OK, so you’re a dedicated cyclist and you really want to keep riding, but its well below freezing outside. You can toss on several warm layers, put on some booties and cold weather gloves, but one part of your body always feels the sting of cold air- your face. For you die-hards, a Toronto, Ontario based physician and cyclist named Farzad Hariri may have solved your problem with the VisorX.
Bikerumor readers may remember another visor we checked out last year called Wide Eyez. Like the VisorX the Wide Eyez attaches to any helmet, but it doesn’t offer full face coverage. The Wide Eyez produced some doubtful comments regarding its appearance, and I can only imagine the VisorX will too.
With winter riding in mind the VisorX was designed to keep your delicate face protected from frigid air, rain, snow, and sleet. Furthermore, the VisorX offers an optional helmet cover to keep your noggin toasty too. The product’s campaign on Kickstarter has just begun but is already generating funds from those looking beyond fashion and thinking about function…
The VisorX is designed to fit any size helmet with easy installation, detachment and adjustment. Like the Wide Eyez, the VisorX’s mounting posts simply stick to the sides of your helmet with an adhesive backing. The photos reveal generous adjustment channels in the face shield, so fitting it to a wide range of different helmets seems feasible.
The shield is made from 3mm thick clear polycarbonate plastic, which meets the same industry specifications used for motorcycle helmets. It is durable enough to protect you from bugs, debris, branches or pebbles kicked up by vehicles. The shield is also lightweight, anti-scratch and offers UV protection.
With a visor covering your whole face condensation is obviously going to be a concern, but Farzad says he’s got that issue under control. The VisorX’s anti-fog system does use an anti-fog coating, but it also allows a bit of air (described as a gentle breeze) to flow through the shield to keep your vision clear. The visor has anti-fog channels, with one row at located the top and one just above your nose. These small holes are channeled to direct the air flow downwards onto the inside of the shield, helping to blow off any condensation.
Now that your face is protected, the VisorX’s optional helmet cover can help keep your head warm as well. Its stretchy, durable high quality rubber conforms to the shape of your helmet, plus its waterproof so you’ll stay dry inside.
VisorX shields will be sold in clear, smoke, silver, tint silver or gold shades, however there is no word on what color(s) the helmet covers might be available in.
Kickstarter supporters can currently buy a clear face shield for $39 USD, a smoke tinted shield for $63, or a Silver or Gold shield for $68, all with helmet covers included. You can also grab a day/night set, with a clear shield, smoke shield and helmet cover for $110.
If funding comes through, the first units are expected to ship in September. Check out the Kickstarter campaign here, or just go ahead and start the Boba Fett jokes below…
