Skully AR-1 Review

Skully is an augmented reality helmet that claims to be the world’s first augmented reality motorcycle helmet. Here’s our Skully AR-1 review.

What Is The Skully AR-1?

The Skully AR-1 is an augmented reality motorcycle helmet that initially launched through Indiegogo two years ago.

The helmet is designed to provide helpful information to riders as they move. Each high-tech helmet comes with a heads up display, a rearview camera, GPS navigation, and other modern features.

The helmets are priced at around $1500 per unit. They claim to be “the world’s smartest motorcycle helmet”. The helmets have been widely praised across the tech industry, with organizations like Popular Mechanics calling it “The beginning of a motorcycle tech revolution.” However, Skully has run into some shipping troubles in recent months, which recently led to the ousting of the company’s two co-founders. We’ll take a closer look at that issue below.

For now, let’s look at the Skully AR-1’s key features.

Skully AR-1 Features

Skully separates the AR-1’s features into all of the following categories:

-Heads Up Display: This heads up display is always in-focus. It’s also transparent so you can still see the path ahead of you. It’s placed in a convenient location in your field of view to minimize distraction.

-Safety: DOT/ECE-certified, fog, scratch, and glare-resistant visor, and quick release chin strap and visor.

-Perfect Fit: Available in five sizes X through XXL with interchangeable padding inserts and a lightweight, aerodynamic design.

-Situational Awareness: Ultra-wide angle rear-view camera with GPS navigation and a high-speed microprocessor.

-Connectivity: Bluetooth-connected, internet-via phone, and air-synced software updates

-Intelligent Sound: Includes integrated audio, hands-free calling, and music streaming.

The GPS system promises to work effectively even in low-reception areas – so you never miss a turn. Meanwhile, the rear-facing camera is found on the back of the helmet so you can always see what’s coming up directly behind you.

Ultimately, all of these features are designed to help you keep your eyes on the road ahead while providing you valuable, distraction-free information.

Helmets are available in matte black or glass white.

Skully Investors Kick Out Founders in July 2016

Skully was recently in the news after it was revealed that its co-founders Marcus and Mitch Weller were kicked out of the company by investors. Marcus served as CEO of Skully while his brother Mitch was the chief of staff and oversaw business operations, product management, and material logistics support. Investors kicked out the pair and replaced them with Martin Fitcher as CEO.

The pair of brothers originally founded the company after Marcus Weller crashed his motorcycle in Barcelona when he took his eyes off the road “for mere seconds to read a street sign”, according to the company’s About page.

Investors were reportedly fed up with shipping delays on the helmets: the company had a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign two years ago and has reportedly sold thousands of units – but TechCrunch reports that the company has only shipped a total of 20 to 100 helmets thus far.

There was also some controversy about failed acquisitions even when the company was going through series B funding. TechCrunch has the best write-up of the story here, including with their own corroborating sources.

In any case, Skully has raised a total of $14.95 million in funding over the last two years. The company is based in San Francisco, California.

Skully Pricing

Skully is currently available to order online through Skully.com/store, where it’s priced at $1499.00. You can choose from five different sizes, including S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Helmets come in a matte black or gloss white color.

Currently, the estimated delivery time is November 2016. The company is also offering free shipping on all US orders all summer (although you can have the helmet shipped anywhere in the word).

Ultimately, Skully is a smart motorcycle helmet that has the real potential to save lives. Although the company has gone through some shipping problems, it appears those problems are in the past as the new estimated shipping date for Skully is in November 2016. We’ll see if they can make that target under a new CEO.