SHARK has introduced its new IRID Visor, an innovative photochromic motorcycle helmet visor capable of changing from light to tinted in less than one second. Developed with a focus on rider safety and comfort, the new visor is exclusively compatible with the SHARK Race R Pro, Aeron GP and Aeron helmets and has been designed primarily for daytime riding. The technology comes through a partnership between SHARK and IRID, adapting its photochromic system specifically for motorcycle use. The visor combines four main components, including a liquid crystal film, base lens, mirrored treatment and an integrated solar panel.
A small solar panel positioned at the top of the visor provides all the power required, removing the need for batteries or external charging. When light reaches the panel, energy is transferred to the liquid crystal film and the visor changes tint in less than a second. That makes the system considerably faster than conventional photochromic visors, which can take up to 40 seconds to transition from clear to dark and several minutes to return to clear. For motorcyclists moving quickly between bright sunshine and shaded conditions, the near-instantaneous response should provide a significant advantage.
The IRID Visor also features an anti-fog layer and is fully waterproof, helping to maintain visibility across a range of weather and riding conditions. Three versions will be available. The VZ Clear provides a relatively light tint and is suitable for daytime road use, while the more heavily tinted VZ Dark and VZ Iridium Blue versions are intended for track use only. The VZ Clear will be the first version to become available, with the VZ Dark and VZ Iridium Blue options set to follow. The new IRID technology adds another interesting option for riders looking for a visor capable of automatically adapting to changing light conditions without the delay traditionally associated with photochromic lenses.
