Hedon, the veritable maker of refined vintage-inspired motorcycle helmets, recently announced the launch of its Psilo Explorer helmet. It’s the brand’s first adventure helmet – a low-profile reimaging of the ADV helmet – exquisite in Hedon’s inimitable style.
Dual-certified to ECE 22.06 and DOT, the new addition to the range is intercom-ready, features smart tech and long-awaited enhancements to the brand’s proprietary inner lining.
If you ride an adventure or scrambler bike and you’ve been quietly envious of what Hedon’s been doing for cafe racer riders for years, this one’s for you. Here’s a first look at this sublime lid.
Hedon’s Psilo Explorer: First Look
Style
The Psilo Explorer is unmistakably an adventure helmet, with thoroughly Hedon DNA. The clear giveaways are the low-profile shape and plush anti‑bacterial suede interior with a stitched natural leather trim.
The hardware is immediately recognisable as Hedon – anodised aluminium alloy finished in brass – hand-knurled for grip and feel. It’s the sort of detail that truly registers when you’re actually holding a Hedon helmet. Its coupling with the carbon fibre shell gives a somewhat retro-futuristic aesthetic, with a silhouette that reminds me of Tron.
We’re told the Pislo moniker is inspired by psilocybin (the psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms) with the mycelium networks, the vast underground tendrils beneath woodlands, stretching far and wide. The theme is: exploration of nature and freedom.
Pislo Explorer Colourways
Hedon is launching the Psilo Explorer in three distinctive colourways – all of which perfectly encapsulate the brand’s visual identity.
- Commander – exposed carbon with bold gold stripes
- Ivory Nomad – off-white desert adventure inspired palette
- Signature Black – classic Hedon minimalism
The Commander is the standout colourway for me; however, there’s appeal for all riders in these initial three designs. Those familiar with Hedon will be aware of its custom helmet service, which isn’t yet available for the Psilo.
A First for Hedon: Full Removable Lining
In another first for Hedon, the Psilo Explorer features a fully removable antibacterial suede (Hed-Armour) lining.
“For a long time, we believed this simply wasn’t possible: keeping the integrity and beauty of our signature lining while adding true removability. But we’ve made it happen, with no compromise on the materials and finish that make it distinctly Hedon. “
Creative Director & Co-founder, Lindsay
Owners of the first generation of Hedon helmets, as I am, know that the lining is famously plush, comfortable and refined. But unfortunately, non-removable.
Cleaning is still possible, made easier if you’re only riding around town or out for the occasional weekend bimble. Newer models, like the Heroine Racer 2.0, feature partially removable lining – namely the cheekpads.
For adventure and scrambler riders, a comfortable and removable helmet lining is essential – so this enhancement will be greatly appreciated.
It’s a significant step up for Hedon that hasn’t come easily by the brand’s own admission. Naturally, it’s been executed in keeping with the brand’s visual and quality ideals. Hedon Co-founder and Creative Director, Lindsay said, “For a long time, we believed this simply wasn’t possible: keeping the integrity and beauty of our signature lining while adding true removability. But we’ve made it happen, with no compromise on the materials and finish that make it distinctly Hedon.”
Specifications & Hardware
Retro helmet or not, the handcrafted Psilo is feature-packed, reflecting what riders now demand of vintage-inspired helmets. Emergency removable cheek pads are included, demonstrating how far the retro segment has advanced.
The shell is ultra-light, full carbon fibre, weighing 1450g to 1550g max, placing it amongst the lightest adventure helmets on the market.
There are three shell sizes (covering XS to XXL), meaning the proportions remain closely aligned across the shells; so, hopefully, not a single bobblehead in sight. The lining is also customisable (with extra cushions provided), so riders can expect a closer fit – I imagine, similar to the Bell Bullitt GT.
Hedon says airflow is controlled by a four-channel, closable ventilation system. There are three circular ports in the brow and three long ports in the chin bar, with a singular exhaust vent in the back. All are constructed from anodised aluminium and finished in brass.
The helmet features a wide visor aperture, paired with an anti-fog, anti-scratch weather-sealed visor, making it adaptable to changing conditions. A photochromatic option is also available, removing the need to swap visors when the light changes. It’s all topped off with an aerodynamic sun peak visor affixed to the shell via beautifully finished, anodised connectors.
Safety Certifications
ECE 22.06 and DOT FMVSS No. 218 certification means the Psilo benefits from the latest safety standards and is road-legal for riders on both sides of the water.
Quinn Smart Tech
Smart tech is increasingly part of every facet of daily life, however you feel about that: good or bad. Its application within motorcycling, however, is likely to be welcomed by most, if not all.
It seems Hedon feels the same way. Seemingly not content with its aforementioned firsts: launching an adventure helmet and making its Hed Armour lining fully removable, it’s partnered with the smart-tech firm, Quinn.
This Quin integration, ‘Quin Within’, adds a welcome safety dimension to the Psilo. The helmet can be purchased with the Quinn Pod included and calibrated. Alternatively, the Psilo can be purchased as ‘Quin Ready’, with a dedicated cavity for the pod, which itself can be added later.
The Quin system records movement data thousands of times per second and verifies impact events using AI. Emergency contacts are then automatically alerted with the precise location and incident details. For solo riders, especially those heading into remote territory, that’s a meaningful safety net.
Price & Availability
The Psilo Explorer’s price ranges from £899.99 / $1,199.00 (USD) / 1049.00€ for the Ivory Nomad and Signature Black to £999.99 / $1,299.00 (USD) / 1199.00€ for the Commander. The optional Quinn Pod (Smart Sensor) is £79.00 / $109.00 (USD) / 89.00€.
You can pre‑order directly from Hedon and other retailers, with shipping expected in July 2026.
Thoughts
ADV helmets have long defaulted to function over form, and most riders have just accepted that trade-off. Hedon’s Psilo Explorer makes a pretty compelling case that they shouldn’t have to.
Typical adventure bike riders might not be the primary audience of the Psilo. However, if you’re in that cohort and have been secretly yearning for a luxurious lid that ticks all the ADV features boxes, this could be it.
Hedon fanatics and disciples of the retro aesthetic, leaning toward scramblers, adventure and off-road pursuits, will be delighted by the launch. Riders with vintage-style MX helmets such as Bell Moto 3, or a HJC V60, or even Hedon’s made-to-order 3/4 Heroine Classic are likely already reaching for the cheque book.
Back when Hedon launched, in 2011, most modern-classic riders were pleased enough to have a road-legal vintage-style helmet without any bells or whistles. That isn’t true anymore.
Riders now expect scintillating retro looks, protection and a full suite of modern features – not as a bonus but as a baseline. The Psilo Explorer delivers that beautifully.
