SNELL Helmet Requirement

[fhafer]

Is it possible to get the supporting documents used to make this new ruling posted on Hydroracer or maybe the APBA website? I'd like to read through them to see the DOT vs SNELL rating difference. A copy of the meeting minutes where this was discussed would also be very helpful. If you can't scan them into .PDF feel free to send me a private message and I'll do it. Thanks!

[26V]

there is quite a difference in the dot and snell requirements. The biggest difference is that dot rating is a manufacturer tested rating ( or not). The DOT doing spot checks says that roughly 50% of dot rated helmets fail. There is a web site you can go two to see if your helmet has been tested. I don’t recall off hand what the web site is sorry.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

[fhafer]

Thanks Gene!

Thanks for the info Gene. I'm sure there are differnces in the ratings/testing......but I was wondering how this decision was arrived at with APBA. Is is being driven by the insurance industry that provides APBA with coverage, or by APBA itself. I'd just like the opportunity to review the data used to make the determination for the racers.

There's no dispute here about a difference between the two certifications.....I'm looking for the logic behind the change. Surely there are documented facts available that will support the decision of APBA.

Best regards,
Fred

[26V]

Each category was asked for their option on several safety items. Dot helmets, cutgear-lifejacket inspection and certifications are the two main ones.
Then the safety committee made the rulings on these items. I thought that the safety committee ruled NOT to ban the Dot certified helmets and to NOT require recerification of cut gear/life jackets. If this is wrong I need to get busy and make sure my equipment is legal!
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[fhafer]

I was told SNELL was required.......

It is possible that I received the wrong information or more likely heard it wrong. I thought we were told at our region meeting that all helmets had to have the SNELL tag under the liner in order to pass tech. Safety is very important and in my opinion should be a first priority. I just want to make sure financial outlay to replace a one-year-old helmet is justified.

You can see the helmet in my avatar......it's in a paint shop now because it was deemed not to be "Yellow enough".......I'm not kidding.

Best regards,
Fred

[KG4]

I have a Shoei all orange helmet that is snell 95 i think.Is it legal?

[blueskyracer]

I have a Shoei all orange helmet that is snell 95 i think.Is it legal?

Maybe if it was a 2005

[PRO-MOTIONRACING]

Here is yet another re-post as this is a subject I feel very passionate about.
While I do not know the current rules, but I do know enough about helmets and crashing in a helmet to say I would rather crash in a 10 year old quality helmet than a brand new $89.00 snell approved helmet.
Snell and DOT testing is primarily based in impact and the ability of the Styrofoam to absorb impact when hitting the pavement, not the ability to take a skid fin to the head.

Here is a re-post from a previous thread (Painting Helmets)

While I am far from the worlds foremost expert on helmets and helmet testing ( snell foundation is very expensive)
I do sell helmets and meet with manufacturer representatives almost every day. All technology aside there are only two kinds of helmets as it pertains to there construction. One is plastic, they might call it advanced polymer or polycarbonate but they are still plastic. These helmets are usually under $200.00. The other kind of construction is fiberglass, these are usually layered with kevlar and or carbon fiber and usually cost $220.00+. I feel that in a crash (like a skid fin to the head) the plastic lid could split open like an egg. While the fiberglass lid might stay intact. Imagine setting two helmets on the ground one plastic one fiberglass/kevlar, then hit them with an AX!!! you decide.
Secondly fit, studies find that most are wearing a helmet that is at least one size to big. Put a helmet on, if your fingers will fit in between your forehead and the helmet it is to big. It wont make much difference on the density of the polystyrene and its ability do absorb impact if your pulling excess Gs when sloshing around in a big ole bucket.

In my opinion... Get yourself a good fiberglass lid that fits correctly and break out the Krylon.

[krazy karl]

Snell Helmets

Here is yet another re-post as this is a subject I feel very passionate about.
While I do not know the current rules, but I do know enough about helmets and crashing in a helmet to say I would rather crash in a 10 year old quality helmet than a brand new $89.00 snell approved helmet.
Snell and DOT testing is primarily based in impact and the ability of the Styrofoam to absorb impact when hitting the pavement, not the ability to take a skid fin to the head.

Here is a re-post from a previous thread (Painting Helmets)

While I am far from the worlds foremost expert on helmets and helmet testing ( snell foundation is very expensive)
I do sell helmets and meet with manufacturer representatives almost every day. All technology aside there are only two kinds of helmets as it pertains to there construction. One is plastic, they might call it advanced polymer or polycarbonate but they are still plastic. These helmets are usually under $200.00. The other kind of construction is fiberglass, these are usually layered with kevlar and or carbon fiber and usually cost $220.00+. I feel that in a crash (like a skid fin to the head) the plastic lid could split open like an egg. While the fiberglass lid might stay intact. Imagine setting two helmets on the ground one plastic one fiberglass/kevlar, then hit them with an AX!!! you decide.
Secondly fit, studies find that most are wearing a helmet that is at least one size to big. Put a helmet on, if your fingers will fit in between your forehead and the helmet it is to big. It wont make much difference on the density of the polystyrene and its ability do absorb impact if your pulling excess Gs when sloshing around in a big ole bucket.

In my opinion... Get yourself a good fiberglass lid that fits correctly and break out the Krylon.

Things may have changed since I used to ride motorcycles a few years ago, but then all Snell approved helmets were fiberglass constructed. They were the only ones that could pass the test. Is that still the case or have poly carbonate helmets snuck in? When I was in the army many years ago I worked in a motorcycle rental shop part time. One Saturday morning a young GI rented a bike and went down a street that T'd with a major street not knowing he had to stop. He went down and slid head first into the curb. He had taken one of our ugly but fiberglass helmets. It probably saved his life. Afterward the helmet was just like a har boiled egg that had been rolled around on the counter to crack it for peeling. I won't wear anything but a laminated helmet. Now there are better materials for this than fiberglass but all better than poly carbonate shells. My 2 cents.
kk

[PRO-MOTIONRACING]

I simplify by calling them fiberglass, most fiberglass helmets have layers on kevlar and or carbon fiber.
Also, yes, today many plastic helmets are snell approved and some of the good helmets are not.
In fact, due to the high cost of Snell testing many low-end high volume lids are tested as a selling point while many very high-end low volume lids are not. Instead they are submitted for the more stringent and comprehensive European testing (I forget the acronym right now). The Euro spec is approved for AMA pro racing. Ironically the best helmets in the world are not being considered for APBA approval.

[fhafer]

I found this.....

Proposal #4: Helmet certification

Proposal: Revise APBA General Safety Rule 3.A and Inboard Rule 3.5.2 to read:
A. Helmets must meet the specifications set forth by any of the following: Department of Transportation, American National Standards Institute, Inc., Snell, or military specification helmet designed for military aircraft — Mil-Spec helmets (CGF LA100, LH050, LH150, LH250; Gentex HGU84P) and Peltor helmets (Rally Pro Helmet EN ECU 04 or 05) are acceptable.

Explanation: Eliminate helmets certified solely by the D.O.T. because it is the opinion of many experts have stated that these helmets do not provide the protection our participants require.

Effective Point: Effective 11-1-2011.

Motion made to accept the DOT certification as a reliable helmet for racing. - Motion Passes

************


I read this to mean a DOT cert is sufficient and the SNELL only requirement died in comittee.

[ricochet112]

Maybe if it was a 2005

From what I remember the Snell rating seemed old/outdated to me, like 10+ years. It's very possible that Snell 1995 might be the most recent or 1st outdated rating. The rules only say any DOT or Snell rated helmet is legal.

First page.

http://www.apba-racing.com/Forms/2011/011GRR-GSR.pdf


3. Helmets and Life Jackets: A driver (and passenger, if any) when operating registered equipment at any time while at a sanctioned regatta, must wear
complete safety equipment, including helmet and life jacket, except where exempt, with the following exception: Helmets may be removed only (1) when the
boat is stopped or operated off-plane at idle speed, and (2) when there are no other race boats operating on plane on the race course or in the vicinity so as to
create a danger, or (3) when the driver’s boat is tethered to a tow boat. The helmet only may be removed by drivers of stalled boats during point-to-point
marathons.
Considering the fact that there is no safest life jacket and helmet that will eliminate all risks, the participants are solely and ultimately responsible for
selecting a suitable helmet and life jacket. Only those considered in good condition may be used.
A. Helmets must meet the specifications set forth by any of the following: Department of Transportation, American National Standards Institute, Inc.,
Snell, or military specification helmet designed for military aircraft — Mil-Spec helmets (CGF LA100, LH050, LH150, LH250; Gentex HGU84P)
and Peltor helmets (Rally Pro Helmet EN ECU 04 or 05) are acceptable.1) For a participant who is restrained in the cockpit, it is recommended that a majority of the helmet be painted with a fluorescent red, yellow or
orange; or international orange. There is no specified area, but the helmets must be of a bright color so as to be clearly visible in the water.
2) For a participant who races unrestrained in an open cockpit, the upper fifty percent (50%) of the helmet must be a single color of the following:
yellow or orange or international orange or fluorescent red.
3) Half-shell and 3/4 type helmets are not allowed.

[EKorpe]

safety gear

OH geez dont start this stuff ! what do you want ? to give them idea's so you have to buy **** nascar buckets ? sign the waiver and race ! yes you may possibly lose your life or limbs !!! dont like that possibillity ? DONT RACE !!!!!

[KG4]

Just noticed my helmet has both snell and dot rating.

[blueskyracer]

In AOF I believe we have to have a snell or DOT date of 2005 or newer.