SNELL Helmet Requirement

[Jack Stotts]

Several years ago, I was the AOF Safety Director and got a copy of all the Snell Ratings that had covered their operation from, I would say 1965 to 1990 or there abouts. I found that they do a new standard each 5 years (Snell 65, Snell 70, Snell 75 etc) Each of the standards differ only slightly from the previous one. The biggest differance among the standards occurred when they began evaulating the chin protector area on the full face helmet. All the standards evaluate the impact resistance of both the shell and visor using standard measuring practices such as pendulum weights etc.and impact absorbtion. I have the summary/comparison of the various standards and will post it when I can get up the stairs. Jack

[Dave M]

Bottom Line

We can't protect ourselves from every conceivable incident. Some inherent risk is present and can't be accounted for. Regulation is a moot point, as even the experts can't agree. Times have changed, let it lay. Materials are not what they used to be, process has been refined to add to the bottom line. You want regulation, how about learning the abilities of your particular rig and knowing yours and its limitations. That would save more injuries than any amount of safety gear regulations. And be less confusing.

[B1PRORACER]

Dave you are 100% correct!

[fhafer]

Not seeking new safety regulations

Mr. Mason,
My original post was not seeking new or increased safety regulations regarding helmets. I was just asking for the opportunity to review the data that was presented to the Safety Committee. In the meeting minutes posted on this web site under the discussion of this topic one can find the following statement, " because it is the opinion of many experts have stated that these helmets do not provide the protection our participants require."

I would like to know by name who the experts are, what the qualifications are that make them experts, and what specifically they have to say regarding helmets and boat racing. As a membership, I think we are entitled to have access to this information.

DOT will be dropped by 2012, I just want to make sure it is warranted either by careful consideration based on fact or by legal necessity because of changes to insurance guidelines.

I'd like for changes to be meaningful and necessary.....that's all.

These are just my opinions.

[B1PRORACER]

fhafer- I think we all realized that you were just trying to figure out what you needed for this upcoming season. These threads sometimes take on a life of their own!

[blueskyracer]

fhafer- I think we all realized that you were just trying to figure out what you needed for this upcoming season. These threads sometimes take on a life of their own!

So true but does a post really get off track here?.

I am positive that no decision will be made without that all important DATA and experts that have done mass amounts of testing with more DATA!!

[Mark Monkres]

Snell 95 was superseded, by Snell October 2010 certification

[ricochet112]

Snell 95 was superseded, by Snell October 2010 certification

Thanks, '95 was the last Snell rating I remember seeing...but me going by memory doen't mean a lot

[Howie Nichols]

Bob Wartinger has tons of data on helmets and snell vs dot.

[larry terzinski]

Well!!!!

Seen helments with M2005. Is that rating? So, if we wish to race this year
are we being forced to up-grade helmet? If so to what! Dave I agree with you!!!

[Dave M]

See...

I did read somewhere that it is on the table just not this season. It is being addressed, so we all will have yet more rules to read, interpret and follow. I am all for rules, don't get me wrong, any organization needs some sort of rules. The trick is knowing when to say when. I think a lot said "when" in 2002.

fhafer, no offense to you, was not pointed at you. Just pointing out that even the epxerts on this site can't agree on a lot. I just think it is over rtegulated in APBA to the point of being anal. I mean for crying out loud, I see how many posts each year asking about the safety rules and how to abide by them, do I need to go out and buy this or that, etc. Enough already is all I am saying. For now and the next ten years.

One question, will ANY Kevlar, lifejacket, or helmet distributor, manufacturer, seller, buyer or any one person from any one of the list GUARANTEE their product is safe and prevent death and injury ? Nope...... If they say yes verbally, how about in writing ?

Anyways, just pointing out how difficult it is to embrace these rules.

[B1PRORACER]

I keep agreeing with Dave.....!

I am currently looking for a new helmet for my son. There is a new Snell 2010 rating out there now. The Snell 2005 rated helmets are going for less money because they are older helmets. For my money, I will be getting a Snell 2010 rated helmet, which means that we will be able to use it longer! If in the future there is an "age limit" rule, then you are wise to buy the newest rated helmet available when you need to buy a helmet....

Peter Crowley

[Jerkizoid]

Way back

when, I addressed this certification with a Bell rep. He gave me a run down on his line of gear. M95 in 2002 was the best one could get ($200 in 2001). It was the very same helmet required by the Washington State Patrol for their motorcycle pursuit units. Couldnt get much better than that for me. M means motorcycle rated.

[Bill Huson]

ratings

Seen helments with M2005. Is that rating? So, if we wish to race this year
are we being forced to up-grade helmet? If so to what! Dave I agree with you!!!

Yes. M2005 is a Snell rating = "Motorcycle" 2005. Tis true, Snell has different ratings (tests) on helmets related to their intended use. Least that was the case when I was into helmets. I believe car racing helmets (i.e. NASCAR) may be different since they are tested for repeated (rollover) impacts.