Revolutionizing Winter Sports: The Z2 and Z3 Helmets

Italian Designer Massimo Facchinetti's Award-Winning Innovation

The Z2 and Z3 helmets were born out of the need for lightweight, comfortable, yet reliable head protection in winter sports. Facchinetti's design approach was to create a product that not only met these needs but also pushed the boundaries of what a helmet could be. The result is a pair of helmets that are not only functional but also stylish, with innovative color combinations, graphics, and lines.

What sets the Z2 and Z3 helmets apart from others on the market is their unique properties. The Z2 is a helmet with hard ear coverage, while the Z3 features soft ear pads, offering two different versions for optimal performance and acoustic comfort. Both helmets are sanitized through an antimicrobial process, protecting against bacteria and fungus. The helmets also feature unique and customizable graphics, an environmentally friendly coating system, and a quick-release visor.

The helmets are crafted using cutting-edge technology. The external shell is made of carbon fiber stratified composite or thermoplastic, while the inner shell is made of polystyrene foam with a ventilated structure. The visors are molded and treated with an anti-scratch process, and the soft cheeks and ear pads are made of thermoformed material and faux leather. The padding is made of microfiber fabric with Microsense technology, and the decals are entirely applied by hand.

The design process was a collaborative effort between Facchinetti and the manufacturer. The result is a helmet made of innovative materials, with a characteristic and recognizable design, in line with standards approval procedure which guarantees the maximum possible protection. The graphics are deliberately minimal and "stretched" to accentuate the sporty look of the models, in harmony with the inflection lines of the ventilation system of the helmets.

The Z2 and Z3 helmets are not just a product, but a testament to Facchinetti's commitment to safety, innovation, and sanitation. These principles guided the design process, from the initial sketches to the final product. The result is a helmet that is not only functional and safe, but also stylish and unique, a true reflection of Facchinetti's design philosophy.

The Z2 and Z3 helmets have been recognized for their innovative design, winning the Golden A' Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.