When most people think of helmets, they think of hard plastic and foam essential, yes, but static and outdated. At Crystal Ice, we asked a different question: What if your helmet could do more?

The Zaire Helmet is built on that idea — that protection can be intelligent. It still starts with the fundamentals: a lightweight, high-strength shell paired with an impact-absorbing liner that meets international safety standards. But that’s just the beginning.

We’ve integrated core features directly into the helmet:

• Bluetooth audio that lets you listen to music or take calls hands-free, using bone-conduction speakers that keep your ears open to the road.

• A walkie-talkie system with a handlebar-mounted push-to-talk button, so you can instantly communicate with fellow riders.

• Blind spot detection using ultrasonic sensors to alert you of approaching vehicles or obstacles.

• A front-facing HD camera that continuously records your ride, acting as both a safety tool and a ride companion.

• Handlebar-mounted remote, so you can control features without taking your hands off the handlebars.

• GPS ride logging to track your journeys automatically.

• Built-in LED lights for visibility and signaling.

This is smart protection reimagined — designed not only to safeguard your head, but to enhance your entire ride.

From sketch to real-world testing, every product has a beginning. Ours started with a dream, a sketchbook, and a donor helmet.

In the early days, the goal was simple: prove that these technologies could coexist in one unified device. So, we got to work, soldering, designing, programming, testing. We embedded the camera module, wired the speaker system, tuned the walkie-talkie software, and carefully positioned the ultrasonic sensors for optimal blind spot coverage.

Today, we’re proud to say that we’ve built a fully functional Zaire Helmet prototype. The camera records, the GPS logs your route with precision, the walkie-talkie connects without delay, and the blind spot alerts? They work!!Pinging you just in time to notice what your eyes might’ve missed.

This prototype proves more than just possibility — it proves readiness.

The Zaire Helmet doesn’t rely on clunky apps or endless setup menus. Instead, we’ve built a fully embedded system that works on your terms. With 64GB of internal storage, you don’t need an SD card, all your ride data, video footage, and logs are stored onboard.

Want to access your files? Just connect to the helmet’s Wi-Fi using your phone or laptop — no app needed. You’ll be greeted by a simple web interface where you can preview or download your footage instantly. Prefer wired access? Plug it in via USB-C and your helmet becomes a flash drive.

So What’s Next?

Reaching this milestone is a huge moment — and we’re just getting started.

Right now, we’re preparing for two critical next steps: certification and production. The Zaire Helmet will meet CPSC 16 CFR Part 1203 (U.S.) and EN 1078 (EU) bicycle safety standards. We’re finalizing our DFM (design for manufacturing) phase and getting our manufacturing partners aligned for the first production run.

And yes, Kickstarter is coming.

We’re targeting a launch later this year (2025), where our backers will get exclusive perks:

• Limited-edition helmets.
• Name engraving.
• Early access to the Zaire Vision smart goggles.
• Behind-the-scenes updates.

This launch isn’t just about selling a product — it’s about creating a movement for smarter riding, better safety, and rider-first innovation.

From everyone at Crystal Ice, thank you for helping us get here. Every email, every comment, every question has pushed this idea closer to reality.