Bionic Neck Support

Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) is a structure designed to work with a helmet to reduce the risk and severity of a catastrophic neck injury (i.e. paralyzing injury). The new BNS SB model composition is a blend of strengthened polyurethane with variable density EVA foam.

Function

• The Bionic Neck Support functions by providing an alternative load path for the energy that compresses the neck. If the helmet is in contact with the BNS at the moment of impact the overall load passing through the neck can be reduced, which may prevent a fracture from occurring
  
  
• The BNS also helps reduce the chance of muscular injuries associated with extremes of head movement.
  
  
• While it is not possible to eliminate the risk of any form of injury, the BNS is designed to help prevent the most serious damage and minimize the risk of collateral injury as the impact load is channelled away from the neck.
  
  
• When compared to soft neck roll devices, the protection afforded is significantly better since soft devices deform on impact, offering no protection against the damaging compressive forces.
  
  
• As with any riding equipment, fit is critical to ensuring the most effective protection possible and riders should choose the equipment that is best suited to their body. No neck device should roll around over the shoulders.

• Mainframe construction is a blend of reinforced Polyurethane composite material extensively impact tested at varying temperatures to ensure the neck ring stays intact.
  
  
• Two different EVA foam densities are used in the BNS SB: Firmer EVA in the shoulders and softer EVA on the chest and back for comfort.
  
  
• Pivot Key system - A special magnesium key located at the rear allows convenient front opening of the device and allows for dismantling in an emergency.
  
  
• Fitting System - Fine adjustment of the shoulder height allows a personalized fit particularly for individuals with shorter necks.
  
  
• Rear Stabilizer system - In the event of large loads being channelled onto the rear stabilizer (the part that sits on the back) there are several bending and fracture points designed to relieve extreme loads that may be transmitted down the back.
  
  
• Collar Bone preservation 1 - All parts in contact with the body use an expanded foam compound to distribute the impact force over the widest area, yet remain lightweight.
  
  
• Collar Bone preservation 2 - A continuous frame member runs over the shoulders. This means there are no weak points in a critical part of the frame and that there are no metal pins or screws sitting directly above the shoulders which could be dislodged into the shoulders or collarbone during an accident.
  
  
• Choice of Strap Systems - The BNS is supplied with the X-Strap System which allows a small, light strap worn over or under the jersey to secure the device to the rider. The larger A-Strap assembly (available as a separate accessory) provides a traditional chest strap for those who like to wear the protector tight against the body.
  
  
• Mounting points for accessories (Allows for integration of the BNS with other Alpinestars accessories.)