Sorting Out Differences in Helmet Standards

[Guest24]

A friend passed this article in the NY Times to me concerning the DOT and European helmet standards versus the SNELL standards and how they may or may not be the same and even whether the SNELL is safe for riders with small heads. It's worth reading. I'd like to hear informed comments on the different safety standards and test requirements.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/automobiles/27SNELL.html?emc=eta1

[SAHD]

I guess Jay Leno should be safe with his snell approved aria.

Seriously, I have heard that snell is better for racing accidents ie on the track vs. DOT, EU being more crash worthy on the street.

[SAHD]

Snell/DOT Comparison

http://www.helmetsetc.com/about-bsi.asp

http://www.helmetsetc.com/snell-vs-dot.asp


Very interesting.

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by Nail24

I'd like to hear informed comments on the different safety standards and test requirements.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/automobiles/27SNELL.html?emc=eta1

Informed comments? This could be a short thread. Regardless, I rarely wear my Arai helmet anymore, and opt for my Shark with a ECE rating.

I wish SNELL would just go away. They undoubtedly served a very important purpose many years ago, but now?

[cageyar]

This is old news-the Snell 2010 standard available for the first time in retail helmets next month (October) adopts the European standard reducing the need for smaller shells to meet the standard as larger shells. This will allow smaller shells to be made less rigid. For those who wear larger sizes, this essentially means nothing. If you wear a medium or smaller, as of the 2010 Snell standard, you helmet will be less likely to be excessively stiff for the given size.
Just look next month for the Snell 2010 standard and you'll be fine.

[lightfighter]

this is an interesting topic that i have a hard time wrapping my soft head around. can someone give a graphic example of what a 300g impact would equate to in terms of crashing?

for example: i fell at low speed from atop an enduro mc(ie very tall), and landed on my head. the impact felt like i got hit with a baseball bat, and i almost surely had a concussion... how many G's would that be, versus say, sliding off at 60mph and catching the curb with your head?

[bradzdotcom]

lightfighter~ if you're looking for info about helmets and impacts in dirt riding, check this out:
http://motonation.com/dirt_rider_helmet_test/DRTP-091000-HEL.pdf

article is from the october issue of dirt rider. should still be on the rack at the grocery store.

[lightfighter]

interesting... thx

[sgoodwin]

The new snell standard falls in line with the other standards that allow less energy to reach your noggin regardless of size. The old snell standard allows a higher level of force usually from stiffer liners & has no variance for size or weight. The main argument against older snell ratings was that it allowed forces that were potentially dangerous, ie brain damage. After much criticism snell has finally come into agreement with the rest of the world on this issue with the new 2010 rating.

[cageyar]

Today's the day.

The Snell M2010 Standard
Beginning October 1, 2009, the motorcycle riding public will be able to buy and wear motorcycle helmets certified to the new Snell M2010 standard.

[cageyar]

2010 Snell mirrors the ECE standard:

[Guest24]

Does this mean the 2005 Snell standard helmets will go on sale for lots less?

[sgoodwin]

They already are, X-11's are about half price thru several vendors online. Check Competition Accessories & Chaparral.