Helmet Certs

[G Stillwill]

All it takes is a little imagination, some mechanical ability, and neighbors who mind their own business.

[ram95]

You've missed my point..

If I want to paint my $75 craigslist helmet krylon orange, as long as it meets the rules where's causing hardship on YOU.

EXACTLY. I paint mine too. My point is: This latest rule is unnecessary. No issues have surfaced out on the water which called for it. During the Nat Mtg some attendees spoke up and insinuated that "racers" don't have the intelligence to read thru the manufacturers literature or other published information regarding helmet testing etc etc. In essence those persons are saying YOU (and ME!!) are too stupid to read and make decisions for ourselves. I have to wonder how many of them have read the fine print.

I'm sorry if you think my "attitude" is a problem. I don't have a problem with yours - rock on!!

Alex

[krazy karl]

Snell Approved

Read the literature regarding helmet testing. If you are NOT wearing a helmet that is Snell approved then you must not value your noggin very much. DOT testing doesn't involve a whole lot, Snell testing is very rigorous and will insure that you have the best that is available. Look at the beanies that a lot of Harley riders wear, they are only DOT approved and the protection they provide is virtually non existent. If cost is the main issue, Pyrotech for one makes helmets that are Snell approved and can be obtained from the Bell store at a very reasonable cost. I spend more on fuel to get to a race than what my helmet cost and the first thing I looked for was the Snell sticker. We have an issue with insurance costs as it is, let's not make it worse. Come on guys, we have bigger problems than this.

kk

[blueskyracer]

I dont think it is just the cost of a new helmet but the added cost plus all the new and increased fees plus gas and everything else..You have to look at the big picture!!! Tunnel vision is not allowed these days

Almost forgot that wait till you get to you first race and see the double price for one class entry because of the new insurance fees.. It is the total that will kill folks racing budget plus terrible timing what with taxes due also

[RKO]

Sorry Alex, it did sound like you were attacking this tread. I have the same problem at work. Front line equipment falling apart and all the higher ups can argue about is what uniforms we're wearing. I've heard time and time again about how many hours were spent about helmet color. Just pick a color and move on there's bigger fish to fry.

[G Stillwill]

When the Shoie RF900 helmet came out there must of been a flood of RF700's in the ware houses which was discontinued I bought one off ebay brand new for 75.00 which had sold for 395.00. The paint job from the factory was so cool I hated to paint it so I duct taped a hunter orange wool cap over it and all the rules said was it had to be orange didnt say it had to be paint. I finially did paint it after a couple years but the bro cap sure was a confersation piece

[RKO]

That's funny.

Not to beat a dead horse but, obviously, it's a safety issue. Why was it opted to just go Snell and not Snell 2010. The 2010 testing techniques are totally incompatible with all the earlier standards. Was this something mandated by the insurance or just APBA. In reality, shouldn't it be Snell 2010. It appears many of the other motor sports are requiring it.

[Andrew 4CE]

If it's safety, it should be Snell M or SA then a year... right now you could use a Snell B or S helmet that looks like a helmet suitable for racing but might not be, or even ANSI logging or climbing helmet since no spec numbers are given.

My bicycle helmet is snell approved.

[Andrew 4CE]

Granted I haven't been a member of APBA in several years, just joined again a week ago... but from searching the rules, it seems this is perfectly legal.

only $45.

[sponsonhead]

Again, wrong....

Read your Rule Book there, Sport:

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) 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.
2) Half-shell and 3/4 type helmets are not allowed.

R-19

[mercguy]

over exaggerating....

I dont think it is just the cost of a new helmet but the added cost plus all the new and increased fees plus gas and everything else..You have to look at the big picture!!! Tunnel vision is not allowed these days

Almost forgot that wait till you get to you first race and see the double price for one class entry because of the new insurance fees.. It is the total that will kill folks racing budget plus terrible timing what with taxes due also

Come on Mike, quit assuming stuff all the time.......the entry fees are not going to double.....if fact, in SOA, the fee has only gone up $5!!!! That is not going to kill a racers budget.....true racers will still be there......and the extra $25 membership fee ain't going to break you either......

If Sid was to raise the price of his lower unit another $30, would that stop you from buying one.......I highly doubt it......

[G Stillwill]

Andrew with those you could put some speakers in the ear muffs and pipe in some top gun music.

[Andrew 4CE]

Ah, ok. missed that one... some full face bicycle helmets are still seem to be legal then.

http://www.sixsixone.com/Catalog_661...4-3a7ee2fb3a65

[Andrew 4CE]

Andrew with those you could put some speakers in the ear muffs and pipe in some top gun music.

Good plan! I'll bet there is a verion our there like that.

[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.