Filed under: Gadgets, Motorsports, Etc., Tech
SpadaConcept designs a carbon-fiber racing helmet
If the name SpadaConcept rings a bell, you're probably recalling the Codatronca, the Italian coachbuilder's radical shark-nosed and tail-fined Corvette-based supercar pictured at right. The design studio has now designed a racing helmet for Italian manufacturer Stilo that's almost as radical.
The ST4 helmet is made of carbon fiber and manufactured in an autoclave, giving it a lower weight than conventional designs. Although it's not the first CF helmet on the market, it could be the most intriguing we've seen yet. The aggressive design incorporates two outlets for radio connection and hydration system in an aerodynamic shape good for open-cockpit racing. The result is a package that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie or video game (take your pick), but we'd gladly strap one on to test the 600-horsepower Codatronca, if and when the car is built.
[Source: Italiaspeed]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Taylor 7:16PM (12/30/2007)
Thats the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. Have fun with your shattered helmets.
Reply
Derek 7:37PM (12/30/2007)
Better tell that to race teams worldwide then....
Taylor 7:39PM (12/30/2007)
I'd love too.
Billy 7:42PM (12/30/2007)
If the helmet shatters it doesnt really matter, as long as it absorbs the impact and increases the delta T of you head on impact.
It still looks cool, I would wear one.
narcszm 7:58PM (12/30/2007)
I'm with Taylor. Give me Kevlar over CF any day. I don't like those little fibers in my fingers, much less my eyes.
Temple 12:35AM (12/31/2007)
They are a ton of CF helmets already on the market. They are very safe. You have to remember that many helmets already use fiberglass which is more likely to shatter into shards then CT.
also, if you were hit with a force enough for CF to shatter, shards from the helmet would be the least of your worries. It would probably snap your neck before the helmet breaks.
cowboy bob 9:30AM (12/31/2007)
All helmets must meet minimum safety standards. If they do not, they cannot be used. Also, if the helmet is damaged from inpact, it is doubtful that there would be an "emission" of fiber, or resin. Seems like itching, or inhaling particulates or fiber would be the least of your problems in a collision that would shatter a helmet. (Duh). In a plane crash it may not be too important if the coffee was hot or not.
Garrett 1:41PM (12/31/2007)
yeah you do know that they make kevlar infused products right?
Brent 7:17PM (12/30/2007)
A carbon helmet, been done before, so what?
Reply
geo.stewart 7:25PM (12/30/2007)
the new helmet for the Stig?
Reply
ActionGoose 7:32PM (12/30/2007)
This has been done in the two-wheeled scene for years. AGV and HJC are just two examples.
Reply
Jeff Banks 8:21PM (12/30/2007)
Breathing in carbon fiber dust is really, really, really, really bad for you. I don't know if a helmet would create any dust upon impact, however.
Carbon fiber has sort of lost its mistique as an 'exotic' material. Hell, my Giro Atmos bike helmet has carbon fiber bits on it (obviously not the same thing as a full carbon drivers helmet, but you get the point) I miss painted/colored stuff.
Reply
Brent 8:39PM (12/30/2007)
No carbon in my Bell helmet! I have some carbon fiber on my Lemond Zurich though. :)
Guenther 3:16PM (12/31/2007)
Bob- I understand what you're saying, but I'd hate to have my last cup of coffee be cold airplane coffee.
Helmet/Hydration- has anyone had good luck with a particular bite valve? My Camelback valve is a poor fit inside my road helmet.
Reply
speedball3 4:06PM (12/31/2007)
It's the Airwolf helmet!!!! I wonder if a dark shaded visor drops down when you press the side of the eye opening.
Even w/out that.... cool helmet design. Looks menacing!
Reply