Your motorcycle helmet is an important piece of gear. Not only does it protect your head in the event of a crash, but it also keeps you comfortable and safe while you’re riding. One of the most important aspects of a motorcycle helmet is its visor. If your visor isn’t waterproof, it can quickly become soiled and dangerous to use. In this article, we will be reviewing Nikwax Visor Proof, a product designed to waterproof your motorcycle helmet’s visor.
Nikwax Visor Proof
Riding in rainy weather can be a pain, especially if your helmet’s visor gets all splattered up. Nikwax Visor Proof is a product that claims to prevent this by waterproofing the visor and keeping it clear. But does it really work? We put it to the test to find out.Nikwax Visor Proof User Manual
What is Nikwax Visor Proof?
Nikwax Visor Proof is a water repellent treatment for motorcycle helmets.
Its applications don’t stop at helmets alone however, as the treatment can be used on other items such as goggles, glasses, and sunglasses. If you love to swim or ski, then you must know how important it is to have a good pair of goggles or sunglasses. But even the best goggles can’t withstand the droplets during a swimming session. To prevent this from happening, you can use Nikwax on your googles.
Additionally, Nikwax Visor Proof can be applied to the windshields of motorcycles, cars, and trucks. This can be extremely useful in heavy rain, when visibility is reduced.
When you’re riding at high speeds, you will be exposed to a lot of wind and water, so it’s important that your vision is not obstructed in any way. Not only the pesky droplets will reduce your vision, but the water will also leave dirt stains on your windshield.
Once Nikwax Visor Proof is applied, the droplets of water will bead up and roll off the visor, instead of beading. This makes it much easier to see while riding in wet weather conditions.
Because of its size, it’s very convenient to take Nikwax Visor Proof with you when you travel. You can easily fit it in your pocket or backpack, and it will last for several applications.
One thing to remember is that Nikwax Visor Proof is not a replacement for cleaning your helmet, it only functions as a water-repellant. Because of this, it’s important to clean your visor regularly to remove any impurities that could potentially block your vision. This will also prolong the life of your equipment. [1]
How to Apply Nikwax Visor Proof
So, now that we know what Nikwax Visor Proof is, let’s take an in-depth look at how to apply it. Luckily, the process is pretty simple and can be done in just an hour.
Clean the surface properly
The first step is to make sure the surface is clean. If there’s any dirt, grime or grease on the surface, it needs to be removed before applying Nikwax.
To do this, you can use a mild soap and water solution. Simply apply the solution to a soft cloth and wipe down the surface of the helmet (or goggles/sunglasses/windshield). Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it off with a soft, clean cloth.
Shake the spray and squirt it on your visor
Once the surface is clean, it’s time to apply Nikwax. Shake the bottle well before use, then hold it about 6 inches away from the surface and squirt it on.
You don’t need to squirt over the entire surface, spraying the agent twice should be more than enough.
Wipe the surface with a clear microfiber cloth
After spraying, wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth to spread the product evenly. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Use smooth and even strokes while wiping, going back and forth until the surface is completely covered.
Rub the helmet from side to side
The last step is to take your clean microfiber cloth and rub the helmet from side to side. This will help the product penetrate into the surface and form an invisible barrier.
Once you’re done, leave the helmet (or goggles/sunglasses/windshield) to dry for about an hour before using it. [1]
Features of Nikwax Visor Proof
Now that we know how to apply Nikwax Visor Proof, let’s take a look at some of its features in detail.
It repels droplets from your visor and improves visibility
The first and most important feature of Nikwax Visor Proof is that it repels water droplets from your visor. This is achieved by creating a hydrophobic layer on the surface of the helmet which prevents water from adhering to it. If droples adhere to your visor, they will form a condensation layer which will steam up your vision. The same goes for snow and ice, which means that you’ll be able to see clearly even in the worst weather conditions.
After you’ve applied Nikwax Visor Proof, you’ll notice that the surface of your visor feels smoother to the touch. This is because the hydrophobic layer creates a barrier which prevents dirt and grime from sticking to the helmet. Not only does this make it easier to keep your helmet clean, but it also means that you won’t have to scrub as hard to remove any build-up of dirt.
By getting that problem sorted, you’ll be able to see more clearly and react faster to any obstacles in your path and won’t have to stop every few minutes to clean your visor.
It’s water-based and friendly to environment and you
Nikwax Visor Proof is water-based and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. This makes it safe to use and also means that it won’t damage your helmet in any way if you accidentally get it on other parts of the helmet (like the paintwork). So, if you do happen to get it on your helmet, you can simply wipe it off with a clean cloth and there won’t be any lasting damage. It’s also biodegradable, which is great news for the environment.
Not only is it good for the planet, but it’s also good for you. Unlike some other waterproofing products, Nikwax Visor Proof doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are harmful chemicals which can be absorbed through your skin or inhaled, and have been linked to a variety of health problems.
It’s very easy to apply
Another great feature of Nikwax Visor Proof is that it’s very easy to apply. You simply spray it on and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. The whole process takes less than an hour. It’s also worth mentioning that Nikwax Visor Proof is transparent and doesn’t affect the color or appearance of your helmet in any way.
It doesn’t require as much buffing
All this leads us to the next positive point, which is that you won’t need to spend as much time buffing your helmet after applying Nikwax Visor Proof. This means that you won’t have to spend ages trying to get a streak-free finish, and you can be sure that your visor will be completely protected.
Buffing is important because it helps to spread the product evenly over the surface of the helmet and ensures that no areas are missed. If you don’t buff properly, you run the risk of leaving some areas unprotected, which could lead to water seeping in and leading to unsatisfying results. So, by using Nikwax Visor Proof, you can save yourself time and effort while still getting a perfect finish. [2]
What to Keep in Mind Before Buying
As you can see, there are plenty of advantages to using Nikwax Visor Proof. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you decide to use it. Let’s talk about them in more depth.
It doesn’t last as long so needs to be re-applied often
Because Nikwax Visor Proof is a water-based product, it doesn’t last as long as some of the other waterproofing products on the market. This means that you’ll need to re-apply it more often, which can be a bit of a pain.
If you don’t have to use your goggles, or ride often, then water-proofing them once a month or so should be fine, but if you use them more frequently, you’ll need to re-apply Nikwax Visor Proof every couple of weeks. Now, if you had a ride in heavy rain, or got caught in a downpour, you’d probably have to re-apply Nikwax Visor Proof sooner than that. This isn’t a huge problem, but it is something that you should keep in mind before you decide to use this product.
Because of this, it’s easy to forget about re-applying it, and then you’ll find yourself in a situation where your helmet isn’t properly protected. This can be frustrating, so the best way to go around this is to check the weather forecast for the week, and if you know you’ll be riding, make sure to apply Nikwax Visor Proof a few days before. This way, you can be sure that your helmet will be properly protected, without having to worry about forgetting to re-apply it.[3]
It’s too pricey for the amount you get
A similar con of Nikwax Visor Proof is the size of the bottle and its price.
This might not seem like a lot, but when you compare it to other products on the market, it’s definitely on the higher end of the price range. If you tend to ride often you will definitely notice this because you’ll be going through the bottle faster and will need to re-purchase it more frequently.
So, if you’re on a budget, this might not be the best option for you. However, if you can afford to spend a bit extra, then we think that Nikwax Visor Proof is definitely worth the money.
It doesn’t deal with fogging as well as some other products
Finally, we should mention that Nikwax Visor Proof doesn’t deal with fogging as well as some of the other products on the market. This means that you might still experience some fogging inside, especially in cold or humid conditions.
Fogging can be a bit of a pain, but it’s not a huge problem and there are plenty of ways to deal with it. For example, you could try using anti-fog wipes or spraying your visor with an anti-fog solution.[4]
It may leave a slight odor
Another thing to keep in mind is that Nikwax Visor Proof has a very mild odor that some people may find off-putting. However, this is only temporary and the smell will disappear once the product has dried.
FAQ
Is Nikwax Visor Proof effective?
Yes, Nikwax Visor Proof is an effective water repellent for motorcycle helmets. It helps keep your helmet clean and dry in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and sleet. This will not only preserve visibility but also will prevent the annoying stains that can accumulate on the helmet’s surface.
How often should I apply Nikwax Visor Proof?
One thing you should keep in mind is that Nikwax Visor Proof doesn’t last as long as some of the other waterproofing agents. The reason for that, is because Nikwax products are water based, which means they will wash off easier.
In general, if you are a frequent biker you would want to apply Nikwax Visor Proof before each ride, when you expect rain. If you don’t ride as often, then once a month should suffice.
Nikwax Visor Proof is also safe to use on all types of helmets, including those with tinted visors. To apply Nikwax Visor Proof, simply spray it onto a clean, dry helmet visor and spread it evenly with.
Can I use Nikwax Visor Proof on swimming goggles?
Yes, you can use Nikwax Visor Proof on swimming goggles. It will work exactly in the same way, repelling water and improving visibility. Nikwax Visor proof is compatible with all kinds of goggles, including ski goggles, motocross goggles, and hockey masks.
Related Video: Nikwax Gear & Apparel Care Product Line-Up
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict? Is Nikwax Visor Proof worth the money?
We think that Nikwax Visor Proof is a great product and definitely worth the investment, especially if you love riding and rain is frequent in your area. This innovative spray repels water droplets, so you can see clearly no matter what the weather throws your way. Plus, it’s water-based and environmentally friendly, so you can feel good about using it. However, since this product comes in small cans, you won’t be able to use it for very long before having to re-purchase.
Overall, we think that Nikwax Visor Proof is a great choice for anyone looking for a good motorcycle helmet waterproofing agent. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/waterproofing/visor-proof/
- https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/helmets/nikwax-visor-proof-review/
- https://adventuremotorcycle.com/gear/nikwax-waterproofing-review
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/153222245386
