What Are Internal Sun Visors?
Internal sun visors, also known as drop-down sun visors, are a secondary tinted shield integrated into the helmet’s design. They sit inside the helmet shell, behind the clear main visor, and can be deployed or retracted using a lever, button, or slider—typically located on the helmet's exterior for easy access.
These visors allow riders to adjust for bright sunlight or glare without needing to stop and swap out a visor or put on sunglasses. They are particularly helpful for commuters, touring riders, and anyone who rides in variable lighting conditions.
Benefits of Internal Sun Visors
- Convenience: Internal sun visors provide an effortless way to adapt to changing light conditions. Riders can deploy or retract the visor while on the move, eliminating the need to carry separate tinted visors or sunglasses.
- Adaptability: Ideal for situations where lighting changes frequently, such as early mornings, late afternoons, or riding through tunnels and shaded roads.
- Cost-Effective: With an internal sun visor, there’s no need to purchase additional tinted visors or accessories, making it a budget-friendly feature.
- Eyewear Compatibility: Internal sun visors work seamlessly with prescription glasses or goggles, offering a more integrated and comfortable solution.
- Enhanced Safety: Being able to quickly deploy a visor to reduce glare helps maintain focus on the road, reducing distractions and fatigue caused by bright sunlight.
Disadvantages of Internal Sun Visors
- Fixed Tint Level: The level of tint on internal sun visors is standardised and may not suit every rider or lighting condition. Some may find it too light or too dark for their needs.
- Potential for Fogging: In humid or cold conditions, the internal visor may fog up, though anti-fog treatments or inserts can mitigate this issue.
- Slight Weight Increase: The mechanism and additional visor add a small amount of weight to the helmet. While negligible for most riders, it might be noticeable to those who prioritise lightweight designs.
- Not Suitable for Racing Helmets: Due to the weight and complexity of the mechanism, internal sun visors are rarely included in racing helmets, where aerodynamic performance and minimal weight are critical.
- Maintenance: The mechanism introduces moving parts, which could require maintenance over time or become a potential failure point if not properly cared for.
Does an Internal Sun Visor Impact Safety?
Internal sun visors neither inherently compromise nor drastically improve the structural safety of a helmet. However, they do enhance safety in certain ways:
- Improved Visibility: By reducing glare, sun visors help riders maintain a clear view of the road in bright conditions, which can prevent accidents.
- Convenience: The ability to deploy or retract the visor without removing gloves or stopping keeps riders focused on their surroundings.
The inclusion of a sun visor does add complexity to the helmet's design, which could potentially affect its integrity if poorly engineered. However, reputable brands rigorously test their helmets to meet or exceed safety standards, ensuring the presence of a sun visor does not compromise overall protection.
At Moto Central, we only stock helmets from trusted manufacturers that adhere to stringent safety certifications, giving you confidence in your gear.
Which Brands Use Internal Sun Visors?
Internal sun visors are a staple feature in helmets designed for touring, commuting, and adventure riding. Some of the top brands and helmet models available at Moto Central with internal sun visors include:
- Shoei: Models like the GT-Air 3 and Neotec 3 are premium touring and modular helmets with drop-down visors and advanced safety features.
- HJC: A wide range of HJC helmets, such as the RPHA 71 and C70N, feature internal sun visors for everyday riders.
- AGV: Known for its sporty designs, AGV integrates sun visors in models like the AGV Street modular and AGV K7.
- Schuberth: The C5 and E2 are modular and adventure helmets equipped with premium sun visors.
- Nolan: The Nolan X1005 is a popular choice among modular helmet enthusiasts.
- LS2: Budget-friendly helmets like the LS2 FF808 and LS2 FF908 include internal sun visors without compromising on features.
Who Benefits Most from Internal Sun Visors?
Internal sun visors are ideal for:
- Commuters: Quick adaptability to changing light conditions is ideal for city and highway riders.
- Touring Riders: Long-distance trips often encounter variable weather and lighting, making sun visors a valuable feature.
- Casual Riders: For weekend riders or those who enjoy leisurely rides, a sun visor eliminates the hassle of managing separate visors or sunglasses.
Care and Maintenance of Internal Sun Visors
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution to avoid scratching the visor.
- Mechanism Check: Regularly ensure the slider, lever, or button operates smoothly and isn’t obstructed by debris.
- Replacement: If the visor becomes scratched or the mechanism wears out, seek replacements or professional servicing to maintain functionality.
Why Moto Central Recommends Helmets with Internal Sun Visors
At Moto Central, we believe that internal sun visors combine functionality and safety, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of riders. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or exploring scenic routes, a helmet with an internal sun visor ensures you’re prepared for any lighting condition.
Visit our showroom in Leicestershire to explore our extensive collection of helmets from leading brands like Shoei, AGV, HJC, Schuberth, and more. With hundreds of helmets on display and expert advice from our team, Moto Central is your go-to destination for finding the perfect helmet.
Ride safe and ride prepared—with Moto Central, you’re always ready for the road ahead!
