AGV PistaGP Helmet Launch

We are delighted to annouce the laucnh of the new AGV PistaGP Helmet. The new helmet is part of the AGV Standards project, which, in line with the qualities established by Amisano, revolutionises the way helmets are designed, setting new records for protection and ergonomics that are clearly evident.

”I consider the PistaGP helmet a tribute to Gino Amisano, an entrepreneur I admired for his ability to innovate, the records he achieved, and the competitive spirit with which he faced every challenge. 

The new helmet is part of the AGV Standards project, which, in line with the qualities established by Amisano, revolutionises the way helmets are designed, setting new records for protection and ergonomics that are clearly evident. The next generation helmets arising from this project are intended to place AGV, once again, in a leading market position with its technology.” Lino Dainese

The PistaGP is an innovative helmet, the first of a new generation of helmets that are the outcome of the AGV STANDARDS project, a new process that revolutionises the design method and testing of helmets. 

AGV STANDARDS and PistaGP were created in 2009 with Valentino Rossi as the leading rider for its development and testing. 

About three years after the project began, the AGV PistaGP helmet is ready to get on the track with Valentino Rossi.

DESIGNED AROUND YOUR HEAD

Anthropometric data 

Head circumference is a measurement that is too limited. It is inadequate for effectively describing the shape of the head. To design a better helmet it is therefore necessary to more accurately determine the characteristic measurements of each size. 

After examining important research on the subject and after carrying out a series of scans, AGV identified the anthropometric data that allow each size to be more accurately measured.

Reverse Engineering 

Converting anthropometric data into “figures” leads to a “digital head”, which can be used to design a helmet, starting with the components that are in direct contact with the head and continuing to the exterior shell. The shapes of structures are modelled on the contact surfaces so ergonomics are improved. 

Each component of the helmet is represented in digital form, which is used for all further stages in the design project. 

With the AGV Standards project, AGV thus revolutionises the usual design process for helmets, which generally starts with the external surfaces that are then “filled” with internal structures, “from the outside to the inside”. 

The PistaGP helmet, instead, has been created thanks to painstaking research regarding the shape of a rider’s head, around which all the structures of the helmet are designed. The aim is to optimize performance in a way that is demonstrable and measurable in terms of protection, ergonomics and comfort.

BETTER COMFORT 

Fit 

The correct fit of a PistaGP helmet is obtained with the new Reverse Engineering process. Designing around the head means beginning to conceive the helmet starting with the structures in contact with the head. This results in substantial innovation for a part of the helmet, which was not previously given the importance it deserved. 

The padding of a traditional helmet is usually formed from surfaces that are stitched together to create a flat structure. This type of process may cause problems with comfort due to the stitching that is in direct contact with the head and to folds that may appear when the helmet is worn.

For the PistaGP helmet, the padding has a 3D concave structure that is pre-shaped according to the morphological characteristics of the head, while the surfaces in direct contact with the head are free from stitching, which has been appropriately moved. Comfort is ensured. 

This special shell structure also allows an innovative system for adjusting the fit to be applied by means of calibrated cylinders which, inserted into the housing provided, efficiently adapt the fit of the helmet to the shape of the rider’s head. 

These combined solutions, covered by three patents, provide an extraordinary high level of comfort for the fit of the PistaGP helmet, as well as adaptability to different shapes, unknown up to now.

BETTER VISIBILITY

Wider field of vision +15° 

The PistaGP helmet is the outcome of research into ergonomics focused on its use on the track. The upper edge and sides of the visor window have been raised to give the rider a better view of the track in front and laterally, all benefitting active safety. The field of vision is 15° wider and the total area of the visor window is 9% larger than the previous helmet, without compromising its level of protection.

BETTER PROTECTION

G-force transmitted to the head -36% 

The PistaGP helmet reduces the residual impact force transmitted to the head by 36% compared to the limit of 275 G set by ECE regulations. This result is achieved thanks to the new AGV STANDARDS design process, which optimizes the structure of the helmet, using simulation of finite elements (FEM - Finite Elements Method) and many in-house tests.

HIC index -48% 

The HIC (Head Injury Criterion) index measures the level of brain trauma risk due to accelerations of impact. The AGV STANDARDS design project has achieved an HIC index that is 48% below the limit established by ECE regulations.

Visor movement area -71% 

The basic visor movement area has been drastically reduced compared to the GP-Tech. This allows use of the space saved to increase the thickness of the absorption material, benefitting safety.

Visor thickness 3.3mm 

The visor thickness in the visor window area (the one most potentially exposed to impact) is 3.3 millimetres, thus offering increased protection. Although it is extra thick and significantly curved, the visor is Class 1 optical standard approved, the highest class, and provides excellent vision.

BETTER AERODYNAMICS

Lateral section -6%, front section -3% 

The PistaGP helmet has been designed, according to AGV STANDARDS principles, around the rider’s head “from the inside to the outside”. The structural components of the helmet are researched to obtain the required performances, minimizing measurements and weights. The entire helmet is lighter and more compact than the previous one while offering substantial improvements in terms of protection ergonomics and comfort. 

Z-Lift -44% 

The Z-lift index describes the tendency of the helmet to exert pressure on the head or to lift and “pull” the rider’s head upwards. Negative values indicate that the helmet tends to lift; zero or slightly positive values indicate that the helmet does not lift or exert too much pressure on the rider’s head, which positively influences the stability of the helmet. A helmet that tends to lift and wobble tires the rider and prevents a clear field of vision, especially at high speeds. The PistaGP helmet has been extensively tested in wind tunnels and the Z-lift has been reduced by 44% compared to the previous helmet, indicating a slightly positive value. This result has been obtained without worsening the air penetration coefficient.

Z-LIFT -44% NON +172%

BETTER VENTILATION

Air intake area +193% 

The air intakes have almost tripled in size, whereas the entire ventilation system, including the positioning and sizing of the air intakes are the result of research into computational fluid dynamics in wind tunnels. The ventilation system of the PistaGP helmet removes heat and moisture very efficiently.

VALIDATION

The Champion confirms 

The rider Valentino Rossi has taken part in testing the PistaGP helmet since 2009. His opinions have been extremely valuable in identifying the best technical solutions to adopt. His comments, which confirm the results of the simulations and tests carried out, are as follows:

“I am very happy with the interior shell” 

“Great aerodynamics, it feels like I am not wearing a helmet” 

“Excellent ventilation, it is really noticeable” 

“Exaggerated visibility, like switching from the TV to the cinema”.

Valentino Rossi’s validation is the final approval of the PistaGP helmet, whose conception process, research, design, testing and validation, has complied with the innovative guidelines established by AGV STANDARDS. The PistaGP helmet will be available in stores in December 2012, and will be followed by a new generation of AGV helmets for sports and touring.