Riding a motorcycle in very hot weather can be quite vexing, particularly when trapped in traffic-jammed daily commutes. BluArmor Helmets suggests a simple solution to keep the head cool; a detachable air cooler unit that fits to most full-face helmet in seconds and sends refreshing air inside.
BluArmor Helmets is a new company from Bangalore, India, that introduced its first product just a few months ago. The BluSnap is a portable, battery-powered air cooler, working by a quite simple principle; a fan drives air through a moist filter towards two nozzles that sit inside the helmet, spraying a refreshing stream in the helmet's internal circulation.
The cooler is a black boxy device that contains a 60-ml (2-oz) water reservoir, an electric fan, a filter element and a non-removable battery. The latter is a smartphone-type 2,500 mAh Li-ion rechargeable unit, requiring up to six hours at a regular home outlet for a full charge, which is enough for as much as 10 hours of operation.
The BluSnap attaches to the chin area of the helmet, clamping the shell with the device on one side and two nozzles on the other. An elastic strap with silicone striping on the inside surface, much like the ones used with goggles, secures the whole device in place. It takes seconds to snap the air cooler on and off and, as it requires no permanent fixtures, it is instantly transferable from one helmet to another.
BluArmor claims that the cooler creates a microclimate inside the helmet that can range from six up to 15 degrees Celsius below the ambient temperature, provided that the visor is closed at all times. The filter element withholds dust and has antibacterial properties for cleaner air inside the helmet.
Blowing air on the inside of the visor also means that it will never mist with the BluSnap in use. This would be very useful in places were misting is the result of heat and humidity combined, but blowing cool air inside a helmet may not be as pleasant during a cold and rainy winter ride.
BluSnap is supposed to fit most full-face helmets, although the odd elaborate design might pose fitting problems against the unit's flat back surface. Also, chin guards are obviously incompatible.
As far as safety is concerned, in case of an accident the device seems rather unlikely to snag onto something strongly enough to cause injury, as it would probably break free from the helmet the moment it finds some resistance. Still, there is one piece of information missing from the available specs; the device's weight could theoretically affect both safety and comfort.
Bulky looks aside, the BluSnap is available online in India for as little as INR 1,948 (US$29), with a choice of five different strap designs. Interested parties from other countries should contact the seller though, as it is unclear if international shipping is on offer.
See the BluSnap's inner workings as visualized in the video below.
Source: BluArmor Helmets