Patrick Pedevilla and his team spent five years tinkering with the Awake 1.0 before they were finally able to hold the finished bike helmet in their hands. But then the coronavirus pandemic caused the young start-up from South Tyrol to miss its market launch. Now 720 Protections is taking another run at it and presenting the Awake 1.0, an MTB helmet with a completely new inner life thanks to its HexaGo honeycomb structure. The High Energy Absorption Polymer used here is designed to absorb impacts significantly better than classic EPS. The Awake 1.0 is also designed to provide efficient protection against rotational forces without the need for additional technology such as MIPS to be dependent.
Awake 1.0 Prices and Info
- HexaGo technology made from High Energy Absorption Polymer
- Polycarbonate shell
- Fidlock magnetic fastener
- Sizes: M (53-56) / L (56-59)
- Colours: black / white / red / yellow / blue
- Weight: 523 grams in size L
- Prices: 199 euros (matt) / 219 euros (glossy)
- www.720protections.com
HexaGo technology
Under a polycarbonate shell, which according to the manufacturer is also mainly responsible for the relatively high weight, is an elaborate honeycomb construction made from an elastomer specially developed with 720. This is designed to deform in the event of an impact and distribute the impact forces evenly across the hexagonal structure. According to the manufacturer, the rubber-like material should be able to return to its original shape after deformation.
According to the test report, the Awake 1.0 was able to deliver outstanding values in the EU standard for bicycle helmets, which allows a maximum acceleration force of 250 g. On average, the Awake 1.0 was able to reduce the forces exerted during a free fall from a height of 1.53 metres and a speed of 19.6 km/h to just 115 g. By way of comparison: In our last BIKE helmet testin which we tested based on the EN-1078 standard, the helmets had an average value of 193.8 g. The best helmets in comparison performed significantly better with values of 158 g, but their protective effect is still significantly lower than that of the Awake 1.0.
Rotation protection included
In addition to good shock absorption, the Awake 1.0 should also provide very good protection against the rotational forces that occur during a fall. Because a fall is usually not straight, but at an angle, the head is set into a rotational movement on impact. This increases the risk of suffering a concussion. The new 720 helmet does not need an additional sliding layer, as offered by the familiar MIPS system. The honeycomb structure made from the aforementioned elastomer is flexible and only connected to the helmet shell at a few anchor points. Thanks to its mouldability, the technology should also reduce the rotational forces that occur. According to the manufacturer's test protocols, the values are at a similarly high level as the very good helmets from our last test. Helmet test in BIKE 12/2020. However, the values here are not one hundred per cent comparable due to a slightly different test setup.
The video explains how the honeycomb structure works.
Made in Italy
One aspect of our conversation with 720 founder Patrick Pedevilla particularly impressed us: the Awake 1.0 is not manufactured in the Far East like many other helmets. The honeycomb structure is injection moulded in Italian factories, as is the polycarbonate shell. According to Pedevilla, sustainability plays a major role in production. For example, plastic and harmful colours are not used in the packaging. The Awake 1.0 is delivered exclusively in FSC-certified cardboard. The only component that is not manufactured in local factories is the magnetic Fidlock fastener.
Colours and sizes
At the start of sales, the Awake 1.0 was initially only available in black and white, each in a matt and a glossy version. The manufacturer is now adding three more colour variants for the start of the season. The sizes M (53-56 cm) and L (56-59 cm) are still available.
Awake 1.0 in the first test
We have been using the Awake 1.0 for a few weeks now and are particularly impressed by its great fit and comfortable padding. The headband is easy to use and adjust in height. The Awake 1.0 sits snugly on the head. The magnetic lock from Fidlock is unusual when you first close it, but then proves to be very clever: not only is it particularly easy to open with one hand, but the width can also be quickly adjusted while riding. The strap adjustment inspired by motorbike helmets makes this possible.
The rather high weight of 523 grams is noticeable on longer tours and especially on bumpy, technical terrain. If you are not used to such a heavy helmet, you might feel the weight on the back of your neck. According to Pedevilla, however, the Awake 1.0 will be slimmed down in the future. Another shortcoming is also to be rectified: The visor can currently be adjusted, but only within a very small range. In addition, the visor is sometimes jerked back into the lower position if the side screws are not tightened precisely. Unfortunately, it was not possible to determine whether the promised good ventilation also works in practice in the temperatures prevailing at the time of testing.
Conclusion on the 720 Protection Awake 1.0
The weight of the Awake 1.0 is a strong counter-argument, especially since it MTB helmets on the market that weigh a good 200 grams less and also deliver acceptable acceleration values. However, anyone looking for maximum safety should definitely take a closer look at the South Tyrolean helmet. The Awake 1.0 also impressed in terms of comfort and features.
Stefan Frey
Editor
