Italian off-road specialist UFO Plast has launched its ‘Diamond’ helmet, describing it as an “innovative, revolutionary helmet developed by our engineers after a long and careful search, aimed at achieving the highest level of protection and comfort, using the most advanced technologies and materials to protect and make off-road riding more comfortable.”
The outer ‘Diamond’ shell and its original ‘diamond’ shape (with stiffening ribs) is designed to optimise shock absorption and impact energy dissipation, and has been built “using the latest technology, made up of a high percentage of carbon (over 60%) and aramid fibre to maximise performance and minimise weight.”
At the heart of the “revolutionary technology” that the company says characterises the ‘Diamond’ is a Rotation Impact Absorbing System (RIAS) - in addition to dissipating compression-absorbing shocks like traditional helmets (linear impact), the helmet structure combines “innovative technology that dissipates the energy associated with rotational acceleration (rotational impact), reducing tension and providing additional protection for some types of impact. This is all possible thanks to the combined work of the different layers of material used.”
The main inner shell in high density EPS has a very compact, rigid outer surface (in contact with the outer shell). The inner surface has large grooves that offer a dual function: they provide greater airflow and differentiate impact force dissipation effectively as if the main layer had two different densities.
The inner oscillating shell, consisting of low density polypropylene foam (PPE) to provide gradual absorption, was designed to rotate inside the helmet, working in conjunction with the main inner shell. This system enables multi-directional sliding that also dissipates the energy associated with rotational acceleration, to improve protection in case of rotational impact.
It is also equipped with foam protection, located at the bottom of the chin rest and at the base of the neck. This advanced Limited Extension Anti Shock (LEAS) protection system “represents an important advance in the containment of the front and back neck flexion and in impact dissipation in the event of a fall. This system can work in conjunction with modern neck braces.”
UFO Plast has also designed an exclusive visor adjustment system, Sliding Visor System (SVS), incorporating a sliding flap in the middle that adjusts the length of the visor even when moving.
The ‘Diamond’ is also equipped with a complex AES - Airflow Extraction System ventilation design. At the top front, under the visor, there are three large air vents which, in conjunction with the other four slots underneath the facial foam, convey fresh air directly into the shell. The EPS interior is channelled “for perfect airflow distribution that is conveyed and released by four large extractors positioned at the back of the shell - two at the top and two at the bottom. This system guarantees perfect air extraction and excellent heat dissipation.”
The ‘Diamond’ has a fully removable interior for easier maintenance and cleaning - all components are fixed with Torx imprint aluminium screws (T8). The interior, mounted on the helmet by means of snaps, is made of “premium, breathable materials and offers excellent comfort. The inner padding is easy to disassemble and fully removable for washing and to ensure perfect hygiene.
“The cheek pads are also equipped with a quick removal system in case of emergency (Emergency Cheek Pads Removing/ECPR). This allows riders to remove cheek pads with the helmet still on, allowing for easier helmet removal in the event of an accident.”
The ‘Diamond’ is equipped with a chin strap closing system with double D closure in anodised aluminium with 25 mm tubular band, complete with magnetic hooking closing button. The closing band also offers comfortable, adjustable length padding.
UFO PLAST S.R.L.
www.ufoplast.it
