NOS Helmets, a new “New Own Style” brand is born [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Born today NOS Helmets, a new brand that “Offers a quality product at an affordable price”. So says Maurizio, head of the Bombarda family, with his sons Giacomo and Francesco now at the key points of the new business. An important statement that we can confirm, having seen first-hand the eight brand new models at the recent presentation of the range. Noting, in fact, that the new product makes us foresee a higher price than that offered in stores. Among other things, from 1 September to 30 November all NOS helmets are the subject of a launch campaign with discounts of up to 15% (the addresses of the official NOS Helmets retailers on the nos-helmets.com website).

Let's find out more about this new venture by talking to Maurizio Bombarda

Why this important personal challenge in an economic moment that is certainly not favorable?
"In 36 years of activity we have sold many products of different brands, all excellent, we have chosen them for this reason, but often lacking, in our opinion, something, an idea, a specific product, a marketing push. Our new business starts from here, with the aim, but not the presumption, of putting our experience in the helmet sector and, in particular, motorcyclists to good use".

So you were the first testers of your products.
"I have traveled a lot on motorbikes with my children, and the most important feature we have found for a helmet is functionality and comfort. So we have dedicated a lot of time to researching these qualities, also making use of important operators and users in the sector, designers, journalists and reference testers. Our commercial experience, however, served us to fine-tune the brand, both from a technical point of view, materials used for the shells, for the finishes, aesthetics and colours, and for the packaging and the display, which is important to recognize our product".

What is the typical NOS customer?
"Today the motorcyclist is changing. The specialist, road, offroad, expert traveller, has very clear ideas about what he wants and the value of clothing, including helmet, but there is a large catchment area, among other things also of good motorcyclists, with motorbikes expensive and capable of covering many kilometres, who doesn't care about what he considers details. And maybe he uses a super-cheap helmet, now old, most of the time unsuitable for his needs. Here, we turn to them, offering a product that is easy to purchase, for the price, but with high level quality".

Which models do you focus on the most?
"Initially we thought about jet and modular, simply because the offer of integral models is very rich; then we saw that our retailers also liked the full-face models a lot, so I can say that today there is a rather homogeneous distribution of models. Then we'll see what the market says".

Given the quality, even perceived, why didn't you define slightly higher prices to qualify the product? The modular, for example, at 169 euros (launch price) cannot be found with those characteristics.
"When the main international component suppliers welcomed us with surprise, even passion and enthusiasm, we understood that we were operating differently from other companies, now almost all looking for a low price, obviously to the detriment of quality. So the answer is yes, prices could, should be higher, but we have just arrived in a very competitive market segment, where even ten, twenty euros count, and therefore we have made an effort. which is notable for us. Then, over time, we will also offer premium helmets; now let us take a breath".

The product

As anticipated, NOS helmets demonstrate more than they cost, this in terms of aesthetics, quality of finishes, accessories, functionality; nothing can be said about the quality of the shells but we have no doubt about this, knowing full well the seriousness of the people behind this new project. Let's see the details.
Among the finishes, the following are worth mentioning: the quality of the fabric internal, extractable, washable and with caps and pillows available in various sizes; the safe pillow removal system "Emergency Pull System” highlighted by two special red tabs sewn on the Neckpad (sportier integral models, NS-7F and NS-7C Carbon); the dark Sun-Visor lens integrated into the shell; predisposition for the Pinlock Anti-Fog lens (included in the price on all integral and modular models). Distinctive elements are the stitching and graphics of the packaging and catalogues."NOS color”, an unprecedented petrol green (obviously the shells are available in many liveries, from single colour, shiny, matt, to graphics); the NOS logos in 3D on the shells and with labels embroidered in the chin strap or on the neckpad, in the cheek pads, sewn on the cheek pads.

Polycarbonate and fibers are not all the same

The outer shell is one of the key components of protection, and for this reason excellent quality materials have been selected, both for the polycarbonate, fiber and carbon models. The shells of the NS-1, NS-2, NS-6 and NS-8 models are made in HRP (High Resistance Polymer), a type of extremely resistant and elastic polycarbonate, capable of guaranteeing a higher level of protection than that of other cheaper polymers. The NOS fiber shells are handmade with a bicomposite of glass fiber and aramid fibres, with a process that requires longer production times but allows for a more impact-resistant structure. At the pinnacle of NOS technology there are the carbon fiber shells, also made entirely by hand with the best quality fibre, obtaining an unprecedented weight/rigidity ratio in this market segment. All NOS helmets have the internal shell in EPS a two differentiated densities, for greater absorption capacity and therefore safety; this solution also does not exist in this market segment.

The helmets

The modular NS-8

Among the models presented, the modular one stands out, a very refined model which required a long development work due to the articulated structure and to guarantee the maximum level of comfort even after hours of use. It has an efficient ventilation system; the Sunvisor; the interiors are made of removable, washable and customizable breathable and antimicrobial fabric. The “NOS by Sena” microphone is also standard, custom-developed with Sena, a world-leading company in the production of intercom systems; in the pillows there are spaces for the speakers. Produced with two external and three internal shell sizes, with two differentiated densities, it is on sale from September in sizes XS-XXL at the list price of 189 euros; launch price 169 euros (1 September – 30 November).

Full Face

The integral entry is the NS-6, with polycarbonate shell (produced in two sizes), perfect for the city. This is accompanied by the fiber version, racing cut with double D strap. The top of the range is the NS-7C Carbon, in carbon fiber, weighing only 1250 grams.

All full-face helmets have an integrated Sunvisor and interiors in breathable and antimicrobial fabric that are removable, washable and customizable. The shell of the fiber helmets is handmade, all full-face helmets have the internal one in three sizes with two differentiated densities. The launch prices, from September 1st to November 30th, range from the 139 euros of the single-color polycarbonate model, to the 319 euro of the model in carbon fiber.

Jet Open Face

Three versions of the classic open face jet helmet. At the entrance NS-1, with a classic and compact design (99 €), the versions are placed side by side in fiber, NS-1F (169 €) to NS-1C carbon (219 €), which stands out for the classic texture of the precious fabric protected by a layer of transparent. All models have interiors in removable, washable and customizable breathable and antimicrobial fabric, and an integrated Sunvisor; the external shell is made in two sizes, the internal one in three with two differentiated densities. Prices are those of the launch campaign, from 1 September to 30 November).

Jet

THENS-2 it is a jet with wider side bands for face protection, a shape that makes it perfect both for the city and for a good extra-urban journey; in fact, the design was developed to ensure comfort even when traveling on the motorway. It has removable, washable and customizable breathable and antimicrobial fabric interiors and an integrated Sunvisor; the external shell is made in two sizes, the internal one in three with two differentiated densities. It is for sale at 119 € (launch campaign, from 1 September to 30 November).