I remember reading about this or something similar before. Maybe last year on the WashCycle?
The neck collar looks like it would be more uncomfortable than a standard helmet. And would it cause neck chafing as you turn to look around throughout a ride? Plus it’s awfully expensive. Something like $500, I think. The commenters on the video also point out that it would be a bad idea for mountain bikers, because aggressive riding and maneuvers might cause the helmet to pop open during sharp turns and stops.
I’m also wondering what mechanism they are using for the airbag deployment. It will have to be some sort of explosive propellant in order for the airbag to work quickly enough in an accident. But that also means that you will be wearing that explosive propellant in a collar around your neck. Not sure I want to be doing that on a regular basis.
To prevent the blast force from traveling toward your neck, there will have to be a solid and sturdy plate of some sort. Would this be made of metal? If so, that is going to be heavy. Maybe it’s made out of thick plastic, but that doesn’t appear to be comfortable. Carbon fiber? CF doesn’t hold up well to crashes and blunt force. Would this be a problem for an airbag back plate. I don’t know.
The primary benefit, as far as I can tell, is that you would be unencumbered by wearing a helmet. That can be good for aesthetics and for comfort. But the downsides seem to weigh against those minor benefits.
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