Alpinestars are renowned for their off-road kit, and their motocross helmets are no exception. The Alpinestars Supertech SM-8 Echo helmet offers a multi-composite combination with advanced moulding technology. This combination of layers gives even more outstanding performance with an epoxy resin bonding that offers the best possible strength and energy management; limited outer shell deflection means the energy spreads wider and is better absorbed by the EPS liner. Each size of the SM-8 has its own individual shell size for superior aerodynamics and weight efficiency. With a fully equipped helmet testing facility within Alpinestars Racing Development Center, an exhaustive impact research program has resulted in the Supertech M8 returning linear and oblique impact performance, which far improves upon current helmet regulation standard limits. For direct, linear, impact by an average magnitude of 41% and for rotational acceleration, oblique impact performance by an average of 48%. Not only does the Supertech SM-8 helmet offer outstanding impact protection, but it also looks fantastic! The aggressively styled shell not only offers superior aerodynamics but features classic Alpinestars styling. The ventilation system boasts maximum airflow for optimum comfort with a removable and washable inner liner to keep you fresh. Available in a choice of stylish colours. Shell construction utilises highly advanced moulding technology with a multi-composite combination preventing compression but allowing controlled deflection for reducing transmitted impact energy and providing critical penetration protection. The S-M8 also offers Alpinestar's patented A-Head fitting height and angle adjustment system for the perfect fit. With a micro-adjustable pad that is connected to the helmet's inner shell, it is possible to raise or lower the helmet fit and also to tilt the helmet forward or backwards. Visor release is a key part of the overall protection performance in the helmet and a major influence on the distinctive, flush design of the outer shell profile. Alpinestars has developed a unique visor release system which, while ensuring the mounting is held securely in place for riding over the most extreme terrain and any track conditions, provides exactly the right level of resistance to ensure the visor detaches from the helmet shell if it is subjected to a significant impact – no matter what the angle. The S-M8 is also hydration system compatible. The Supertech M8 helmet lining design includes canals which allow a tube to be incorporated on either side of the shell. This is a feature extensively tested by Alpinestars rally raid and enduro riders, enabling convenient fitting and connection to a hydration system. The removable inner liner is washable and offers a Cool-Max fabric interior for long-lasting freshness and quick-dry performance. Collarbone protection is an important design feature of the Supertech M8 helmet shell base profile. The base of the S-M8 has been sculpted to give a relief section, where the bottom profile is raised to clear the collarbone (Clavicle). Also incorporated into the area of the base pad, where it sits over the rider’s collarbone, is an energy absorption pad, a more flexible compound rubber section which allows deflection when it contacts the Clavicle. The S-M8 chin-bar is formed with polypropylene, which further improves impact protection for the collarbones. It features a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System: MIPS to reduce rotational motion energies that impact the helmet, causing damaging gyration force to be transmitted to the brain. A low friction ‘slip’ layer is incorporated into the Supertech M8 helmet between the comfort padding layer and the multi-density polymer energy absorption shell. When energy is impacted upon the helmet, causing a rotation force, the MIPS layer allows for movement of the inner absorption layer to dampen and re-direct the energy before causing significant acceleration stress to the brain. This mitigates the causes of brain injuries, such as concussions. Alpinestars' Emergency Release System (ERS) means the side cheek padding of the S-M8 can be extracted efficiently and safely while the helmet is still on the rider’s head to allow ease of removal by trackside support and medical staff. The Supertech M8 is also designed to allow a helmet ‘Eject’ inflation system to be fitted into the inside crown of the shell. Along with the ERS padding removal, ‘Eject’ allows for the emergency removal of the helmet without putting pressure on the rider’s spine. The chin strap is wider than the certification requirement: 26 mm for comfort and produced with a woven poly yarn to give a soft ‘hand’ feel that connects securely with a double D-ring. It weighs an ultra-lightweight 1300g for size Medium (ECE). Also available in a large choice of colours and graphics.