Vemar VSR Motorcycle Helmet

by Rick K. for webBikeWorld.com

More:  wBW Reviews Home  |  Owner Comments (Below)

Motonation has announced that it has acquired Vemar helmets as an exclusive brand and they will exclusively represent Vemar Helmets in the U.S.A.

"While there are presently a large selection of helmet brands offered in the USA, Vemar comes to the market at a time when the upper end of the market has room for growth and is missing a pure 100% European production manufacture of high end laminated helmets", according to Motonation.

"Vemar will fill that void and will surely make an immediate impact on the market with its unique "exclusive" sales territories, firm retail pricing policy and the addition of two top riders in the MotoGP class."

"Alex De Angelis on a Gresini Honda and Andrea Dovizioso on Montiron/Mularoni Team Honda.  These efforts will be supplemented with an extensive retail advertising program that will surely drive discriminating consumers into the finest dealers in the U.S.A."

More info on Vemar below, and we hope to acquire one of the new helmets as soon as possible for a review.

What is it exactly that gives certain brands a mystique and cachet that all the marketing dollars (or Euros, in this case) in the world can't buy?  There are a very few motorcycle helmet names that seem to rise above the crowd and somehow become "the" helmet to own.

It can't be just the quality and the features, because those are a given to even start a play in this market.  It must have something to do with word-of-mouth, limited availability, pricing that excludes the unwashed masses, race creds and a winning résumé.

These characteristics just can't be bought, can't be controlled and when it happens -- no matter the product -- the manufacturers are usually taken by surprise. 

In the motorcycle helmet world, the "It" label has been variously held by Schuberth, ROOF, Soumy, OGK and maybe one or two more.  Some end up trying too hard to capitalize on their surprising desirability and blow it by saturating the market in the pursuit of quick profits. 

Others figure it's haughtiness that does it, and they end up on the wrong side of their customers when the Next Big Thing comes along.  It's a razor-thin line, easy to misread and way too vulnerable to market whims.

Vemar seems to have it coming their way recently -- but can they make it last?  If they keep pumping out products like the VSR Chrome, it should be a safe bet.

Started in the not-too-distant past of 1981, Vemar (VE from vetroresina, Italian for fiberglass and MAR from Maremma, the region in Tuscany where the factory is located) started as a manufacturer specializing in carbon fiber, plastics and fiberglass technologies.  They've since developed a robust line of racing, street and off-road helmets and have been fourth in sales of motorcycle helmets in the ultra-competitive European market and rising fast.

Some of you long-time webBikeWorld visitors may remember the Vemar VSR Carbon helmet we featured on the Motorcycle Helmets page a couple of years back.  We cribbed a photo and directed visitors to the Vemar website (then only available in Italian), and that single helmet photo generated tons of email, most of it asking where and when they could buy one. 

After all this time, Vemar apparently still doesn't have the Carbon ready to ship, but we finally have an interesting example of Vemar technology nonetheless, the Vemar VSR "Chrome" racing helmet.

Photos don't do this helmet justice -- it has a radiant red chrome finish that seems to emit its own light.  I've literally had people stop and stare as I drive by with this baby on my head -- "eye popping" is probably the word for the color.  Also available in chrome blue, the VSR Chrome is one of Vemar's top-of-the-line helmets, and it's now available in the U.S.A. thanks to the folks at Intersport Fashions West, the official U.S.A. importers and distributors. 

You may know Intersport Fashions West as the distributors for some high-quality motorcycling accessories, including FirstGear apparel, Held Gloves, Schuberth Helmets, Hein Gericke, Oxtar Boots and more.  We've reviewed several of these products, so be sure and check out the webBikeWorld Review Index for more information.

But the VSR Chrome is more than just a pretty face -- at 1566 grams for a size XL (3 lbs., 7-1/4 oz.), this is a relatively light weight helmet.  Vemar uses two shell sizes for their helmets, a small shell for size XS to M, and a large shell size for sizes L and XL.  We would expect that the smaller shell size would be even lighter; Vemar claims the smaller sizes weigh in at 1420 grams, or about 3 lbs., 2 oz., which would make it one of the lightest helmets available.

Vemar has its share of acronymic obfuscations, and we'll assume that the alphabet soup is responsible for the light weight.  If you're interested, they have lots of detail on their website about the various types of fibers that go into a Vemar helmet, but suffice it to say that they use "Tricom", which Vemar claims is a proprietary mixture of fiberglass, carbon fiber, Aramid and a fiber called "Dyneema". 

Dyneema is an HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene) fiber produced by DSM N.V.  Dyneema is used in high performance ropes and lines, commercial fishing nets, high performance sails and in bulletproof vests, cockpit doors and military helmets. 

It's claimed to be the "world's strongest fiber", so it's nice to know it's included in the mixture.  Vemar makes reference also to the use of carbon fiber, and we wouldn't be surprised to learn that the VSR Chrome has its share of the stuff, but we're not sure.  Certain areas of the VSR Chrome appear to have that "matrix" look of carbon fiber, especially around the chin bar.

The objective of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the rider's noggin, and a helmet's shell is usually made from some type of mixture of various fibers that, when cured, form a strong matrix that will absorb the energy of crashing by deforming in a controlled manner.

It's easier said than done, because the shell has to be bag molded under heat and pressure to also come up with a shape that will be both acceptable to the customer, provide aerodynamic efficiency and allow good airflow. 

Some inexpensive helmets are molded using various types of plastic, with or without a fiber matrix added for strength.  If they pass the DOT, Snell or ECE tests, then who can say that one is better than the other? 

But I usually look to see what the motorcycle racers wear, because they require the absolute best protection.  It's one thing to pass the various safety requirements by just squeaking through; it's quite another to surpass the real-world abuse that a helmet can take on the race track.

I'm at the far end of a size large motorcycle helmet, and depending upon the design, I sometimes take a large but I sometimes need an XL to fit my round head.  Intersport Fashions West sent me a size XL when I described my head size and shape, and the VSR Chrome fits just about perfectly, so I'd say they run a touch small. 

The internal shape of the VSR Chrome tends slightly to the oval, because the sides are a bit tight, but the liner is surprisingly plush and I find the helmet to be very comfortable.

The internal shape seems to be unusual; it feels like it's round at the top, slightly oval at the sides, and opens up again at the bottom.  I have an "earth" shaped head, wider at the temples, and often have trouble finding the perfect fit. 

I also have a wide jaw, and although you'd think that the VSR Chrome's "hourglass" shape as described would be at odds with my head shape, it's not the case.  The extra room in the lower half of the helmet does the trick, and relieves the pressure on my cheeks. 

The VSR Chrome has removable cheek pads and a removable liner, and the cheek pads are available in small (15mm), medium (25mm) and large (30mm) sizes. 

They fit very nicely in the helmet, because they're completely backed by Velcro fastener, and not the cheap snaps like those found on inexpensive helmets.  I'm not sure what size cheek pads are standard with the size XL helmet (probably medium?), but these fit me perfectly, so I'm very satisfied.

The slightly wider design of the lower portion of the helmet has a slight drawback.  It doesn't seal out the turbulent air around the base of the helmet, letting in more noise than might otherwise be the case.  Race-oriented helmets are usually noisier than, for example, touring helmets, but the noise generated in the neck area of the VSR Chrome could, I think, be easily remedied by some additional padding in that area. 

If I hunch my shoulders up just a touch when I'm riding, which shoves my jacket collar up near the neck area of the helmet, I can reduce the apparent noise by about 50%.  It seems to be coming from under the helmet, just under and in back of the ears.  I can stick a finger along the opening and quiet things down also. 

This may be caused by my head shape, or even the types of jackets that I wear, so your experience may differ.  Alternatively, a product like the Windjammer helmet wind blocker goes a long way towards quieting down most any full-face helmet.

The VSR Chrome features several types of vents and extractors to keep things cool.  The chin bar includes a "V" shaped vent which lets in a good quantity of air that's directed up behind the breath guard. 

The back of the chin bar has some nice, cushy EPS lining, and although it feels like the air flows through it and on to my face, I can't see any holes, so I'm not sure how this happens. 

There are also a series of rectangular passageways along the top of the eye opening in the helmet shell that direct air back over the top of the head. 

The chin bar also features an external extractor on each side, which is nicely camouflaged into the overall look, and these apparently help pull the air through the chin bar.

The top of the helmet has a simple but cool-looking top vent that slides open to two positions (three if you count the closed position).  A plastic screen lives underneath, keeping out bugs and grit. 

Two vent channels lie on each side of the top of the helmet, and the air that is forced in to them is extracted out the back via two corresponding diffusers that can be opened or closed.

The venting is completed with two extractors at the lower rear of the helmet, which use the helmet's low-pressure zone to help pull air out the back. 

This all adds up to two inlets (chin bar and top); four Venturi extractors (two front and two back); and two extractors on the upper rear area of the helmet that can be opened or closed. 

The buttons or switches that open and close the chin bar and top vents are "V" shaped and, in typical Italian style, serve both a functional and stylistic purpose.

The overall quality of the VSR Chrome helmet, the liner, the paint and the general fit and finish is top-drawer, equal to the best in the world, in our opinion.  As we mentioned earlier, the chrome paint really has to be seen to be believed.

Vemar uses a 2.2mm scratch resistant visor, available in clear, smoke (50%) and Iridium flavors.  The clear and smoke visors are treated with "Savimex" anti-fog and UV protective coating; Vemar claims that this is the most effective anti-fog coating available.  It's been pretty warm here, so we didn't have a chance to put this claim to the test.

The helmet also has the now-ubiquitous spring-loaded, easy-to-use visor mounting system.  Simply raise the visor to the uppermost position, pull down the little button under the side to release the spring tension, and the visor pops right out for cleaning or replacement.

Vemar has developed what they call "Crush Zone Technology", which is used in the chin bar to allow controlled deformation in the case of a crash.  The VSR Chrome is ECE 22.05 and DOT approved (See the wBW information page on the ECE 22.05 standard).  ECE 22.05 is the European standard for motorcycle helmet safety, and is probably the most stringent standard in the world. 

The VSR Chrome is accepted for use in the FIM World Superbike Championship, AMA Pro Racing, CCS, PIM, Formula-USA, WERA and even in MotoGP racing.  Vemar helmets are used by many racers, including 250cc World Championship riders Stefan Perugini, Roberto Rolfo and Anthony West.

Other miscellaneous details include the "Breath Mesh" comfortable lining as mentioned earlier, plus a nice D-ring retention system that includes a big plastic tab on one of the rings and an easy-to-use snap to hold the extra length of strapping.

Conclusion
Vemar's reputation for innovation and quality are certainly confirmed in our VSR Chrome racing helmet.  It's not hard to find little quality faults with even the most expensive helmets, but the VSR Chome is flawless. 

We're especially impressed with the comfort and the fit of the liner; it's hard to get excited about a helmet liner, but this one really does seem more comfortable.  The helmet flows a large quantity of air, it's comfortable, light weight and has some claimed safety advantages provided by Vemar's race-bred engineering.

It is noisier than other street helmets, although probably about average for a race helmet.  We always wear earplugs and helmet liners when riding, and suggest you do also.  Please see the wBW Earplugs and Hearing Protection page for more information on choosing and wearing earplugs.

To paraphrase an old saying, "if you have a 100 buck head, buy a 100 buck helmet", but if you're only going to own one good helmet, why not make a statement?  The Vemar VSR Chrome is a great alternative to the more common brands, and you're getting about the best that money can buy.

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Background: Vemar Helmets S.r.l.

Vemar was founded in 1975 in Grossetto (in beautiful Tuscany) to produce fiberglass tanks to preserve wine, oil and water for professional and domestic use.

In 1987, one of the original Vemar partners, Riccardo Simoni, established the helmet department based on the more than 10 years of experience in the fiberglass and composite materials sectors.  This division spun off in 1992 into its own company, Vemar Helmets S.r.l.

From the first building, that wasn't larger than 1800 square feet, a development and diversification process begun that, through the growth of the Vemar brand via sales in over 40 international markets the companies physical presence has grown to a corporate headquarters of more than 270,000 square feet.

Focused from "day-one" on technical development, quality materials and production methods, Mr. Simoni put into practice the experience he gained in the sector of composite fibers and soon, by focusing this development plan on product comfort, weight and safety, Vemar Helmets was able to produce Kevlar, Carbon and multi-composite products, (Tri-composites) with superior liners and in the quintessential Italian style making itself the largest and most experienced European manufacture of composite helmets.

Vemar says "Every autoclave produced carbon fiber or composite Vemar helmet is made by Vemar’s craftsman at its own Italian production facility, the only European high end helmet manufacturer to never outsource its production."

wBW Product Review:  Vemar VSR Chrome Motorcycle Helmet
Available From:  Vemar USA or Vemar Italy	Suggested Retail Price:  $399.95 - $499.95
Colors:  Red or Blue Chrome with Silver/Anthracite accents.  Also available in solids and a Stefan Perugini replica.	Made in:  Italy
Notes:  DOT and ECE 22.05 approved.  Sizes Available:  XS to XL
More:  Motorcycle Helmet page  |  Large sized photo (600x400)

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From "J.J.E.":  "I was in the process of doing helmet research to buy a helmet for my wife.  webBikeWorld is always the first place I stop when researching anything for motorcycles.  I noted the comments from L.C.T on Vemar helmets.

Anyway, I purchased a Vemar VSR Chrome in red December 2005 from Extreme Supply.  I paid $168.00 for it.  A couple months later I picked up a couple (2) extra face shields as well.  When I corresponded with Extreme Supply, they said that I needed to get the face shields now because they were down to a few left.  That, coupled with the current VSR price (only silver left) of $99 and with what L.C.T. stated in his comments gives me the impression as well that Vemar might be pulling out of the US market.

That is a shame because I really like the helmet and may just pick up another VSR in silver as a back-up.  I have about 3000 miles with my current VSR.  It is a comfortable helmet and fits well.  I find it to be a little noisy, but I ride with earplugs all the time so it is an non-issue for me.  It flows enough air to keep me fairly cool even when the temperature was pushing 100 degrees, rare for the Pacific Northwest.

My only complaint is that the red coating that covers the chrome is quite fragile.  If a piece chips off, it has to be sealed with clear nail polish or it is easy to catch it on something and then an even bigger piece will come off.  At the price I paid however, it is a small issue.  I am satisfied.  It really is a real head turner.  I would not hesitate to buy another Vemar helmet but if they are pulling out, it does not make too much sense. 

The replacement helmet on my short list is the Shark RSI.  Hopefully they will not fall victim to the market forces like Vemar "potentially" did.  Keep up the great work.  Your evaluations really help to make sense of a motorcycle market that can be overwhelming with the amount of equipment that is available."

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From "L.C.T.":  "I purchased a Vemar VSR Diadora helmet from Extreme Supply here in Costa Mesa, CA over a year ago, and have been very happy with it.  At the time, it was priced at just $149, some $300-off the MSRP. 

Though I have a normal-size head (hat size: 7-3/8), I can’t wear most XL or XXL helmets. My XL Vemar is a little tight in the cheeks, but quite livable, and it’s great as my cold weather riding “lid”.  Plus, it’s muchquieter than my other helmet: an XXL size OGK (which fits me perfectly!).  And, of course, like with both of my bikes, my Vemar was made in Europe, not Asia.

Lately, though, I’ve noticed that both Extreme Supply and Del Amo Motorsports in Torrance are “blowing-out” all remaining Vemars for just $99.00. Helluva deal, yes?  But it tends to indicate to me that perhaps Vemar is abandoning the U.S. market.  Are they un-able or un-willing with the Asian companies (which advertise quite heavily, it must be noted) such as Icon, HJC, KBC, Shoei, Arai, etc.?

Then again, other European companies, with premium-priced helmets, are making in-roads into the American motorcycling scene; e.g., Suomy and Shark.  For what it’s worth, I see Vemar advertising in the British motorcycling magazines, and it’s hard to watch an international road race on Speed Channel WITHOUT seeing at least a couple of racers wearing Vemars. So why abandon the world’s #1 market?

Any input you might have would be greatly-appreciated, especially since Fairchild, USA, the Vemar distributor, has of yet to respond to my inquiries to them. Until then, 'Keep the VEMAR side up, and the Pirelli side down'."

Editor's Response:  Thanks for visiting webBikeWorld and for your email.  I've also noticed that several retailers seem to be reducing their Vemar inventories lately.  I'm not really sure why -- and I agree, I think they're good helmets. 

My best guess is that the motorcycle helmet market is so incredibly competitive and now that most of the helmets are made in China, the prices have dropped dramatically while most quality has risen equally dramatically. 

Although the American market is huge, it's also a nightmare for distribution, support, logistics, competition, etc.  HJC and Shoei pretty much have the market sewn up. So I'll bet Vemar just said 'forget it' and will retrench back to Europe, where they've had a good distribution network, brand recognition, etc. for some time.

In the meantime, there are plenty o' good helmets out there nowadays!  Even the old Bell name has been resurrected, and although I suspect they're made by another manufacturer and re-branded, even those are darn good helmets for the price.

By the way, Arai has also been hit; they've recently gone back to allowing retailers to sell via the Internet AND at a discount!  With all this going on, it's got to be incredibly tough to try and do what it takes to establish a brand in the U.S.A., the biggest but also toughest market on the planet.