices.
When shopping for a helmet, here are important things to remember:
The style of helmet you wear is personal choice. It needs to be something that makes you feel safe and comfortable while riding. Although KIRSH Helmets currently offers only a half shell design, 3/4, full and modular designs are in the works. We are working at a fever pace
Look for a helmet that meets at a minimum, DOT certification. This is important as a certified helmet is required to meet a specific level of protection. True DOT certified helmets manufactured after May 2013 are required to have a sticker on the outside or inside of the helmet that states the manufacturer's name, size, month and year of manufacture, and instructions to the purchaser which includes construction materials and warnings regarding the care and use of the helmet. KIRSH Helmets include a reflective sticker on the back of the helmet which improves visibility of the rider. The fluid displacement liner includes information on the construction, care and use.
Chin Straps need to be made of a quality material and must be securely fastened to the helmet's shell. The chin strap should be easy to secure and remove the helmet and provide comfort while riding. Pull on the chin straps and ensure that they are made of a quality material and that there is no separation between strap and shell that could indicate a lack of security. Place the helmet on your head and practice securing and removing it. Make sure that it feels comfortable under your chin. KIRSH Helmet chin straps are made of a high quality webbing to provide strength and comfort. The straps are securely fastened using a riveting system that ensures it will stay attached to the shell. The chin straps are easily taken on and off with our patent quick release system.
Bulky helmets can act like a kite when going at cruising speeds lifting the helmet up from the head and providing wind resistance which will impact loading on the neck affecting fatigue and discomfort. You want a helmet that fits well around your head which will help cut back on the "fly away" tendency. The fluid displacement liner in the KIRSH Helmet allows the helmet to fit close to the head. This reduces wind resistance and buffeting reducing fatigue on the head and neck.
Foam becomes hot and is difficult (if not impossible) to clean. Look for interior components that are made to keep your head cool and comfortable. Look for interiors that are able to be removed for cleaning. The KIRSH Fluid Displacement liner is easily removed for cleaning. It keeps your head cool and comfortable by drawing heat away from the head. The liner can also be placed in a refrigerator or cooler prior to wearing in order to further enhance the cooling aspect.
Shell Construction of the helmet is important. The shell of the current foam helmets is made to delaminate (or break apart) in order to exhaust energy from the impact. The KIRSH Helmet works entirely different so its shell is made of a polycarbonate blend made to withstand multiple impacts and not break apart.
A helmet that has weight to it is a sign of quality and will be more likely to provide good protection. A true DOT certified helmet will weigh about 2.5 pounds. The KIRSH Helmet weighs about 3.6 pounds and feels heavy in the hand in comparison to other helmets. It remains secure on your head and does not shift around taking your attention away from riding and safety. The weight is not a factor when riding which is why our motto is "The Proof is in the Ride",
Do not allow the price of a helmet to guide you in your purchase making decision. Purchase a helmet that is able to protect your life / quality of life in the event that you are in an accident. The standard color half shell at www.kirshhelmets.com sells for $249.50.
KIRSH Helmets has a team of sales people throughout the USA and will be showing up at all types of bike events. We will be offering FREE demo rides so that you are able to see for yourself why we say that the "Proof is in the Ride". KIRSH Helmets is also the Official Helmet of the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
If you have any questions I would be more that happy to help. Ride Safe!!
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