Auto and Motorcycle Helmets?

[MPDano]

I was looking into getting an Open Face Helmet for Autocrossing. I see a lot of Motorcycle Helmets with the same Snell and DOT ratings. Is there a difference with a Motorcycle and Automobile Helmet?

Also, what are the good Brands out there in todays market?

[XLR8928]

Originally Posted by MPDano

I was looking into getting an Open Face Helmet for Autocrossing. I see a lot of Motorcycle Helmets with the same Snell and DOT ratings. Is there a difference with a Motorcycle and Automobile Helmet?

Also, what are the good Brands out there in todays market?

Leo,
Arai, Shoei, HJC, and Icon all make quality Snell approved helmets. If you want top of the line best, Arai is the helmet. But..., you will pay for it.
-Kerry

[153bigblock]

For AX, all you need is this: http://www.helmetcity.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=openfacesa&Store_Code=HC
Pyrotect is just fine. For competition, you can get into the upper end stuff, but for DE and AX....

[MPDano]

I was thinking in the HJC Price Range. Are these ok? I like the Flat Black Ones.



HJC Helmet CS-5N FLAT BLACK



HJC Helmet FS-3 MATTE BLACK

The 2nd one is DOT APPROVED/SNELL-M2005

The AX Rules state must be Snell Approved.

[153bigblock]

Originally Posted by MPDano

I was thinking in the HJC Price Range. Are these ok? I like the Flat Black Ones.



HJC Helmet CS-5N FLAT BLACK



HJC Helmet FS-3 MATTE BLACK

The 2nd one is DOT APPROVED/SNELL-M2005

The AX Rules state must be Snell Approved.

I think those are MC helmets. I was told, but do not know for sure, the tech people might have issue with them. You might want to check with PCA or something even though the Snell Approval is up to date.

[MPDano]

Yeah, I was looking at the website you had posted and they had the same helmets under Motorcycle. I did take a look at the Automotive Specific ones and they aren't that bad in price. I only see the gloss black ones though.

[153bigblock]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Yeah, I was looking at the website you had posted and they had the same helmets under Motorcycle. I did take a look at the Automotive Specific ones and they aren't that bad in price. I only see the gloss black ones though.

They have them in white too. I think they have a model for under $100

[153bigblock]

Also, I think you are pretty handy with some flat or satin black. I have seen pics of your shark . I can even paint a helmet.

[Wyvern]

#1 check with the sanctioning body of the events you want to run.

There IS a difference between Motorcycle and Auto Helmets,
The biggest difference is the fire rate.
Now an auto helmet has to meet a flammability rating while a MC helmet does not (or lower standard needed for comp)
I do know that the helmets may really be the same but if they are not tested for fire and approved it would not be an approved helmet.
This testing cost money ... very similar to DOT tires or UL appliances it may be the same ... even better but if not tested and stickered it is not "approved"
My local SCCA allowed MC helmets but local PCA does not.

#2 ... be very cautious about painting a helmet. Many helmet mfgs have warnings about this. If a paint was interactive with the material construction the helmet may loose its integrity.

http://www.smf.org/

Note: NO flamibility specs for MC 2005 helmets

Snell SA 2005 info
E8. Flame Resistance Tests - Auto Racing (SA2005) Helmets Only

The test will be conducted at ambient temperature, between 10°C and 30°C, and utilize the thermal load of a propane flame, at the flame location representing a measured temperature of 790± 40°C.

a. Shell: The site selected on the shell for this test must lie at least 120 mm from any site tested in impact or shell penetration and from any cutting done to facilitate impact testing. The flame shall impinge upon the external surface of the helmet shell for a period of 30 seconds. Simultaneous with the removal of the flame, a timing device shall be activated. The helmet shall be self-extinguishing within 10 seconds of the removal of the flame i.e., shall not continue to burn with the emission of a flame. The helmet will not be subjected to impact tests after testing for flammability.

The temperature of the padding and lining materials normally in contact at any point with the wearer's head shall not exceed 70°C during the test.

b. Trim: The helmet trim will include any attachment sold for use with the product not otherwise discussed in this section on flame resistance. This includes face shields provided with open face helmets. The trim will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test, but for a period of 15 seconds. The trim shall be self-extinguishing within 20 seconds of the removal of the thermal load.

c. Chin Strap: The chin strap utilized will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test. The chin strap and chin strap cover, if provided, shall be suspended between two clips at least 75 mm apart so that there is only minimal tension and so that the broad side of the strap is perpendicular. The flame shall be applied to the cover if present or otherwise to the strap for a period of 15 seconds. The chin strap and, if present, the cover shall not melt and shall be self-extinguishing within 5 seconds of the removal of the thermal load.

d. Face shield: (For full face helmets only). The face shield will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test, but for a period of 45 seconds. The face shield shall not melt down during this period so as to allow the propane flame to penetrate the interior of the helmet. The shield shall be self-extinguishing in 20 seconds.

e. Padding and lining materials: The internal padding and lining materials will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test, but for a period of 15 seconds. The lining shall be self-extinguishing within 5 seconds of the removal of the thermal load. This test shall only be applied to that part of the lining within 50 mm of the face or neck opening of the helmet.

[153bigblock]

Originally Posted by Wyvern

#1 check with the sanctioning body of the events you want to run.

There IS a difference between Motorcycle and Auto Helmets,
The biggest difference is the fire rate.
Now an auto helmet has to meet a flammability rating while a MC helmet does not (or lower standard needed for comp)
I do know that the helmets may really be the same but if they are not tested for fire and approved it would not be an approved helmet.
This testing cost money ... very similar to DOT tires or UL appliances it may be the same ... even better but if not tested and stickered it is not "approved"
My local SCCA allowed MC helmets but local PCA does not.

#2 ... be very cautious about painting a helmet. Many helmet mfgs have warnings about this. If a paint was interactive with the material construction the helmet may loose its integrity.

Home

Note: NO flamibility specs for MC 2005 helmets

Snell SA 2005 info
E8. Flame Resistance Tests - Auto Racing (SA2005) Helmets Only

The test will be conducted at ambient temperature, between 10°C and 30°C, and utilize the thermal load of a propane flame, at the flame location representing a measured temperature of 790± 40°C.

a. Shell: The site selected on the shell for this test must lie at least 120 mm from any site tested in impact or shell penetration and from any cutting done to facilitate impact testing. The flame shall impinge upon the external surface of the helmet shell for a period of 30 seconds. Simultaneous with the removal of the flame, a timing device shall be activated. The helmet shall be self-extinguishing within 10 seconds of the removal of the flame i.e., shall not continue to burn with the emission of a flame. The helmet will not be subjected to impact tests after testing for flammability.

The temperature of the padding and lining materials normally in contact at any point with the wearer's head shall not exceed 70°C during the test.

b. Trim: The helmet trim will include any attachment sold for use with the product not otherwise discussed in this section on flame resistance. This includes face shields provided with open face helmets. The trim will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test, but for a period of 15 seconds. The trim shall be self-extinguishing within 20 seconds of the removal of the thermal load.

c. Chin Strap: The chin strap utilized will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test. The chin strap and chin strap cover, if provided, shall be suspended between two clips at least 75 mm apart so that there is only minimal tension and so that the broad side of the strap is perpendicular. The flame shall be applied to the cover if present or otherwise to the strap for a period of 15 seconds. The chin strap and, if present, the cover shall not melt and shall be self-extinguishing within 5 seconds of the removal of the thermal load.

d. Face shield: (For full face helmets only). The face shield will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test, but for a period of 45 seconds. The face shield shall not melt down during this period so as to allow the propane flame to penetrate the interior of the helmet. The shield shall be self-extinguishing in 20 seconds.

e. Padding and lining materials: The internal padding and lining materials will be subjected to the same propane flame utilized in the shell test, but for a period of 15 seconds. The lining shall be self-extinguishing within 5 seconds of the removal of the thermal load. This test shall only be applied to that part of the lining within 50 mm of the face or neck opening of the helmet.

Thanks for all of the meaningful info. Also, (Leo) do not paint your helmet.

[MPDano]

Ha Ha Yeah, no Paint Art on Helmet. Great post on the info about SA 2005. This is what I need to look for.

[MPDano]

Hey Michael, found a Vendor that sells that same helmet in Flat Black. I think I found my Helmet

[153bigblock]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Hey Michael, found a Vendor that sells that same helmet in Flat Black. I think I found my Helmet

Nice!

[MPDano]

I even found a Flat Black Bell one on Sale for around the same price. Google Rules!

[Wyvern]

The SA 2010 helmets should be out (usually show up in Oct before the 5 year interval) ... that should have been Oct 2009 ... seems to be some issues with testing specs and MFGs getting approved. Not sure what this will do about the phasing out i/ n of the SA 05 and SA10 helmets. but if you really don't need a helmet NOW ,, Maybe wait and you will be able to get a 2010 series really soon .

I will do some checking .

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by Wyvern

The SA 2010 helmets should be out (usually show up in Oct before the 5 year interval) ... that should have been Oct 2009 ... seems to be some issues with testing specs and MFGs getting approved. Not sure what this will do about the phasing out i/ n of the SA 05 and SA10 helmets. but if you really don't need a helmet NOW ,, Maybe wait and you will be able to get a 2010 series really soon .

I will do some checking .

This means nice "Sales" coming soon too. The SDPCA Regs say current or 1 behind.

All car occupants must wear a Snell approved helmet, which has the current available Snell rating or the one previous Snell rating.