Hexr Customised Helmet Preview

Hexr claims to be the world’s first custom-fit helmet.

We’ve seen custom built bikes and shoes, but custom fit helmets? That’s a new one to me. Step forward Hexr, who have been kind enough to send me one of their home scanners. But first a little info about just what the Hexr helmet is and how it differs from other helmets.

Obviously the main difference is the custom fit. I must admit I’ve never given much thought to my helmet’s fit. Any initial discomfort usually fades away, especially on hard rides! Although looking back, I have had some helmets that were never pleasant to wear. I was always happy to get rid of them the first chance I got. So maybe custom fit is worth a look?

Hexr’s custom fit is achieved by taking a 3D scan of your head. There are three ways you can get your scan done; at a shop, their head quarters in North London, or at home. The first two – especially the HQ visit – offer the chance to discuss options and see one of the helmets. However not everyone will have a partnered shop nearby – or live in London – so the home kit comes in handy.

Apart from custom fit, what sets the Hexr helmet apart?

Looking at their website, Hexr list renewable materials, active thermoregulation, breakthrough safety and elite aerodynamics. Much of these benefits come through the core material that the helmet is made from.

Hexr have used Polyamide 11 – a 100% renewable raw material produced from castor oil – to produce an innovative hexagonal core, rather than the usual EPS foam. While EPS foam is great for flat packaging, Hexr realised it’s not so great for absorbing impacts. Also it’s non-biodegradeable and produced from crude oil, not a sustainable material.

Another benfit of using Polyamide 11 is that it conducts heat eight times better than EPS. It’s hardly surprising you get hot riding in the summer using EPS helmets, it’s an insulator. So summer rides should be a lot cooler.

Jamie Cook’s – Hexr’s designer and founder – decision to use hexagonal cells came after realising that helmets had been using EPS foam for almost 60 years. After some serious brainstorming he turned to hexagonal cells. These structures are much better at absorbing impacts and can be 3D printed, allowing for custom fit. Add in an outer shell that moves on impact – which reduces rotational forces – and Hexr claim a 26% improvement over 15 other MIPS helmets.

Like all top end road helmets, the Hexr has been designed to give you an aerodynamic edge. The outer shell was designed with help from TotalSim – British Cycling’s aerodynamics partner for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. With a 200W output for a 40 km time trial, the Hexr came out faster than a Giro Aether or Kask Protone.

Testing, certification and the future

Another benefit of Hexr’s custom build is that they only produce a helmet once a measurement is sent in. So no waste or excess stock sitting on shelves. As well as passing the EN-1078 certification, the Hexr was subjected to -20 and +50 degree temperatures. It also comes with one year crash replacement; smash it and they’ll make you another. And all the parts are replaceable, so you can order new straps or buckles if you need.

And once Hexr have your measurements, it’s possible they could make you a custom helmet for any sport. At the moment it’s only cycling, but in the future? You could be ordering a custom snowboard/skateboard/canoe/motorcycle helmet.

I’ll be taking my measurements and sending them off to Hexr, once I have the helmet I’ll let you know how the whole process went. In the meantime check out the Hexr website for more details.