Snell 2015 Helmet

[Tristor]

Originally Posted by nico_rsx

This is for the SA helmets though.
I found the similar document for M2020, and they say they can begin selling october 2019, with the end of sale for M2015 in april 2020.


https://www.smf.org/standards/m/2020...inal-Cover.pdf

I'll say it again. M rated helmets are not safe for use in motorsports. Just because some dumber sanctioning bodies allow for it, doesn't mean it's a good idea. You only have one noggin, so start using it now while you still can.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Tristor

You only have one noggin, so start using it now while you still can.

I always thought Bell said it best....

[nico_rsx]

Originally Posted by Tristor

I'll say it again. M rated helmets are not safe for use in motorsports. Just because some dumber sanctioning bodies allow for it, doesn't mean it's a good idea. You only have one noggin, so start using it now while you still can.

M rated helmet are perfectly safe for use in production cars without a roll cage. By dumber sanctionning bodies I guess you mean FIA, SCCA, and every major sanctionning bodies in north america, because thay all allow the use of M rated helmet in non-caged cars.


My opinion is that M rated full face helmet are even safer than open face SA in a non-roll caged car. I don't even know why they sell open face SA, that's a joke...

[Tristor]

Originally Posted by nico_rsx

M rated helmet are perfectly safe for use in production cars without a roll cage. By dumber sanctionning bodies I guess you mean FIA, SCCA, and every major sanctionning bodies in north america, because thay all allow the use of M rated helmet in non-caged cars.


My opinion is that M rated full face helmet are even safer than open face SA in a non-roll caged car. I don't even know why they sell open face SA, that's a joke...

I'm well aware that the SCCA allows M rated helmets, although most local chapters restrict it to autocross. Please show me anywhere where FIA allows an M rated helmet inside a car? Again, this isn't rocket science. M-rated helmets aren't designed for multiple impacts which is likely to happen during an auto accident, they're only single-impact rated.

You can do whatever you want with your noggin, but I have moral responsibility to put the information out there. For me, I would never use anything but the highest quality full-face SA rated helmet for myself.

[nico_rsx]

Originally Posted by Tristor

Please show me anywhere where FIA allows an M rated helmet inside a car?

From ASN canada website:

ASN Canada FIA (ASN) is the Sporting authority delegated by the FIA that oversees all Canadian national motorsport.


https://www.asncanada.com/about/


Time attack regulation, page 6:
https://www.asncanada.com/wp-content...egulations.pdf

[cjd]

Both M and SA are rated for multiple impacts (unlike many bicycle helmets which are single-impact only).


Field of view differences, and SA adds fire protection and roll bar protection.

Originally Posted by Snell

The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while the M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:

1. The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
2. The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than the M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
3. The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi-impact test while the M standard does not.

[Tristor]

I guess the operative word there is "rollbar". Nonetheless, I would not ever use or recommend using an M rated helmet in a car.

[bmxr]

Personally, I find the flammability test to be the bigger deal, not the multi impact. Just because multi impact is not part of the test doesn't mean that the helmets will disintegrate after two hits. And hardly any of us are running a cage. That said, I stepped up and got an HJC AR10III because it is way nicer than it should be for the price. Fit and comfort of a much more expensive lid, for sure. FWIW, I was strictly an Arai guy when I rode bikes, so I do think I understand the benefits of a good helmet.

[nico_rsx]

Originally Posted by bmxr

Personally, I find the flammability test to be the bigger deal, not the multi impact. Just because multi impact is not part of the test doesn't mean that the helmets will disintegrate after two hits.

I agree with that. I'd be willing to bet that a lot of M helmets would pass the multi impact test. I think in SA tests the impacts, including the first, are weaker than the M test impact (not 100% sure). But they would definitely not pass the flammability test. In my case I only do AutoX and some HDPE, most of the time in shorts and T-shirt, so a flame resistant helmet is not that usefull for me...

[CrowsFeast]

Originally Posted by nico_rsx

I agree with that. I'd be willing to bet that a lot of M helmets would pass the multi impact test. I think in SA tests the impacts, including the first, are weaker than the M test impact (not 100% sure). But they would definitely not pass the flammability test. In my case I only do AutoX and some HDPE, most of the time in shorts and T-shirt, so a flame resistant helmet is not that usefull for me...

I'm more surprised they let you out in shorts and a t-shirt. I used to wear a t-shirt when I was doing HPDE/open lapping. When I moved to time attack they require long sleeves and I've just accepted that as my track attire now. Can't afford a racing suit and all the goodies yet. Should be looking at a HANS device though.

Oh, and while I agree that a good quality M rated helmet is good for HPDE I don't know if there are any compatible with a HANS device (why would they be), which would typically be the next step up for safety. As such I would say if you can swing it then going with a decent SA helmet would be best.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by CrowsFeast

Oh, and while I agree that a good quality M rated helmet is good for HPDE I don't know if there are any compatible with a HANS device (why would they be)

Could help someone with really strong arms.

[ls1ac]

For a once in a while weekend warrior look at Z AMP.
It meets the test requirements but no bells or whistles.
It has Hans points, but I would not use it for racing. I have one for ride alongs.

[nico_rsx]

Originally Posted by ls1ac

For a once in a while weekend warrior look at Z AMP.

I just looked at them. It's really nice that they do colors/graphics . Most of the SA are just plain ugly black or white

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Could help someone with really strong arms.

Is that a Hans and Franz joke?