GLANCING OFF
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WHAT IS GLANCING OFF? It is the ability of a helmet to Glance
situations outside the criteria of
helmet performance. Compared with
Off objects to avoid sending energy
those acknowledged standards. Arai
the shell of the RX-7 GP, the smoother
directly into the helmet and instead
believes that the R75 shape concept
area around the temple was increased
disperse as much energy as possible
for our shell construction, which
by an average of 24mm because of
without stopping in an actual accident.
mandates a rounder, smoother shell
the shell modification on the VAS
Arai believes that the ability to glance
enhances the ability of the helmet to
model. Having a larger, smoother shell
off energy, without stopping, is one
both disperse and distribute impact
over a wider area increases the ability
of the most important performance
energy . Arai has continually improved
to divert more energy.
characteristics of a helmet in real
the “Glancing off” performance by
world scenarios. A helmet should
learning from real scenarios through
not just comply with acknowledged
our long history. The new RX-7V ‘’VAS’’
laboratory test standards, it should
(Variable Axis System) is the latest
exceed
development in our pursuit of better
in
circumstances
and
Drop tests required by laboratory test standards are limited to a vertical fall with the helmet having to accept all of the impact energy directly at one point. However, real scenarios are very
and attenuate impact energy. This
different. In actual accident situations,
is glancing off. Arai believes that
most
helmets
no helmet can manage all potential
hit obstacles at an angle (oblique
cases
impact energy, therefore avoiding
impact)
not
show
that
vertically. Therefore,
or diverting potential impact energy
during an oblique impact, the point
with a rounder smoother shape
of impact moves as the helmet and
should be a key function of a helmet.
obstacle move against each other.
This is why R75 is one of the most
This changing impact point increases
important in-house standards at Arai.
the helmets ability to better disperse
A
Josh Wainwright, Oulton Park.
6
A
B
A
C
B
The first impact point As the helmet slides, Throughout the slide the absorption Initial absorption at point A. the absorption area spreads to point B. area spreads across points A to C.