Inside The Made To Order Process For A Handcrafted Helmet
The result takes longer to arrive than an off the shelf helmet, and that is by design. A made to order piece is fitted, finished and checked individually before it ships.
Anti fog inserts and coatings help in cold or wet conditions, but they are not a substitute for a visor in good condition. Once scratches build up to the point where they catch the light on every ride, it is time to replace rather than keep cleaning around the problem.
A handcrafted helmet shell starts with a base material, commonly fibreglass or a composite blend, layered and shaped by hand rather than produced purely by mould and machine. Each layer adds strength, and the shaping stage is where a lot of the time in production actually goes.
A jacket built for riding, rather than a fashion jacket that merely looks the part, adds abrasion resistance across the shoulders and elbows, and many include pockets for armour inserts. Boots that cover the ankle protect a joint that takes real force in an off, and trousers or riding jeans extend that same protection down the leg.
Sun and heat are the two things to watch for. Leaving a helmet on a dashboard or in direct sun for long periods will dull and eventually crack leather trim, so a helmet bag or Hedonist a shaded spot makes a real difference over the life of the helmet.
A made to order helmet starts long before any material is cut. Measurements are taken, the intended use of the helmet is discussed, and a rider works with the maker to settle on a shell, lining and finish that suit them specifically, rather than picking from fixed stock sizes.