Head-strong

The reasons may be varied,but there is no doubt that designer helmets are slowly picking up among the city’s youngsters. Ashwin Agarwal,of Vega Pro-Biker in Camp,says,“Our customers have certainly increased in numbers over the past five or six years. Earlier,such helmets were more of a novelty piece more than anything,but now,designer helmets are becoming quite popular. While it is true that people from only very select circles come to our store,that circle itself is quite large.”

Jay Anand Tiwari,a media professional who owns one such helmet himself,says,“It is necessary to maintain a certain sort of style statement while riding a bike. Thus,helmets are an extension of your personality. In other words,helmets,in a way,say who you are.”

Mahesh G,who works at a bike apparel store in the city,says that these helmets come with the necessary ISI requirements. “One or two companies,which manufacture in India,need to have the regulatory ISI mark,but some of the helmets,which we import from foreign manufacturers usually meet the same or higher requirements. In India,one might be slightly casual about this sort of thing,but abroad,they are very finicky,” he says.

For some,owning these designer helmets has more to do with utility than just a simple fad. Urmishtha Jagtap has such a helmet,but she says it is more for safety than for any other reason. “I used to be a member of a biking group,and we were supposed to wear proper riding gear. When I asked around,I was advised to buy a helmet from a particular foreign company because they are the sturdiest. The fact that it is stylish is different – for me,it’s safety first,” the 27-year-old says.

Sahil Bhandari,who owns a superbike,also echoes her sentiments. “It’s all about safety. Normal helmets are simply not good enough for the kind of speed at which superbikes can travel,and besides,they don’t provide enough ventilation. Thus,fancy helmets are an essential requirement,” he says.

Sanjay Gondkar,who used to be a professional motorcycle racer,says that these designer helmets are lightweight,without compromising on the safety factor. “Lightweight helmets are much more comfortable for a rider,which is why I always wear them.” Usually,he wears an open-face helmet while riding in the city,and while riding off-road,he wears a helmet with a peak and chin guard. “After all,I have only one head to save!” he smiles.