Uses NASA-developed PCM! When cooled, it turns white like ice, instantly cooling with “Ice Head” to prevent heatstroke [Intense Heat and Motorcycles]

It was a scorching hot day with a maximum temperature of 35°C and humidity of 65%. The weather was clear, making for a perfect test environment…

Every year, Motorfan BIKES conducts an experiment and test to find out if there are any items that can help you stay cooler while riding your bike during the scorching summer. In 2025, we will introduce some of the best items that our editorial team thought might be comfortable and actually purchased (we tested six items in 2025).

For the first test, we tested the “Meccha Cool Ice Head,” a midsummer item that helps prevent heatstroke by cooling the head by placing the device in cold water, the refrigerator, or the freezer, then attaching it to a helmet or hat. This head-cooling item is perfect for when you’re “wearing it while doing anything,” such as riding a motorcycle around town, touring, leisure activities, sports, or work.

[Experimental Data]

Test date: Daytime in early July 2025

Location: A city in Chiba Prefecture

Weather on the day: Sunny with occasional clouds

Maximum temperature: 35°C (as announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency)

Humidity: 65% (as announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency)

Heatstroke warning alert issued

Test environment: The glare from the asphalt was intense. The measured temperature in the sun was over 45°C

Feeling temperature: The sun was strong and it was extremely humid. If you didn’t take a break in the shade every now and then, you’d get heatstroke. The heat was so unbearable that it made the tester wonder, “Is this a punishment game?” There was also a warning on TV to “avoid going out during the day as much as possible.”

Test vehicle: Honda Super Cub 50

Super Cool Ice Head…Purchase price: 3,960 yen (tax included) / Free shipping (nationwide)

*Prices may vary depending on the time of purchase.

Overview of “Super Cool Ice Head”

The “Meccha Cool Ice Head” is a cooling type that you place inside your helmet or hat (on your head) to cool the top of your head. The included hook-and-loop fastener (white) attaches to the Ice Head and helmet bodies to secure them in place.

The surface is made of durable, lightweight, and easy-to-carry TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). The plastic material TPU is extremely soft and flexible. It also boasts 99.9% antibacterial effect against E. coli and 99.5% against Staphylococcus aureus.

The cooling section, which is the “source of cooling,” uses PCM (Phase Change Material), developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). PCM prevents dynamic cracks in the spacecraft caused by sudden temperature changes and protects the astronauts from extreme temperature changes. With ordinary materials, the temperature of the material rises as the surrounding temperature rises. On the other hand, PCM stops rising at a certain temperature range, absorbing heat and maintaining a constant temperature, even when the surrounding temperature rises. This is why it can maintain cooling.

PCM can be used for a longer period of time than ice. It is also 30% lighter than water, so it doesn’t feel as heavy as water. The ice head does not pose the risk of low-temperature burns or frostbite, so it is safe for people with sensitive skin and small children to use.

Product data

Cool in cold water for about 30 minutes…

The solidification time is about 10 minutes if you soak it in cold water (with ice), about 30 minutes in the freezer, and about 50 minutes in the refrigerator. Regardless of the cooling method, the cooling effect and duration when used are almost the same.

When the device is cooled, the PCM in the cooling section freezes and turns white. Its cool appearance is sure to impress! The thickness of the white, cooled device is about the same as a thin-crust pizza.

The helmet and Ice Head body are secured using the included Velcro, which allows the helmet to be firmly attached to the head inside the helmet.

“Mecha Cool Ice Head” comfort index

When riding a motorcycle ★★★★★

Waiting at traffic lights ★★★★★

Air-conditioned interior ★★★★★

Convenience ★★★☆☆

Compatibility with motorcycles ★★★★★

First, I used it on a half-cap helmet. Even when cooled, the Ice Head itself is about the thickness of a thin-crust pizza, so there’s no pressure on the head. The Ice Head cools the top of the head the moment you put the helmet on, providing excellent comfort on extremely hot days.

Next, I tested it with a full-face helmet. There was also no pressure on the head, and the coolness was pleasant. Compared to a half-cap helmet, a full-face helmet fits closer to the head, so the coldness is transmitted more directly.

The ice head used this time is medium size and weighs about 162g. It doesn’t feel heavy at all and puts very little strain on the neck.

Built-in ice head for driving on scorching hot days!

The half cap, which allows the wind to hit your face directly while riding, effectively cools you down by combining the wind from the front with the coldness of the ice head. It would also be useful for bicycle helmets and work helmets.

On the other hand, with the full-face helmet, when the shield is closed, you can feel the coldness of your head. With the shield open, the wind from the front and the coldness of the ice on your head work well together, just like with the half-cap. Personally, I found it more comfortable with the shield open.

Both the half cap and full face helmets stay cool for about 30 minutes. The Ice Head helmet doesn’t drip inside the helmet and provides a refreshing feeling.

When I removed the Ice Head from the helmet after use, the interior of the helmet head was only slightly damp. After drying the helmet in the shade, the interior dried quickly.

In this test, the cooling effect of both the half cap and full face helmets was completed in about 30 minutes. This was during a 30-minute ride, such as commuting, riding around town, or a short ride. Also, if you have access to a refrigerator or cold water, I felt that the Ice Head would be a very useful item.

*Note: The above is merely the author’s opinion. Your experience may vary depending on your personal sense, constitution, health condition, weather conditions, etc.

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