In the 1990s, Dan Coyle started making for himself and his buddies for whitewater kayaking, as well as wooden eyeglass frames and paddles. It was a
hobby, a use for Coyle鈥檚 chainsaw and grinder.
Coyle noticed that, structurally, wood is similar to rigid, closed-cell foam. That means it can, with impact, deform and absorb shock like EPS in a traditional bicycle helmet.聽In fact, Coyle discovered, almost any wood is capable of absorbing more energy than polycarbonate and the ABS plastics typically used in bike, skate, motorcycle, and ski helmets, while also being more durable. A wooden shell provides protection over a greater spectrum of impact energies, according to Coyle's tests. Add a cork liner and the comfort level compares to other helmets currently on the market.
Now, Coyle has turned his hobby . Using everything
from Doug Fir to black walnut, Coyle custom builds one-of-a kind sports
helmets. The hardwoods and most of the softwoods he uses are salvaged. And all
of the sawdust, chips, and splinter byproducts of his work are returned to
the ground to decay and re-enter the natural cycle. Each finished product is beautiful and
unique.
With business growing, Coyle did his and tested his wood/cork technology at an accredited
impact lab. But because they are custom made, Coyle's helmets are not
certifiable. Watch the video of his helmet test here:
Want your own for biking, kayaking, or skiing? Measure your head, choose your wood, and send a deposit. Most Coyle helmets are crafted from Douglas fir. Helmets start at $375. Add $70-$140 for maple, black walnet, cherry, or other exotic or hardwoods. Burls? Bunions? Add $250. And $15-$20 will get you custom venting and/or brims. Haggling permitted; .
鈥擝erne Broudy