Racing helmets are probably the most important safety feature ever conceived. They are the most important thing a biker can have and in the racing business, they saved thousands of lives over the years. However, the beginnings were not exactly impressive. Years after the car industry kicked off, racing drivers were using only goggles as a safety precaution, then the evolution started and helmets were following the development much like cars and brakes. With every year they became better and better. Now, the high-tech helmets racing drivers and bikers use are the most impressive pieces of tech out there.
The video Donut Media put together shows us in a simple way, but in great detail how helmets evolved over the years. As it turns out, before the Second World War, helmets were nothing more than cloth covering the head to protect it from dirt. After the WW2, helmets became hard shells, made of steel and the industry really boomed. Many companies specialised in production and development of helmets, radically increasing the safety factor, lowering weight and integrating ever more technology.
Sure, bike industry and racing industry helped so right now we have awesome helmets weighing only 1.250 grams. These helmets feature aerodynamic elements, air supply systems, and drinking straws, have radio communication systems, and are affixed to neck restraints. Also, fire retardation and full face masks are a part of almost any of them.
