The Shok-SpotR.

This has got to be the greatest thing since slice bread, for helmet safety. The Shok-SpotR is a nifty little low profile and discrete device that simply attaches to the back of your helmet and gives you a visual clue to any "unnecessary roughness" inflicted on said helmet.

Basically it's a carefully calibrated sensor that visually warns you of any significant impact to your helmet. It mounts on your helmet shell permanently and easily, in a groovy, ultra-lightweight housing. My unit came in black and my helmet is too, so it's not intrusive in any way nor does it spoil the helmet line or look. When activated, Shok-SpotR visually alerts you to stop using your helmet and have it inspected by its manufacturer. This will happen if the deceleration exceeds a predetermined level for more than a certain amount of time. That calibration level, by the way, is dictated with data from our sport. Most manufacturers warn us that a single significant impact can compromise the protective liner so it's better to be safe than sorry. I travel a whole bunch with my helmet bag and always keep it close to me, and although I never check it for flying, it's still very important to me to know that my helmet's not been bashed around in my absence.

The Shok-SpotR has a small indicator window that will turn red if it suffers a blow - I had a unique opportunity to thoroughly test this piece of safety equipment too. Looking at my old (actually it was brand new) Arai Quantum up top, you can see it's had a confirmed hit. In this case it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the helmet's safety has been compromised.

In that instance I had a 130mph highside style airborne visual reference, however, what about the helmet bar knock off that occurred whilst you were getting your coke inside at Bravo Burger? And what about if you loan your helmet to a "friend"? Cooties are easily spotted, simple neglect isn't, consider this your guardian helmet angel.

By the way, I can see this application on just about any type of helmet - dirt style especially and even your kids helmet - why take a chance?

The price is just $24.95, and sure enough, I've got another replacement to install on my new Arai Profile helmet - my head's easily (no, really) worth the $25 buckaroo's.

Visit www.shok-spotr.com for more info and to find a dealer near you.

Mike Emery