The BLU3 A10 is the latest helmet cooler from Indian start-up BluArmor.
A few months back, we reviewed BluArmor’s Bluetooth enabled Blu3 E20 helmet cooler that you can read all about on our website. The A10 seen here is the simpler version of the same device and it doesn’t have any of the fancy Bluetooth telephony features.
This device connects to the front of your helmet via a provided sticky mount and it has a soft rubber funnel the extends behind the helmet’s jaw to direct the cool air to your face. The air gets pulled in via a fan at the front of the device and passes through a cartridge that you need to wet before each ride to create the evaporative cooling effect. The device we have here also comes with the company’s new Blu-o2 air filter, which is similar to the cabin air filter in a car and claims to filter out particles as small as 5 microns, no, there are no claims of its ability against SARS-CoV-2.
The device has three fan modes, against just the one in its predecessor, the BluSnap 2. Regular mode is nearly as strong as the one in BluSnap 2, Turbo is 1.5x stronger and Beast is 2x stronger. The A10 is a little bigger and heavier than the device it replaces thanks to the larger fan and cartridge it packs, but at 298gm, its not much of a load either.
The device is easily operated by pressing down on its top panel. A double press turns it on while a single press cycles between the modes. Strangely, once you pass Beast mode it doesn’t go back to Regular mode, but it powers off instead. Its easy to use, but can be unintentionally started quite easily.
The battery lasts for 11 hours, six hours and nearly three hours in Regular, Turbo and Beast mode, respectively. Charging via micro USB takes about 4 hours and the battery life should be enough for most commutes. On the road, we found Turbo to be the mode of choice and that while Beast mode was definitely more effective, it was also much louder. How long the cartridge will stay wet depends on which mode you’re using. Opting for the Blu-o2 filter will give you cleaner air, but restrict airflow by about 25 percent.
This is an unusual device, but it’s effective and worth a look if you find the heat unbearable on your commute.
Where: www.thebluarmor.com
Price: A10 Rs 2,299
Blu-O2 filter: Rs 399 for a pack of two