If you’re like most riders, then you’re probably familiar with the term “pinlock.” But what is a pinlock, exactly? And more importantly, what does it do for your helmet? In this article, we will answer all of your questions about the popular face shield insert. We’ll discuss what a pinlock is, how it works, and why you should consider using one in your next helmet!
Table of Contents
What is Pinlock?
Most motorcycle helmets come with a clear visor.While this offers excellent protection from the wind, rain, and sun, it can also be a pain when trying to see clearly while riding. This is where a helmet pinlock comes in.
A helmet pinlock is an insert that helps to keep your visor fog-free by creating a seal between the visor and your face. [4] Pinlocks are typically made from anti-fog material and are very easy to install.
How Does Pinlock Work?
A Pinlock is made up of two parts: an inner shield that’s placed next to your face, and an outer lens that sandwiches the inner shield. The three layers work together to prevent moisture and condensation from building up on your helmet’s visor, giving you a clear view of the road ahead.
Here’s a more detailed look at how each layer of the Pinlock system works:
- The inner shield is made of a moisture-absorbent material that pulls sweat and moisture away from your skin.[1]This layer is what comes into contact with your face, so it’s important that it’s comfortable and breathable.
- The outer lens is made of a clear, durable material that protects the inner shield from scratches and debris. This layer also has an anti-fog coating that prevents condensation from building up on the surface.
- Finally, the pinlock system itself consists of a series of small pins that create a seal between the inner shield and outer lens. This seal prevents air and moisture from passing through, keeping your visor clear and fog-free.
Types Of Pinlock
When it comes to choosing a Pinlock for your motorcycle helmet, there are three main types to choose from – 30, 70 and 120. [3] But which one is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Pinlock 30
30 type Pinlocks are generally used for everyday riding, in good weather conditions. They offer a good level of protection against fogging, but can be more difficult to remove if you need to take your helmet off in a hurry.
Pinlock 70 and 120
70 and 120 type Pinlocks are designed for racing and other high-speed activities, where fogging can be a major problem.
Pinlock Evo
The Pinlock Evo lens is a moisturelock lens. It’s made of a moisture absorbent material that “wicks” the sweat away from your face and allows it to evaporate quickly. This means that you’ll have less fogging on your lenses, no matter how hard you’re working.
The Pinlock Evo is also scratch resistant and has UV protection, so it will keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful rays. And because it’s clear, it won’t distort your vision like some other tinted lenses can.
Pinlock PT
The Pinlock PT system is a patented, moisture-wicking insert that sits between the face shield and helmet padding. The insert creates a seal that prevents fogging by allowing air to flow in while keeping out moisture.
It’s made of a porous, hypoallergenic material that “breathes,” so it doesn’t trap heat or sweat like some anti-fog products can. And because it’s removable, you can clean it easily with soap and water.
Pinlock Lenses
Pinlock Lenses offer different color options to suit your needs:
- Clear
- Light Smoke
- Dark Smoke
- Yellow
- ProtecTint
Clear
One of the benefits of clear lenses is that they provide riders with an unobstructed view. This can be helpful when riding in low-light conditions or during night rides. Additionally, clear lenses are less likely to distort colors, which can be important for riders who need to see traffic signals clearly.
Another benefit of clear lenses is that they tend to be more scratch-resistant than tinted lenses. This is because scratches are less visible on clear surfaces.
Light Smoke
Lenses with a light smoke tint are great for bright, sunny days. They help reduce glare and protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Dark Smoke
These lenses are slightly darker than the light smoke lenses, but they still allow you to see clearly. Dark smoke lenses help to reduce the amount of sunlight that can enter your eyes, which can be helpful if you’re riding in bright conditions and provides a bit more privacy than a clear visor.
Yellow
Lenses with a yellow tint are ideal for overcast days or when visibility is poor. The yellow tint helps to increase contrast and make it easier to see in low-light conditions.
ProtecTint
These lenses can change from clear to dark in a matter of seconds, making them perfect for motorcycle riders who need to be able to see clearly at night and during the day.
Pinlock Fitting Guide
Installation
Step 1: Remove the helmet visor from the helmet.
Step 2: Flex it and place the Pinlock lens into the helmet visor.
Step 3: Remove the protective film from the Pinlock lens.
Step 4: Put the helmet visor back on the helmet and close it. [2]
Removing the visor
Step 1: Unscrew the screws that hold the visor in place.
Step 2: Lift up on the visor to release it from the helmet.
Step 3: Remove any debris or dirt from inside the helmet.
Step 4: Replace the visor with a new one and screw it back in place.
Cleaning
It’s important to clean your pinlock insert on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to remove the insert from your helmet and wash it with soap and water. You can also use a mild detergent. Rinse the insert thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth before putting it back in your helmet.
Adjusting Insert Tension
Once you have the insert in place, you’ll want to adjust the tension. This is important because if the tension is too loose, your face shield will fog up. If the tension is too tight, it will be difficult to see out of your face shield.
There is how to do this: First, find the two small metal posts on the back of your helmet, these are what the tension adjusting screws thread into. Next, take hold of your face shield and try to pull it off of the helmet. If it comes off easily, then the tension is too loose and you’ll need to tighten the screws. If you can’t pull it off at all or if it’s difficult to remove, then the tension is too tight and you’ll need to loosen the screws.
Once you’ve adjusted the tension to a comfortable level, replace your face shield and go enjoy your ride!
How To Choose The Right Pinlock Visor
A Pinlock is an insert for your motorcycle helmet visor that creates a tight seal between the visor and helmet, preventing fogging.
There are three main types of pinlocks: original, performance, and vision.
Original Pinlocks are made of silicone and fit most helmets on the market. Performance pinlocks are made of a stronger material and offer better fog prevention. Vision pinlocks have an anti-fog coating that offers even better fog prevention.
To choose the right pinlock for your motorcycle helmet, you need to consider two things: the type of helmet you have and the climate you ride in.
If you live in a warm climate or only ride in the summer, an original pinlock should be sufficient. If you live in a cold climate or ride all year round, you may want to consider a performance or vision pinlock.
Finally, make sure to buy a pinlock that is compatible with your helmet model. Not all helmets are compatible with all pinlocks.
FAQ
What’s the difference between pinlock 70 and 120?
The difference between pinlock 70 and 120 is that the 120 percent pinlock will provide you with more protection against fogging than the 70 percent pinlock. If you’re looking for the absolute best protection against fogging, we recommend choosing the 120 percent pinlock.
How often should you change Pinlock?
Just like with any other piece of safety equipment, it is important to regularly inspect your Pinlock insert and replace it when necessary. Depending on how often you use your helmet and in what conditions, you may need to replace your Pinlock insert every few months or so. Be sure to clean your Pinlock insert regularly as well, using only mild soap and water.
If you notice any cracks or damage to your Pinlock insert, be sure to replace it immediately. A damaged Pinlock insert could cause your face shield to fog up or even shatter in the event of an accident.
Are helmet Pinlock universal?
No, they are not. Pinlock inserts come in different sizes that correspond to the size and model of your helmet’s face shield. In other words, you need to make sure that you get the right sized Pinlock insert for your helmet.
How do you clean a Pinlock on a motorcycle helmet?
Assuming you’re talking about the Pinlock lens insert, cleaning it is actually pretty simple. All you need is some warm water and a mild soap. Just remove the lens from your helmet and give it a good wash with your hands. Once it’s clean, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface of the lens. Just be sure not to use anything abrasive, as that could damage the coating on the lens. If you’re having trouble getting rid of stubborn dirt or grime, you can try using a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. But again, be careful not to scrub too hard or you could end up damaging the lens.
Why does my Pinlock fog up?
The number one reason Pinlock inserts fog up is because they are not properly installed. If your Pinlock is not seated correctly on your face shield, it will allow air and moisture to enter the space between the lens and insert, causing condensation.
Another common reason for why Pinlocks fog up is because the seal around the edge of the insert has been damaged. This can happen if you accidentally drop your helmet or face shield, or if you clean your helmet with harsh chemicals. If the seal is damaged, it will no longer be able to create a tight seal with your face shield, allowing air and moisture to enter the space between the lens and insert.
Which is better: full face or half face helmet?
The debate between full face and half face helmets has been around for as long as both helmet types have existed. And, like many debates, there is no clear winner. Each type of helmet has its pros and cons that make it better or worse depending on the rider’s needs and preferences. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference.
That being said, there are some general trends that can be observed among riders who prefer each type of helmet. Full face helmets tend to be favored by those who ride in more dangerous conditions or who simply want the added protection that a full face helmet provides. Half face helmets, on the other hand, are often preferred by those who do mostly city riding or who find full face helmets to be too hot and uncomfortable.
Who should use a Pinlock visor?
Motorcycle riders who frequently ride in hot weather or in heavy rain should consider using a Pinlock visor. The Pinlock system helps to prevent fogging by creating a seal between the rider’s face and the helmet, which prevents moisture from entering the helmet.
Riders who wear glasses may also find that a Pinlock visor helps to prevent their glasses from fogging up.
Can you use Pinlock at night?
Yes, you can use Pinlock at night. However, we don’t recommend it because it can reduce your visibility.
How long does Pinlock last?
Pinlock is designed to last the lifetime of your helmet. However, over time and with extended use, the silicone sealant that keeps the lens in place may degrade and need to be replaced. You can purchase replacement Pinlock seals from most motorcycle accessory stores.
Useful Video: What Is A Pinlock Visor Insert?
Conclusions
So, what is a helmet pinlock? In short, it is a small insert that helps to keep your face shield securely in place. Pinlocks are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a great deal of protection from the elements. If you’re looking for a way to keep your face shield securely in place, a pinlock is definitely worth considering. Thank you for reading!
References:
- https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/news-and-events/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pinlocks
- https://www.racevisors.co.uk/news/pinlock-fitting-guide
- https://pinlock.com/what-is-a-pinlock-anti-fog-insert-lens/
- https://billyscrashhelmets.co.uk/pinlock-visor-system-motorcycle-crash-helmets/#How_do_they_work