Motorcycling racing is a sport that creates a first impression of power, strength, and otherworldly courage. The roar of the engines and the sheer size of the bikes are enough to intimidate. However, Italian helmet manufacture AGV calls the stereotype into question with its Valentino Rossi Pista GP Helmet. The helmet itself is a fusion of technology and good design; its carbon-fiber construct makes the helmet extremely lightweight at 1.25 kilograms, and its shape lends a 15-degree increase in field of vision with a 9% increase in visor area. The first fruit of AGV’s Project 46, which aims to set new standards of excellence in the industry, is also designed with comfort in mind since its creation begins with a 3D scan of the rider’s – in this case, Valentino Rossi’s – head. Indeed the bells and whistles are attractive, but AGV is serious about safety, going to the lengths of reducing the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) by nearly half. Aesthetically, the black helmet is both sleek and outstanding, accented with bold yellow lettering that declares the arrival of a new era of next-gen helmets.
