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Okay, Let’s Get Something Straight…
$200+ for a bike helmet is not cheap. But with automatic brake lights, turn signals, crash detection, and Bluetooth compatibility, the FARO Smart Helmet sounds more like a Tesla than a helmet. And isn’t safety worth investing in?
Sure it is. But that’s still a lot of money. I will say, 200 dollars now is better than thousands in medical bills later. Plus, the helmet does look pretty sweet. And the fact that UNIT 1 has sold over 20,000 of them, has been featured in Forbes, Cycling News, and Discerning Cyclist, and has won huge accolades like the Red Dot Design award and gold prize at the iF Design awards proves that the helmet does way more than sit there looking pretty.
Plus, a product that raises over $1M in crowdfunding in less than a year usually means the crowd likes what they’re funding. Reviews and comments claim that the FARO helmet is revolutionizing road safety by preventing crashes before they happen. I’ve seen my fair share of cycling accidents, so this is no small claim.
I saw that UNIT 1 offers free 30-day returns, no questions asked, so I decided to try it out for myself, thinking: for over $200, this helmet better be preventing crashes and then some…
What Is UNIT 1… and What Does This Helmet Even Do?
I ordered one of these bad boys, and added the Navigation Remote add-on that allows for the turn signals and auto brake lights (had to get the full experience, of course). While I waited, I did a little more research on this company that seemingly popped up out of nowhere.
UNIT 1 consists of a diverse team of designers, engineers, and storytellers spread across many different countries, on a mission to redefine riders’ safety. After countless iterations and some huge success in crowdfunding their idea, they landed on FARO. The “little helmet that could” has quickly racked up the awards, press, and 5-star reviews to make a name for itself.
More than 1/3 of accident fatalities involve people not wearing helmets. And the majority of accidents occur at night, during the low light hours. By designing an aesthetic helmet someone would actually want to wear and putting bright, responsive lights on the front and rear… FARO is addressing both of these facts to max out your safety on the road.
It sounded amazing in theory. But in practice? That’s not always the same story.
Unboxing FARO: My First Impressions
The helmet comes in three different sizes and in four colors: Maverick (blue), Stingray (gray), Blackbird (black), and Juniper (green). Each colorway has a smooth, matte finish with a mesh fabric liner on the back that hides another layer of light, along with a cleverly concealed ventilation system to keep your head cool. The yellow interior layer is the Mips Safety System, an industry-standard, low-friction liner that absorbs extra impact.
I went with the black colorway to keep it minimalist. And right out of the box, I have to say, I was impressed. The helmet felt solid, smooth, and sturdy, and gave off the vibe that whoever made it really cares about the product. Which is always a good sign. (Just look at Apple!)
All I had to do was download the accompanying app, sync up my phone and Navigation Remote to the helmet, and I was good to go. There are a ton of customizations you can make, like light colors and patterns, but I just threw it on and hit the road.
I’ve Tested FARO Many Times, and I Still Haven’t Crashed
Of course, it’s not like I was getting into accidents left and right before I put 500+ lumens of warning lights on my head. But I’ve seen some pretty horrific accidents, and I know as well as anyone that all it takes is one to change your life. And not for the good.
I have to admit, I felt pretty confident on the road when I had this helmet on. Aside from the fact that it’s comfortable, easy to adjust, and even features a magnetic buckle I can clip with one hand… there’s just something about making yourself visible that gives you peace of mind. I didn’t have a reference for what 500+ Lumens looks like before I got this helmet, but it’s no joke.
I caught the eye of people riding past on bikes, one wheels, and scooters alike—and I could tell they were curious. I caught the eye of plenty of drivers, too, and I could tell they were impressed.
If there’s one thing that’s for certain with FARO, it’s that people will see you. Which (hopefully) means, they’ll never hit you. Okay, I was starting to get it.
FARO Takes Rider Safety to The Next Three Levels.
After riding around in this thing for a few weeks, I think I finally understand the price. You’re not paying $200+ for a bike helmet. You’re paying for a three-step safety precaution that is far and away the most advanced, forward-thinking option out there.
First, FARO prevents accidents from happening in the first place with a powerful halo of light on your head. Second, FARO uses the highest standards in the industry for maximum collision protection in the event of an accident. Third, FARO detects if anything has gone wrong and takes the initiative to act, alerting your emergency contact if you’re unresponsive.
Basically, UNIT 1 thought of every conceivable way to be safer on the road, and then designed it into this helmet. The cherry on top is that FARO feels great and looks even better.
I’m Reluctant to Tell You a $200+ Bike Helmet Is Worth Every Single Penny and Then Some…
But that’s exactly what I’m doing. While I never got into an accident before using FARO, I had plenty of close calls. Since I started riding with this helmet, I haven’t had a single one. And I’m starting to think that’s not a coincidence.
Is this extra-safe smart helmet cheap? No. Can it nearly guarantee to instantly make you safer on the road and keep you riding smart and happy for years and years? Absolutely. At first, I thought the safety features were a little excessive, but growing older has taught me that ensuring you’re able to do what you love for as long as you’d like to is never excessive.
And 200 bucks sure beats thousands of dollars of medical bills, anyway. Head to UNIT 1’s website and start riding smart, sleek, and safe. This is something you won’t regret.
