The launch of the Ventete ah-1 inflatable helmet ends with a resounding success. The company has recorded a surge in sales in proportion to the units manufactured, which has depleted the stock in just a few hours. The helmet was available for about 417 euros and in addition to its unique design, it also offers improved impact protection compared to conventional EPS foam models.
Ventete ah-1: the helmet that aims to revolutionize the industry
Evolution is part of cycling, which can be defined as a dynamic market where manufacturers compete to impose their new ways of understanding the sport. However, some of these evolutions have a disruptive nature that breaks the mold and presents a completely new concept. Inflatable helmets belong to this group and if Inflabi came out some time ago, now it's Ventete who is making headlines.
Ventete is a company based in London that manufactures in Switzerland and, after almost a decade of development, has been fueling the launch of the ah-1 since February. The company opened the floodgates on July 16th and the demand was such that the stock sold out just a few hours later.
The ah-1 uses air pressure to inflate and shape the helmet; a solution mainly designed for urban cyclists that can inflate in less than 30 seconds and when deflated, it folds to a size similar to a laptop. Ventete includes a rechargeable USB-C mini electric pump that inflates it through a standard presta valve.
One of the key points of the helmet is that Ventete claims to offer protection in case of impact -both linear and rotational- with greater mitigation capacity than EPS foam helmets, as reported after independent tests conducted at HeadLab, at the Imperial College in London.
In addition, they explain that it has exceeded the safety requirements of the CE/UKCA certification (EN1078).
Another important point is that Ventete claims to have worked on their patented pressure indicator system to correctly read the safe operating pressure. Part of the efforts have also focused on avoiding the risks of puncture; for this, the 11 high-tenacity nylon chambers have been reinforced with a polymer rib. Furthermore, the chambers are lined with padding.
The helmet achieves great breathability, as it sits slightly on the head and allows air to circulate uninterrupted. The pneumatic structure effectively dissipates heat, according to Ventete, which explains that the tests they have carried out demonstrate the superiority of their product -in terms of cooling- compared to conventional EPS foam models.
Ventete has warned of the incompatibility of using CO2 cartridges. The ah-1 went on sale yesterday for about 417 euros and in just a few hours, the manufacturer's stock was depleted, which has not yet announced when it will be available for sale again.
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