I've read that you can "recharge" the photocromic material by putting it in the freezer for some hours. Apparently what they do in the glasses shops for prescription glasses is the same...they put it at cold temperatures. I don't have anything yet to try but if you have an old one you could test and report back.
Super useful. I have the photochromic visor on my current Shoei but am looking to change helmet soon and was thinking of getting the pinlock visor. At least now I know the difference. Cheers
I was thinking of getting a helmet with drop down visor, however this looks like a very good alternative! As I heard drop down visors reduce safety on the sides this might actually be a decent pick. Changing visors is very annoying for me.
Thank you! The full visor only seems to be around for some of the helmet brands which is annoying! Had a few people having the same issue with getting one for Arai! You won't be disappointed!
Ive been using the same pin lock insert for almost 3 years. Its scratched and dirt has gotten insided it so i have removed it and cleaned it which caused scratches. And it still works. So I dont think it should be expected to replace them every year.
I think I'm gonna get a reactive pinlock insert for my clear visor the one I tend to use during winter, and keep the clear insert in the smoke visor for the rest of the year. Nice!! =)
Nice! Great idea! Normally in the summer/spring, my visor is as dark as it goes for the majority of the time! In winter, it's just nice to have the option when the sun makes a rare appearance! haha
This is exact video i was looking for having options pinlock vs shield for my HJC rpha 11. Video answers all my questions, so I don't have to say anything else, but thank you!!!
Nice video. Few things thou. The PinLock lasts about as long as the visor. Visors wear and scratch so the cost comparison on the video isn't accurate. Also a helmet with a drop down sun visor is a viable option that wasn't mentioned. I personally have a RPHA 11 with a sun tint PinLock, a X-Lite 702 GT with a drop down sun visor & a Shuberth S2 Sport with a drop down Sun visor as well. The sun tint PinLock works well. Like it. The drop down visor is faster and better for entering tunnels and such where you go from bright to dark really fast.
Thanks for your comment and points, A lot of helmets do not come with a drop down sun visor, so for most owners of a helmet without, it will cost far more to buy a new helmet with this included. I personally wouldn't replace my helmet just for the sake of a drop down visor, so this would only count for me when buying a new helmet. I personally have owned 3 different helmets, all of which have no version available with a drop down visor, whereas a tint Pinlock, or a tint visor are available for all of them meaning it's far more accessible. I haven't scratched any of my visors, so as that is wear and tear, I don't feel it should be taken into consideration when looking at costs. Pinlocks and drop down visors are not completely protected from scratches/wear either if the owner isn't careful. I do agree that if your helmet does have a drop down visor, that will be faster to use and more convenient, but this video is made predominantly for those who do not have that option. I doubt those people with a drop down visor would be looking for a tint solution as well.
@@SamVBikes Most bikers have multiple helmets so it's good to have plenty of options. The drop down sun visor is actually quite a nice feature. For the first 22 years of riding a bike I never had one of those. Newer thought I'd need or want one. Until the day I bought the X-Lite 702 GT Ultra Carbon. And then I realized how handy it is. Specially here up north when a lot of time I ride to work and it's sunny. When I ride home it's dark. Tinted or even mirror visors really suck in the dark. Now I definitely want some of my helmets to have the drop down sun visor as an option. The Photochomic visor or Pinlock does the same job basically. I ride about 25000 km each year. On the few helmets I use the most I do need a new visor pretty much every season so they do scratch and wear. That depends on use and care of course.
I agree that most people will end up with more than one helmet, but this review was based on this product being an option for those who maybe cannot afford multiple helmets. None of the helmets I have bought or been interested in buying have drop down visors so this gives an option to everyone. As you say, you didn't have one for the first 22 years of riding. I'm not denying they are useful, but it's not a particularly useful piece of advice to tell people to buy another helmet if their helmet doesn't have a drop down visor. Whereas most people can buy a £50 pinlock for their helmet to solve an issue. It's the same concept as a clip-on cruise control.. I can review those but of course it would be better to just buy a bike with cruise control, but suggesting that compared to something that's a fraction of the price doesn't give a viable option to those who cannot afford it. These options are for those who cannot spend or don't want to spend another few hundred pounds on a new helmet. If you have recently bought your dream helmet, but it doesn't have a visor, this would be an option. Yes you can get cheaper helmets with drop down visors, but for my helmet, I'd have to drop much lower down to a heavier helmet with far less features/vents etc just to have a drop down visor. I do understand your point and agree the drop down visors are useful but its difficult to include 'buy a new helmet' as an option when reviewing 2 types of visor
It's basically just a little darker than the full visor goes. The main visor going dark means the inner visor doesn't react anywhere near as much as it does without the reactive visor
Thanks for the vid. I have a shoei rf1200 with the transitions lens and ive upgraded to a an AGV Corsa R. I was curious about how the Protecting pinlock look under full tint.
Thanks! The pinlock definitely helps with getting rid of some sun glare. I can use it on days where its too bright to ride without some eye protection and that makes a huge difference. Looks wise, it doesn't look visibly much different to a full protectint visor when its shut as the liner of my helmet is black so you don't really notice that its only tinted in the middle. Hope that helps!
one question, this pinlock(photochromic) useable for all visor?or not, andd why only full face get photochromic visor,the non fullface doesn't have this type of visor, thank you for answering
Fantastic! Valuable information. You've just done all my research for me, in one well presented video. So, thank you! Much appreciated 😊 PS I did have a good giggle at your intro re your off hand comment on your bike's power vs your riding skill lol. A bit of irreverence, particularly at our own expense, no matter the truth, just keeps the ego in check, and everything in perspective 👍 Well done.
Thank you. Yes one of my older videos and a few people mentioned they struggled to hear. Hopefully my more recent ones are better. Thanks for watching!
Yes, annoyingly that's with all pinlocks, not just these ones. They essentially absorb moisture so once they get saturated, it becomes difficult for them to continue doing so. I have made mine last slightly longer using dehumidifiers etc. That obviously depends massively on where you live, how often you ride in inclement weather etc. The colour changing element shouldn't ever expire
Where would I get a visor for the shoei hornet adv? I ride all year round and my last helmet had flip down sunglasses, but no comparison with the shoei definitely think a visor would be good
You'll have to find out what the visor is. I think the RYD has a CWR1 or something. Find out that code for the hornet and search for photochromic or photochromatic visor. That should help
Most of them have odd names like ProtecTint etc but I've not had an issue getting the pinlocks for any helmet I've owned. Here's a link to the Shoei one fitting the RYD and a few others. Cw-1 visors. They have another version for other Shoei visor shapes. Arai have their own versions which I have on my Arai Tour X4 www.bikestop.co.uk/pinlock-protectint-light-reactive-visor-insert-shoei-cw-1?gclid=Cj0KCQiApKagBhC1ARIsAFc7Mc7mzo12P_TuJ_RQz3T5w2HJ9EtjNJ5qYCxebkG6i2DGCj3lkuE0pk8aAu2ZEALw_wcB
I believe the protect tint one goes as dark as the light tint insert, with the versatility of changing back if you did get cloudy weather. If you're in Spain though, I'd save your money and just get the standard tinted one!
@@SamVBikes Should be in September for 11 nights with 3 lads thats been before - not going on tourers leaving my Tiger Gtpro 900 at home & going on my new 1 week old 765 triumph Street triple - they're fast lads & said the road are awesome thats why they go on Road bikes - there will be 2 Street Triples 765's - a new Speed Triple 1200 & Kawasaki 1400 can't wait
@@stuart5899 Amazing stuff! Congrats on the new bike. That will be such a great trip on those roads! Can really enjoy throwing it around! I need to get myself out to Spain too, heard that the roads are great!
I had a protectint one on my Arai Tour X4. It was okay but didn't work anywhere near as well as the Shoei version. I ended up just buying a light tint visor for it as I can ride with visor up on my new bike
I'd say it would be cheaper to buy a £20 pinlock every year, than a £60+ pinlock every year in the long run. Spending £230 over 4 years with a full £150 Protectint visor and normal £20 pinlock, instead of £240 on inserts alone without buying a new visor.
Less than a minute I'd say. It won't be completely clear by the time you come out the other end of the tunnel for example, but as soon as the UV rays drop, it starts going clear. Hope that helps!
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you Sam for taking the time to make this video, it is extremely helpful.
Not a problem! Thank you for watching
I've read that you can "recharge" the photocromic material by putting it in the freezer for some hours. Apparently what they do in the glasses shops for prescription glasses is the same...they put it at cold temperatures. I don't have anything yet to try but if you have an old one you could test and report back.
Interesting! Never heard that but definitely will give it a go. I think I threw my old pinlock away but will test. Thanks for the heads up
Good demo I didn't realise visors were darker and worked faster
Definitely. Just a shame you can't get them for every helmet
Super useful. I have the photochromic visor on my current Shoei but am looking to change helmet soon and was thinking of getting the pinlock visor. At least now I know the difference. Cheers
It'a not about the lack of videos mate. It's lack of those kind of visors. Bag + clear visor is a valid solution. ;)
I was thinking of getting a helmet with drop down visor, however this looks like a very good alternative! As I heard drop down visors reduce safety on the sides this might actually be a decent pick. Changing visors is very annoying for me.
Its a much easier option if you can get one for your helmet. Makes a big difference even if its additional to the drop down visor
reduce safety, cram the lid, and make it heavier too.
Great comparison! But sadly I have to settle with Pinlock until Arai gets their act together and makes a full visor for the X4....
I've since moved to the Tour X4 too and am also waiting!!
You are indeed correct. 2 years later and still not many videos on that topic 😄
😂😂
Great video explaining it in plain English well done I’ve just brought the pin lock as I can’t find a reaction visor for my Arai 👍👍
Thank you! The full visor only seems to be around for some of the helmet brands which is annoying! Had a few people having the same issue with getting one for Arai! You won't be disappointed!
How is it? Isn't it too light for use in bright sunshine?
Ive been using the same pin lock insert for almost 3 years. Its scratched and dirt has gotten insided it so i have removed it and cleaned it which caused scratches. And it still works. So I dont think it should be expected to replace them every year.
I think I'm gonna get a reactive pinlock insert for my clear visor the one I tend to use during winter, and keep the clear insert in the smoke visor for the rest of the year. Nice!! =)
Nice! Great idea! Normally in the summer/spring, my visor is as dark as it goes for the majority of the time! In winter, it's just nice to have the option when the sun makes a rare appearance! haha
This is exact video i was looking for having options pinlock vs shield for my HJC rpha 11. Video answers all my questions, so I don't have to say anything else, but thank you!!!
Glad to hear! They are expensive, but its lovely not having to think about it and being covered 24/7!
Sold. Will make a purchase now!
Nice video.
Few things thou.
The PinLock lasts about as long as the visor.
Visors wear and scratch so the cost comparison on the video isn't accurate.
Also a helmet with a drop down sun visor is a viable option that wasn't mentioned.
I personally have a RPHA 11 with a sun tint PinLock, a X-Lite 702 GT with a drop down sun visor & a Shuberth S2 Sport with a drop down Sun visor as well.
The sun tint PinLock works well.
Like it.
The drop down visor is faster and better for entering tunnels and such where you go from bright to dark really fast.
Thanks for your comment and points,
A lot of helmets do not come with a drop down sun visor, so for most owners of a helmet without, it will cost far more to buy a new helmet with this included. I personally wouldn't replace my helmet just for the sake of a drop down visor, so this would only count for me when buying a new helmet.
I personally have owned 3 different helmets, all of which have no version available with a drop down visor, whereas a tint Pinlock, or a tint visor are available for all of them meaning it's far more accessible.
I haven't scratched any of my visors, so as that is wear and tear, I don't feel it should be taken into consideration when looking at costs. Pinlocks and drop down visors are not completely protected from scratches/wear either if the owner isn't careful.
I do agree that if your helmet does have a drop down visor, that will be faster to use and more convenient, but this video is made predominantly for those who do not have that option. I doubt those people with a drop down visor would be looking for a tint solution as well.
@@SamVBikes Most bikers have multiple helmets so it's good to have plenty of options.
The drop down sun visor is actually quite a nice feature.
For the first 22 years of riding a bike I never had one of those.
Newer thought I'd need or want one.
Until the day I bought the X-Lite 702 GT Ultra Carbon.
And then I realized how handy it is.
Specially here up north when a lot of time I ride to work and it's sunny.
When I ride home it's dark.
Tinted or even mirror visors really suck in the dark.
Now I definitely want some of my helmets to have the drop down sun visor as an option.
The Photochomic visor or Pinlock does the same job basically.
I ride about 25000 km each year.
On the few helmets I use the most I do need a new visor pretty much every season so they do scratch and wear.
That depends on use and care of course.
I agree that most people will end up with more than one helmet, but this review was based on this product being an option for those who maybe cannot afford multiple helmets. None of the helmets I have bought or been interested in buying have drop down visors so this gives an option to everyone. As you say, you didn't have one for the first 22 years of riding.
I'm not denying they are useful, but it's not a particularly useful piece of advice to tell people to buy another helmet if their helmet doesn't have a drop down visor. Whereas most people can buy a £50 pinlock for their helmet to solve an issue. It's the same concept as a clip-on cruise control.. I can review those but of course it would be better to just buy a bike with cruise control, but suggesting that compared to something that's a fraction of the price doesn't give a viable option to those who cannot afford it. These options are for those who cannot spend or don't want to spend another few hundred pounds on a new helmet. If you have recently bought your dream helmet, but it doesn't have a visor, this would be an option. Yes you can get cheaper helmets with drop down visors, but for my helmet, I'd have to drop much lower down to a heavier helmet with far less features/vents etc just to have a drop down visor.
I do understand your point and agree the drop down visors are useful but its difficult to include 'buy a new helmet' as an option when reviewing 2 types of visor
I didn't know much about Visors, but guess what? I do now!
Would be interesting to see the reactive visor with the reactive pin lock on it
It's basically just a little darker than the full visor goes. The main visor going dark means the inner visor doesn't react anywhere near as much as it does without the reactive visor
Thanks Sam thats answered every question i had trying to choose great stuff as usual
Great demo and well explained, I will consider one of these options with future helmets.
Thank you! And I appreciate all of your comments and support today! Means a lot
@@SamVBikes you're welcome, the positive comments given have been earned in your reviews.
This was a great video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.
No problem!
Thanks for the vid. I have a shoei rf1200 with the transitions lens and ive upgraded to a an AGV Corsa R. I was curious about how the Protecting pinlock look under full tint.
Thanks! The pinlock definitely helps with getting rid of some sun glare. I can use it on days where its too bright to ride without some eye protection and that makes a huge difference. Looks wise, it doesn't look visibly much different to a full protectint visor when its shut as the liner of my helmet is black so you don't really notice that its only tinted in the middle. Hope that helps!
Amazing!!!!! Just what I needed, thanks
one question, this pinlock(photochromic) useable for all visor?or not, andd why only full face get photochromic visor,the non fullface doesn't have this type of visor, thank you for answering
Fantastic!
Valuable information.
You've just done all my research for me, in one well presented video.
So, thank you! Much appreciated 😊
PS I did have a good giggle at your intro re your off hand comment on your bike's power vs your riding skill lol. A bit of irreverence, particularly at our own expense, no matter the truth, just keeps the ego in check, and everything in perspective 👍
Well done.
You're most welcome! Glad I could be of use to you!
Haha yes agreed!
Brilliant video, very informative 👍
Cheers bud!
Great video , will the pinlock protectint inserts still work with tinted visor ?
Yes it should do! Probably not as well as it doesn't allow as much light through though
Good video, the volume isn't right though, turned up full and I still find it difficult to hear you.
Thank you. Yes one of my older videos and a few people mentioned they struggled to hear. Hopefully my more recent ones are better. Thanks for watching!
Most shields are uv coated which block uv. Sent mine back didn't work
Thanks for the review. Does the pinlock insert really only last a year? If so why?
Yes, annoyingly that's with all pinlocks, not just these ones. They essentially absorb moisture so once they get saturated, it becomes difficult for them to continue doing so. I have made mine last slightly longer using dehumidifiers etc. That obviously depends massively on where you live, how often you ride in inclement weather etc. The colour changing element shouldn't ever expire
Where would I get a visor for the shoei hornet adv? I ride all year round and my last helmet had flip down sunglasses, but no comparison with the shoei definitely think a visor would be good
You'll have to find out what the visor is. I think the RYD has a CWR1 or something. Find out that code for the hornet and search for photochromic or photochromatic visor. That should help
From what I can see photo chromatic pin locks aren't available for most helmets. Do you have link to the one you bought?
Most of them have odd names like ProtecTint etc but I've not had an issue getting the pinlocks for any helmet I've owned. Here's a link to the Shoei one fitting the RYD and a few others. Cw-1 visors. They have another version for other Shoei visor shapes. Arai have their own versions which I have on my Arai Tour X4
www.bikestop.co.uk/pinlock-protectint-light-reactive-visor-insert-shoei-cw-1?gclid=Cj0KCQiApKagBhC1ARIsAFc7Mc7mzo12P_TuJ_RQz3T5w2HJ9EtjNJ5qYCxebkG6i2DGCj3lkuE0pk8aAu2ZEALw_wcB
Very useful, thanks Sam.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, thank you 🙏
Would the protect tint arai pinlock be good enough for Spain touring or would a pinlock light tint be better cheers
I believe the protect tint one goes as dark as the light tint insert, with the versatility of changing back if you did get cloudy weather. If you're in Spain though, I'd save your money and just get the standard tinted one!
@@SamVBikes thanks for your advice - hopefully we can do the pyrenees in September 👍
@@stuart5899 That would be incredible! Hope you have a cracking trip when you do go!
Thanks for watching
@@SamVBikes Should be in September for 11 nights with 3 lads thats been before - not going on tourers leaving my Tiger Gtpro 900 at home & going on my new 1 week old 765 triumph Street triple - they're fast lads & said the road are awesome thats why they go on Road bikes - there will be 2 Street Triples 765's - a new Speed Triple 1200 & Kawasaki 1400 can't wait
@@stuart5899 Amazing stuff! Congrats on the new bike. That will be such a great trip on those roads! Can really enjoy throwing it around! I need to get myself out to Spain too, heard that the roads are great!
Does it react to headlights at night? I know it's uv driven, but a lot of car bulbs emit a small amount of uv light these days.
Good question! If it does, it's not enough to notice any difference. Its always completely clear at night
OK thankyou for replying.
No problem!
Anyone knows where i can get that visor for a AGV pista RR helmet
Will this work with Arai visors? Heard Arai stock visor block out UV so effectively that the Protectint doesn't work at all
I had a protectint one on my Arai Tour X4. It was okay but didn't work anywhere near as well as the Shoei version. I ended up just buying a light tint visor for it as I can ride with visor up on my new bike
@@SamVBikes Awww....am just hoping it's not gonna end up a white elephant sitting in one corner after buying it....
@@SamVBikes Thanks for the feedback!
Use case: you own an Arai helmet and also ride during the daytime
excellent. Many thanks.
Thanks, very useful
You're welcome!
Brill!
🙌🏼
Still not the cheaper option after 3-4 years because you're still going to have to buy a new pinlock every year... albiet a non-photochromatic one.
I'd say it would be cheaper to buy a £20 pinlock every year, than a £60+ pinlock every year in the long run.
Spending £230 over 4 years with a full £150 Protectint visor and normal £20 pinlock, instead of £240 on inserts alone without buying a new visor.
How long do they need back to be clear?
Less than a minute I'd say. It won't be completely clear by the time you come out the other end of the tunnel for example, but as soon as the UV rays drop, it starts going clear. Hope that helps!
Couldn't hear you
That's not good! Not had anyone mention that before. Was there a particular part you couldn't hear?