Pinlock Visors are a lifesaving yet inexpensive accessory for motorcycle helmets. If you are here reading this then chances are you have already heard about Pinlock and probably wondering what difference it makes. Well, a lot! And especially if you are riding often in cold and wet weather conditions.
Essentially, a Pinlock insert is an addition to a “Pinlock Ready” motorcycle helmet visor. A Pinlock visor simply eliminates the fogging up of the helmet visor based on the principle of double glazing of windows. It offers a simple and permanent solution to prevent helmet visors from fogging up and obstructing the field of view while riding a motorcycle.
The Truth About Pinlock Visors
Helmet visors do fog up. Professional riders tried and tested different hacks including soap suds, potato slices and even spit to prevent fogging. This was until Derek Arnold applied the principle of double-glazed windows using an insert made of moisture-absorbing material. The insert could be attached to the inside of a helmet visor using “pins” or “lugs” creating an airtight seal between the external visor and the insert.
The difference in temperature between the outside and inside of the helmet created a magical difference by reducing the fogging up of the helmet. The moisture-absorbing properties of the insert also played a huge role in preventing the fogging up due to the rider’s own breath. Eventually, the technology developed and the company flourished under the Pinlock trademark.
Today, Pinlock inserts are manufactured for almost all helmet brands around the world pertaining to specific models to accurately fit the contours and effectively prevent fogging.
Different Grades Of Pinlock Inserts
The Pinlock company manufactures Pinlock inserts in three specific performance grades. Each grade indicates the anti-fog performance of the insert.
Pinlock 30 – This variant offers basic-level anti-fog performance. It is best for occasional riders and those who seldom ride in cold & wet conditions.
Pinlock 70 – The 70 variant offers optimum anti-fog performance in cold & wet conditions. It also prevents fogging due to the rider’s own breathing.
Pinlock 120 – This is the top level of all Pinlock visors and is opted for by professional riders. Essentially, the best anti-fog performance is attributed to this variant of Pinlock inserts.
The Pinlock company also manufactures these inserts in different tints suited for different riding conditions. In addition, a 100% Max Vision variant is also available for Pinlock 70 & Pinlock 120 variants providing a wider view and edge-to-edge coverage of the visor.
Also Read: Types Of Helmets Explained
How Do I Choose & Install The Correct Pinlock Visor?
With the Pinlock company manufacturing model-specific inserts for more than 70 helmet brands worldwide, you can easily go for a helmet with a pre-installed Pinlock Visor. On the other hand, Pinlock Ready helmets have the “pins” installed on both sides of the helmet. All you have to do is get the preferred grade for your particular helmet model and install it by following the simple steps below.
Steps to Install A Pinlock Insert
- Remove the helmet visor from the helmet.
- Slightly bend the visor to flatten it out a little.
- Secure the Pinlock insert around the two pins made into the visor ensuring that the raised silicone edge faces the inside of the visor.
- Apply a little pressure to flatten the insert against the visor & secure the silicone seal.
- Adjust the pins & perform a breath test until a secure air seal is achieved.
Are Pinlock Visors Recommended?
Opting for a Pinlock visor is definitely an upgrade to the overall level of safety of motorcycle helmets. Fortunately, most top-of-the-line helmets available at GoMechanic come with pre-installed Pinlock visors. Even with the basic level Pinlock 30 insert, riders report reduced fogging in cold and wet riding conditions. So the next time you go for a new helmet, make sure it has a Pinlock Visor.
