Photochromic Visor Inserts?
Discussion
Hi,
Any recommendations for these, and do they actually work?? I have an Arai Viper GT helmet and own a clear and dark visor for it. Been mostly riding bright sunny days with the dark visor fitted, but it's highly possible I'll be doing a few evening runs where I need the best of both worlds regarding visor colour. I don't really want to be stopping to change visors over when light conditions change so thought a photochromic insert may be worth a try, but I have zero experience of these things.
Thanks!
Any recommendations for these, and do they actually work?? I have an Arai Viper GT helmet and own a clear and dark visor for it. Been mostly riding bright sunny days with the dark visor fitted, but it's highly possible I'll be doing a few evening runs where I need the best of both worlds regarding visor colour. I don't really want to be stopping to change visors over when light conditions change so thought a photochromic insert may be worth a try, but I have zero experience of these things.
Thanks!
I'm not sure about inserts but I've just bought a genuine Shoei 'Transitions' branded photochromic visor for my new NXR2.
I only have 2 x 1hr to rides to provide feedback from but it's brilliant, so far.
Looking at the helmet/visor externally, going from inside the house - bright with morning sun - to outside in the very bright sunshine, the visor changed from lightly smoked to very dark (as dark as any dark visor I've ever seen) in what I'd guess was <15 seconds.
In that state, with the helmet on, the view out was perfect and was similar to wearing quality polarising sunglasses, or a decent quality dark smoked visor.
When I got home it was a bit cloudier, but still bright, and the visor was noticeably lighter smoked looking from the outside. I can't say I'd noticed the change in tint during the ride.
With the helmet then set down in the garage - door open, still good daylight but obviously shaded - the visor had quickly changed to completely clear with no noticeable tint.
Not sure how helpful this is if you're looking at inserts but I'm very, very pleased with mine so far.
They're bloody expensive though!
I only have 2 x 1hr to rides to provide feedback from but it's brilliant, so far.
Looking at the helmet/visor externally, going from inside the house - bright with morning sun - to outside in the very bright sunshine, the visor changed from lightly smoked to very dark (as dark as any dark visor I've ever seen) in what I'd guess was <15 seconds.
In that state, with the helmet on, the view out was perfect and was similar to wearing quality polarising sunglasses, or a decent quality dark smoked visor.
When I got home it was a bit cloudier, but still bright, and the visor was noticeably lighter smoked looking from the outside. I can't say I'd noticed the change in tint during the ride.
With the helmet then set down in the garage - door open, still good daylight but obviously shaded - the visor had quickly changed to completely clear with no noticeable tint.
Not sure how helpful this is if you're looking at inserts but I'm very, very pleased with mine so far.
They're bloody expensive though!
There was a decent discussion in here on these a few weeks ago. Might come up in a search or someone with a better memory might be able to link it.
In summary the photochromic visors are really good. Nobody has a bad word to say about them. I've had one on a Shoei for years and wouldn't want a helmet without one.
The pinlock style inserts aren't quite as good. This is generally because visors have UV protection (even when clear) which prevent the inserts working as well as they could. Another possible issue is light leaking round the edge of the insert which might not cover the whole visor.
Just found the latest discussion - there have been a few over the years. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
In summary the photochromic visors are really good. Nobody has a bad word to say about them. I've had one on a Shoei for years and wouldn't want a helmet without one.
The pinlock style inserts aren't quite as good. This is generally because visors have UV protection (even when clear) which prevent the inserts working as well as they could. Another possible issue is light leaking round the edge of the insert which might not cover the whole visor.
Just found the latest discussion - there have been a few over the years. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by trickywoo on Monday 14th July 10:31
acricha3 said:
I have 2 helmets with them (well one is an insert and one is the actual visor), its my preferred go to now for road riding.
They just seem to work and I find the transition is subtle enough I don't notice until I put my visor up or see the contrast with the non insert covered visor.
Interested to know if you know what brand your insert is? They just seem to work and I find the transition is subtle enough I don't notice until I put my visor up or see the contrast with the non insert covered visor.
Seems I have very limited options for the Arai SAL type visor. But I have found a Progrip insert on ebay for little over £15 so will probably give it a try for what it costs. Failing that, I'm looking at a half way house light smoke tint visor from Bob Heath, or a new helmet...
Hi. I bought one of these inserts and found it pretty useless. It was for an Arai Tour X4 and, at best, it went a little dark in the helmet in all weather (sun & cloud). Taking it out of the helmet, it went perfectly dark, but that was pointless. I can only assume the Arai visor cut out so much UV the insert could not go any darker. I never used it again, but it seems others have had better experiences.
If you get the chance, try before you buy would be my advice.
If you get the chance, try before you buy would be my advice.
Jazoli said:
The Shoei ones are amazing, would definitely recommend
Is that the inserts or the visor itself?I agree that the Shoei ones are excellent, I’ve been riding for the past 7 years or so exclusively using their photochromatic visor. I have heard poor reports on the photochromatic inserts though.
FWIW
The Transitions visor on Mrs Safari’s Bell helmet was equally as good as the Shoei one.
Also the Transitions visor on my current Klim helmet is excellent.
KobayashiMaru86 said:
Do they do the visors for HJC and are they pinlock too? I tried the photochromatic insert on my RPHA70 and didn't make much of a difference. It still mists badly too so wouldn't mind trying a whole new visor if one is available.
Transitions only have Shoei on their website but not sure if they may do others.https://www.transitions.com/en-gb/products/adaptiv...
I guess there must be other manufacturers, though.
KobayashiMaru86 said:
Do they do the visors for HJC and are they pinlock too? I tried the photochromatic insert on my RPHA70 and didn't make much of a difference. It still mists badly too so wouldn't mind trying a whole new visor if one is available.
Transitions only have Shoei on their website but not sure if they may do others.https://www.transitions.com/en-gb/products/adaptiv...
I guess there must be other manufacturers, though.
Baldy881 said:
acricha3 said:
I have 2 helmets with them (well one is an insert and one is the actual visor), its my preferred go to now for road riding.
They just seem to work and I find the transition is subtle enough I don't notice until I put my visor up or see the contrast with the non insert covered visor.
Interested to know if you know what brand your insert is? They just seem to work and I find the transition is subtle enough I don't notice until I put my visor up or see the contrast with the non insert covered visor.
Seems I have very limited options for the Arai SAL type visor. But I have found a Progrip insert on ebay for little over £15 so will probably give it a try for what it costs. Failing that, I'm looking at a half way house light smoke tint visor from Bob Heath, or a new helmet...
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