During the first Sepang test Valentino Rossi debuted this new AGV helmet dubbed PistaGP (pista in Italian means track) that sparked a lot of interest after the Italian said “it feels like I am not wearing a helmet.
Its aerodynamics have increased, with excellent ventilation and exaggerated visibility, like switching from the TV to the cinema.
”Rossi was the leading rider involved in this three year project (it also helps that he was named the honorary president of AGV back in 2008) that was officially presented to the press during this past weekend final pre-season test at Jerez.
According to the blurb, which doesn’t say when it will be released to the the bike riding world of Joe public and more importantly if someone who doesn’t make six digit paychecks will have to sell his first born (which some days I feel like doing) or a kidney (well we do have two) to afford to buy this innovative helmet that is based on laser scans of the rider’s head and then the measurements are converted into a digital format.
These measurements are then used to design the helmet, from the inside to the outside, adopting state-of-the-art digital design technologies based on CAE/CAD methods.
For more pics and info on the PistaGP just hit the jump.
The structural components of the helmet are designed to obtain the required performances, minimizing measurements and weights.
minimizing measurements and weights.
The helmet is The helmet is therefore lighter and more compact therefore lighter and more compact than previous ones while offering better protection, ergonomics and comfort.
That is this PistaGP technically speaking offers:- The residual impact force residual impact force transmitted to the head is reduced by 36% compared to the limit established by ECE regulations.
– The HIC (Head Injury Criterion) index is 48% below the limit established by ECE regulations.
– The basic visor movement area has been reduced by 71% compared to the GP-Tech helmet.
This allows use of the space saved to increase the thickness of the absorption material, benefitting safety.
– The visor is Class 1 optical standard approved approved for excellent vision.
– The field of vision field of vision is 15° wider and the overall visor window area has increased by 9% compared to the previous helmet, without compromising its level of protection.
– The ZZ -Lift index (force of helmet lifting because of aerodynamic forces) has been reduced by 44% after wind tunnel tests.
– The air intakes air intakes have almost tripled in size, whereas the entire ventilation system of the PistaGP helmet removes heat and moisture very efficiently.
The padding has a 3D concave structure, which is pre- shaped according to the morphological characteristics of the head, while the surfaces in direct contact with the head are free from stitching for guaranteed comfort.
–The fit of the PistaGP helmet, covered by three patents, provides an extraordinary high level of comfort and adaptability to different shapes unknown up to now.
“I consider the PistaGP helmet a tribute to Gino Amisano, an entrepreneur I admired for his ability to innovate, the records he achieved, and the competitive spirit with which he faced every challenge.
The new helmet is part of the AGV Standards project, which, in line with the qualities established by Amisano, revolutionises the way helmets are designed, setting new records for protection and ergonomics that are clearly evident.
The next generation helmets arising from this project are intended to place AGV, once again, in a leading market position with its technology”, said Lino Dainese President of Dainese and AGV.