Shining a light on an innovative new helmet from Uvex
It’s November in Sweden and that means the weather is getting colder, and the mornings and evenings are rather dark! Unless the sun is shining then light isn’t fantastic during the day either, which means it’s vital that I can be easily seen I’m riding. If you use the roads for hacking or to cycle to your yard, reflective, hi-vis and LED kit are clearly sensible additions. And even if you try to avoid it, twilight can descend so quickly at this time of year, can’t it? I bet every single one of you can recall when you’ve been caught out and had a scary ride home on roads when it’s too close to dusk for comfort. Even if you’re going no further than the school in your yard or on private hacking tracks, make sure everyone can see where you are.
Luckily, I’ve got a new riding helmet from Uvex that is just SO clever that it solves this issue for us. I’m planning to use this blog to focus on a product (or maybe two or three) each month that will help you stay warm, dry and safe in the saddle, and my first one is taking a closer look at this brilliant helmet. It’s called the exxential II LED, and it’s the very first Uvex riding helmet that has built-in lights to help you be seen even on the darkest nights…
Why I love the Uvex exxential II LED helmet
As I said in the intro, the most important thing a helmet does is protect your head. Whether you’re working a horse on the ground, riding them, clipping or loading a youngster, this helmet will keep you safe. Plus, I just love the fact that this helmet is rated for both riding horses and bicycles! I know plenty of you use bikes to get to and from the stables and then ride your horses. Now, instead of having two helmets, you can have one top quality helmet that does it all!
Of course, I also LOVE the lights. It’s dark here in Sweden in the autumn and winter and I know those of you in other northern European countries are stuck with short days until spring. Having the right equipment is so important, and I’m seriously impressed with how Uvex have integrated the lights on this helmet. I’ve been trying this out on hacks with Takida and then at twilight in the school, and I’m told the lights are really, effective. If you’re worried the LED pack and additional tech might make this helmet heavier, think again. I was pleased that when I popped it on my head, it was just as light as my previous helmet.
Finally, I’m thrilled that the Uvex exxential II LED helmet is both elegant and stylish, which I know is important for lots of us. Safety always comes first with helmets, but style is helpful too, if it’s possible! This helmet definitely does both.
Digging into the details!
“Here comes the techy bit – concentrate!” Yes, I want you to say that in the style of Jennifer Aniston in those iconic L’Oréal adverts from the height of her Friends fame. Your helmet is the most important safety kit you wear when you’re riding or working with horses, so you must always dig into the details. So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about this clever helmet from Uvex!
- There are 31 LED lights on the helmet – white lights at the sides and red ones at the back of the helmet.
- The lights aren’t visible in daylight, and they aren’t on all the time – you press a button to activate them.
- You can choose from one of three modes: constant, flash and pulse.
- The lights are powered by a plug-in LED unit with a magnetic attachment at the rear of the helmet.
- There’s a battery indicator to check when you need to recharge, and the battery will last for between six and 12 hours, depending on use!
- The Uvex exxential II LED helmet is rated to EN 1384:2012 and VG1 01.040 201412, EN 1078.
- It has a moulded outer and an EPS inner shell so that it’s impact resistant on the outside and shock absorbing on the inside.
- The design includes clever ventilation channels designed to draw fresh air in and expel warm air – comfort guaranteed!
If you’d like to take a closer look and snap up this helmet for safer riding on the roads, just click here.
