Denim Helmets? WTF?

If you happen to follow my other blog, Everyday Randomness, then you probably already know I ride motorcycles. What you don't know is I spent close to $600 for a top of the line Shoei helmet. The way I see it, if I wreck, I want the best brain bucket I can get! This afternoon I was reading some posts on a few motorcycle blogs I frequent. When I got to Helmet Hair, I saw something I decided I just had to review. Now, keep in mind I buy all my gear for safety, not looks, and if you are more concerned with the fashion trend of your gear, then I don't think you really need to be riding a bike. That reminds me of all the 16 year old teenagers we have around here who run out and buy a bike, and then ride around with nothing but t-shirt with some motorcycle slogan and shorts. They care more about how they look than how safe they ride, and normally they are the first ones to crash.

Now, what I saw this morning on Helmet Hair made me laugh. It seems that Nexx Helmets has created a denim motorcycle helmet. WTF? Here's why I hate this product so much.

Safety- There virtually is no safety factor when your helmet is made of demin. Why do you think smart riders ditch the denim pants in exchange for leathers? Until we can actually see the product in person, how do we know what's under there? Is there a hard shell as thick as normal helmets? Or is it a thin layer for shape with your padding on the inside? Also, this is an open-faced helmet. You will never see me wearing any open-faced helmet because they just aren't that safe. A close family member of mine wrecked last summer. He wasn't going very fast, about 30mph and he was on a little 250cc bike. It was a hit and run accident, and since he was wearing the open-faced helmet, when he hit the ground, everything was protected except his face. He ended up with massive facial damage and is still recovering almost a year later.

Dry Factor- So you're riding home from work on a bright sunny day, and you aren't expecting any bad weather, but the next thing you know, you find yourself in the middle of a small popup shower. Okay, a little rain, no big deal right? You'll just keep riding home. But wait a minute. Your helmet is made of denim? Your head is getting soaked? The helmet is soaking up all the rain and starting to feel really heavy on your head? Here's a tip. Don't buy a denim helmet you jack*ss! Don't forget that handy little pocket for your wallet or cell phone. It might seem super cool right now, but as soon as your goods get wet, don't come crying to me!

I really do agree with Helmet Hair when I say I think this was a total publicity stunt, but since the helmet is actually for sale, and there is at least one stupid rider out there who will buy it just to look cool, then will probably end up cracking his head open because he doesn't have the protection he needs, I would have to say this is a publicity stunt gone totally bad.