Cascade: Janus

The Janus was designed to utilize the latest and greatest in impact attenuation technology in bringing the ultimate in safety and comfort in white water kayaking helmets to a new level of cool. The use of Cascade's Lateral Displacement Technology and Dow Corning's Active Protection System allow this helmet to boast a semi-flexible, lighter weight shell and fully breathable construction along with a projected impact attenuation rating 35+ % better than any helmet on the market today and zero gaps in the coverage for vents. The semi-flex shell and four-point snap attached neck strap allow the helmet to be worn either "functionally" forwards or stylishly backwards to fit just like your favorite ball cap, while offering a quick adjust velcro strap under the chin, abiding by HECC and NOCSAE helmet strap retention regulations, and always maintaining a superior level of impact protection. The name Janus was derived from this projects constant struggle to walk that fine line between a well-rooted history in helmet construction and the progressive future, between the functionally operative and the visually chic, between the civilized world in which we live, and the seemingly barbaric future of adventure sports. So whether you are pushing off for a cruise down the local canal or hucking yourself off of the nearest waterfall, keep in mind that this helmet was designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

Go Green: The Janus boasts an entirely mechanical assembly using only 9 T-nuts and Bolts. Production and assembly can be done entirely domestically and full customization can be offered directly through production parts meaning there is zero need for the use of paints or adhesives. Helmets can be made to order and shipped within days offering increased customer service and a pull based lean manufacturing process producing very little waste or essentially zero overstock.

Cascade's Lateral Displacement Technology is one of the newest impact attenuation materials on the market. Released in the fall of 2007 this technology is currently used in both Ice Hockey and Lacrosse Helmets under the commercial name SevenTec. In essence, picture the deformation of a hollow cylinder down into a donut shape as the plastic polymer transfers the energy from a downward direction outward and around the impacted surface, reducing the amount of energy transfered by up to 30% over other commercially available materials.. Dow Corning's Active Protection System is the newest in phase change materials. The company boasts the technology as a silicone injected 3-dimensional textile that is entirely breathable and malleable but goes rigid during impact before returning to its' original state. Thank you to both companies for their continuing support.

All work was completed during undergraduate studies at Syracuse University. All materials and impact performance estimates have been personally tested and proven at Cascade Helmet's NOCSAE approved impact testing facility.

Design TAXI