Hats with knobs on

[sunnyjim]

I haven't seen this discussed elsewhere, but may have missed it.

AIUI Cycle helmets work by spreading the energy of an impact over a larger area and time as the relatively soft foam deforms.

So we don't degenerate into the traditional pissng contest, assume we're talking about a case where the helmet is working within the limits of it's design parameters to provide a tangible level of protection against injury.

Now, if small hard objects like cameras & lights are attached to the helmet, doesn't this negate the point of the helmet, and possibly make things worse?
By concentrating the force of impact over a small area, roughly the size of one of the ventilation holes, the surrounding foam would compress round the object, effectively holding it in place as it's forced through the foam /through a hole and into the skull ? - effectively turning what might have been a nasty bump into a serious brain injury?

Would M'learned friends argue that by fitting such objects the culpri...errr.. victim got no more than they deserved?

 

[2Loose]

I concur m'lud.

The attachment of devices to safety equipment would lessen the protection at the very least, especially if said object was directly impacted, thus causing increased trauma to the area. In effect negating the use of the helmet at the very least.

Saying that, where else can you fit a camera usefully?

 

[Trumpettom001]

surely attaching the cam to the tippedy-top of the helmet wouldn't pose too much of a safety risk?? If you're falling top-of-your-head first, then you're not gonna have much hope anyway are you??

 

[SimonC]

WTF do you want to fit a camera in the first place?

 

[Trumpettom001]

some use it as proof in cycling incedents on commutes - nice to have video evidence of idiot motons... don't ask about legality of this as there are most certainly a couple threads about this, all discussed at great length..

 

[Kestevan]

I would guess that if you were mounting the device with a properly designed "snap off" fitting the chances of any significant force being transmitted before the mounting sheared off should be fairly slight.

On the other hand if you've TIG welded a camera to the side of the helmet, then you're asking for trouble.

 

[slowmotion]

My two pennies...

Any small object fixed to a helmet is likely to concentrate the force of a collision into your skull , rather than reduce, and dissipate it.

Think of a hammer and a centre-punch.

 

[BentMikey]

I'm going to disagree, and suggest that attaching lights and or cameras to your helmet is going to increase your overall safety. Sure, it'll probably reduce the effectiveness of your helmet, but since helmets have a negligible effect on safety anyway (even if you believe they work as well as claimed by the best proponents), that effect is much smaller than the increase in safety you'll get from adding lights and/or camera.

 

[2Loose]

I'm going to disagree, and suggest that attaching lights and or cameras to your helmet is going to increase your overall safety. Sure, it'll probably reduce the effectiveness of your helmet, but since helmets have a negligible effect on safety anyway (even if you believe they work as well as claimed by the best proponents), that effect is much smaller than the increase in safety you'll get from adding lights and/or camera.

Very good point BM.
The best idea is not to come off, and if you ever do (god forbid) then there will be evidence of why on film.

 

[Cab]

I'm going to disagree, and suggest that attaching lights and or cameras to your helmet is going to increase your overall safety. Sure, it'll probably reduce the effectiveness of your helmet, but since helmets have a negligible effect on safety anyway (even if you believe they work as well as claimed by the best proponents), that effect is much smaller than the increase in safety you'll get from adding lights and/or camera.

I've recently mounted my camera on the handlebars, and I agree with you. A camera on top of the helmet stands out, its visible, and motorists give you more space if you stand out (especially if they realise its a camera). With a camera on the handlebars you don't get this advantage.

 

[marinyork]

It's not just cameras on helmets. I've had a light on the helmet in the past. Again aids safety in theory.

 

[BentMikey]

I did mention lights already - I think a helmet light has a much bigger effect on your safety than a camera, but even the camera has a significant effect.

 

[Cab]

Camera or light, similar result in my experience. It looks sufficiently different to make you stand out, so you often get more space.

Very like having a bike trailer.

 

[jonny jeez]

I concur m'lud.


Saying that, where else can you fit a camera usefully?

I'm just surprised Simon didnt suggest that you "bend over" so that he could show you!

 

[jonny jeez]

I'm going to disagree, and suggest that attaching lights and or cameras to your helmet is going to increase your overall safety. Sure, it'll probably reduce the effectiveness of your helmet, but since helmets have a negligible effect on safety anyway (even if you believe they work as well as claimed by the best proponents), that effect is much smaller than the increase in safety you'll get from adding lights and/or camera.

+1 Mikey, this is the ONLY reason I wear a camera, I dont record for fun, of for You-tube amusement.....I record for my own safety.

I was actually advised by a Met Police officer (after my first and only altercation in over 1,500 miles of commuting) that if I had a camera strapped to my head, the incident would most definitely not have occurred.

Up until that point, I'll be honest and say that I thought head cam wearers were a bit "speckky" for my liking....How things change, with new found perspective