AKARI® VISOR INSERTS
Is there a way I can check to see if an Akari® insert will fit my helmet face shield before I buy one?
Yes. There is a sizing template for each model available for download on the website. Visit the ‘Sizing Template’ tab on the Akari® product page at www.e-tintproducts.com (underneath the ‘Add to Cart’ button). Download, print, and cut out the sizing template. With your helmet face shield down and fully closed, center the sizing template on the outside surface of the face shield. Align the template within the perimeter of the helmet portal to see if it fits within the opening. The Akari® AX12 insert is not compatible with all face shields and helmets, specifically the HJC® RPS-10, Shark® Evoline, Arai®, and dual-sport helmets. If you have an Arai® helmet, please explore our AX12 ARAI insert, custom fit for Arai® helmets.
Is the Akari® insert removable? Can I transfer my insert to another face shield?
Yes! The AX12 insert may be removed and transferred to a new face shield, BUT the AX12 button is not transferable – it is removable but will be damaged in the process. You may purchase a replacement AX12 button by visiting your local dealer or www.e-tintprouducts.com. After removing the face shield from your helmet, gently pull the AX12 off from the face shield by the tab located on the upper corner of the insert. If you set the insert down on a surface before re-installing it on a new face shield, be sure to set it down adhesive side up. Then, follow the standard installation instructions in the AX12 Owner’s Manual.
The flexible ribbon on the external button wraps underneath my face shield. Will this allow rain and extra wind noise to get in? Will it keep my visor from fully closing?
After rigorous testing, we have not found helmet face shield to leak moisture or extra noise. The flex is extremely thin and durable, measuring only 0.15mm in thickness. Therefore, it will not affect the ability of the face shield to fully close.
What if my face shield has pins? Will I still be able to install my Akari® insert?
If you have a face shield with pins, you may install the insert following our standard installation instructions. Then, simply trim the mesh around the pins using normal household scissors.
When my face shield is closed, does the insert cover the entire face shield, or is there a gap around the edges?
There is a very small gap between the perimeter of the AX12 border and the edge of the helmet portal. Since different helmets have a different size “field of view”, the insert was designed to fit nearly all helmet portals. The insert covers an average of 96-98% of the helmet portal.
ALL E-TINT® PRODUCTS
What happens if the seal of the liquid crystal cell breaks?
e-Tint® products utilize a very tiny amount of a non-toxic dyed liquid crystal mixture and because of its minute amount and how the cell is kept together, it is very unlikely for any of it to come out even if the seal breaks. This liquid will leak only if the seal has been broken by excessive force. If it comes in contact with the skin, just wipe off and wash the area with soap and water. Contact with eyes: Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes. The dye in the liquid crystal mixture will stain clothing.
Should I let the battery fully charge before using it the first time?
Yes. It is good practice with any rechargeable system to fully charge the battery before its first use. Then, let it fully drain and recharge it again. This establishes the battery recharging system.
Can I change the battery in my e-Tint® product?
No. All e-Tint products are equipped with a rechargeable lithium ion battery permanently integrated into the unit.
How long does the battery last?
e-Tint® technology relies on a very small applied voltage to keep the product in a tinted state In the clear state (off), the battery will remain charged for approximately three (3) weeks. A fully charged pair of CTRL® eyewear may have up to seventy (70) hours of tinted use, depending on usage. An Akari® AX12 insert may have up to forty (40) hours of tinted use, depending on usage. Like any electronic product (i.e. a cellphone, mp-3 player, etc.) the battery will chemically age and eventually die, and this will constitute what we describe as “reaching the end of its life”. The rechargeable lithium ion battery can withstand, on average, 500 full charge cycles (meaning a full recharge) and retain up to 30 hours of tinted “usage” time. After 500 charge cycles, the amount of charge the battery can hold diminishes, resulting in shorter amounts of time before it needs to be recharged. Ultimately, the “usage” time (or life of the battery) depends on the owner’s frequency of use. A fully depleted battery will take at least 2 hours to fully charge. A fully charged battery will stay charged for use for up to three weeks.
How do I know when my e-Tint® product is fully charged?
The product will turn off (clear state). This indicates that the battery is fully charged and ready for use.
What happens if the battery loses power while I am using my e-Tint® product?
The “fail safe” position of any e-Tint® product is the clear state (off). If the battery loses power while you are actively using your product, the lens will instantly turn clear.
Will my e-Tint® product be damaged if I leave it plugged into my computer or an outlet for days on end?
It is not recommended to leave any e-Tint® product connected to a charging source for long periods of time, as it may cause the battery to expand. If you are planning on storing your product for a prolonged period of time, we recommend fully charging the battery every 2-3 months.
Is there anything special to do before storing an e-Tint® product for a prolonged period of time?
If your product will be stored for a prolonged period of time, we recommend fully recharging the battery every 2-3 months. Doing so will prolong and protect the capacity of the battery. The environmental temperature also affects the storage life of any battery. Cool environments are best.
Can I unplug it while it is charging?
Yes, you may unplug the e-Tint® product from its charging source while charging. There is no special way to ‘eject’ the product from its charging source; simply unplug it.
At what minimum and maximum temperature am I able to charge, operate or store my e-Tint® product?
You may use or store your e-Tint® product in temperatures no lower than 14°F (-10°C) and no higher than 113°F (45°C).
You may charge your e-Tint® product in temperatures no lower than 32°F (0°C) and no higher than 113°F (45°C).
What is meant by “auto” or “hands-free”? Does it have a light detector?
All e-Tint® products have a small, built-in light sensor. When put in the Automatic or “Hands-free” mode, the product will automatically turn on and off when activated by light. To turn the product into Automatic mode, simply press and hold the button for three (3) seconds until it flashes, indicating that the product has switched to hands-free (auto) mode. You can adjust the light threshold or sensitivity of the product in Automatic mode (see below).
Can I adjust the tint level of my e-Tint® product?
No. At this time, our products only switch from a single clear (light) state to a single tinted (dark) state.
What is a light threshold or light sensitivity?
The light sensitivity (or ‘threshold’) is the light level at which the e-Tint product will turn on or off. This can only be adjusted for use in hands-free (auto) mode. See manual for how to adjust the light sensitivity (threshold).
When I go outside, my e-Tint® product rarely turns on while in auto mode. What does this mean and how do I fix it?
The light sensitivity (threshold) is not properly set for your lighting condition. If the product is rarely turning on and is usually off, then your threshold is set too high. To adjust the light sensitivity to your desired setting, see the Directions of Use in the Owner’s Manual or the FAQ:“What is the proper way to change the light sensitivity (threshold)?” . DO NOT attempt to operate a vehicle without first setting the light sensitivity to your desired lighting condition. If the problem persists after changing the light sensitivity, please use manual mode only and contact Customer Support.
What is the proper way to change the light sensitivity (threshold)?
Take your e-Tint® product into an area that has the lighting you feel you would want the tint to switch. Then, follow the light sensitivity adjustment procedure in the Owner’s Manual (in Directions Of Use). DO NOT attempt to operate a vehicle without first setting the light sensitivity to your desired lighting condition.
For example: if you are in bright sunlight outside and you adjust the threshold standing in the bright sun, the product will turn on (tint) when you expose it to the same level of bright sunlight, but not in light that is less bright. If you want your product to turn on in a less bright environment (e.g. on a cloudy day), you will have to find somewhere with that level of lighting (e.g. with the sun hidden under a cloud) and adjust the threshold there. In this way, exposure to a level of lighting equal to the less-bright sun under a cloud will turn the tint on.
Can I download the owner’s guide for my e-Tint product?
Yes, go to the product page for the product you own and download the Manual from the ‘Product Documents’ section.
What is the return/warranty policy for e-Tint® products?
You may return your unopened product for refund or exchange within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase from an authorized dealer or directly from us. All e-Tint® products are backed by a limited warranty that covers material and craftsmanship defects for six (6) months from the date of purchase. See Returns and Warranties on the website: https://www.e-tintproducts.com/returns-warranties/
Richard McDonald (verified owner) –
I’m surprised that I’m the first reviewer. I’ve only managed to install it in my helmet. I didn’t realize that it doesn’t work with a pin-lock visor and had to order a new visor. Hence the delay in writing this.
The visor installs easily enough. The template is mandatory to install it. That was a good idea. I was worried that it would be dark even when not set to shade. It isn’t clear but it’s fine. When set to shade, it makes a good difference. And it certainly has a “cool factor”.
Thanks to AMI Powersports customer service for very nicely and expeditiously handling a minor problem. Well done.