I have an SA95 rated helmet for track driving.

I have been thinking of getting a more updated helmet.

However, since the latest snell certification, SA2000, was started in the year 2000, I am wondering if there will be a newer Snell standard in 2005(new standard every 5 years???) - I don't want to buy an SA2000 rated helmet in 2004 and find out that there will be an SA2005 standard next year.


Does anybody know anything about how often or when Snell standards for helmets are revised/updated?

 

I believe you're right about the new standard every five years. It is also my understanding that tracks will honor the last two certifications, so presently an SA2000 or SA95 helmet are legal. In 2005 then only SA2005 and SA2000 would be legal.

I think this to be true.

 

I'm not an expert, but this is what I was told when I asked about getting a helmet a few weeks ago. I just bought a SA2000, the shop said it will be good until basically 2009.

 

I'd wait if you can I'll bet the have a new sticker or standard in 2005. Even if you do.. from snells web site WWW.SMF.org



Why replace helmet every five years?
The five year replacement recommendation is a consensus position from both the helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials, and general liner deterioration as a function of hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, and normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, design and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from prudent safety philosophy.

 

If you don't use a helmet very often, I'd wait til 2005 and get the SA2005 cert. If you use it a lot (6-10 times a year or more) and you sweat alot, don't worry about waiting, by the time 2009 rolls around you'll probably have bought a new one anyway

PaulC

 

What the Snell Foundation site fails to mention (because basically the Snell Foundation doesn't do any scientific research themselves...) is that the resins used to bond the various shell laminates together degrade over time from ozone exposure, sunlight, etc. This can compromise the helmet's ability to absorb the energy of an impact, which is obviously a bad thing. It's a good idea to replace a helmet after 4-5 years (and to avoid purchasing any helmets with a Snell sticker that is over 5 years) because of this fact.

 

One other thing to consider is that some places will pro-rate the price of their helmets by how far along in their "Snell Cycle" they are. If the helmet has been stored correctly, I can't imaging that delamination and degradation will be an issue.

-bill

 

in SCCA the current rating and two before it are allowed. so right now there is SA2000 which means that 9500 and 9000 are also allowed. In 2005 there will be SA2005 so only SA2005, SA2000, and SA95 will be allowed.

 

That does not sound right. In all the events I have been to (both track and auto-X) thre requirements specify 95 or later.

Could you provide a reference for that statement?

-bill

 

http://www.tirerack.com/features/sol...book.htm#bring
from the 'Tech Inspection Requirements' section:

"Safety Helmet: If you bring your own safety helmet, it must be approved by Snell in the current or two most recent ratings (e.g. if Snell 95 is in production then that, 90 and 85 are legal). The club provides loaner helmets for people who do not have one."

 

Those are the rules for Solo-II. For track use (which the original poster was asking about) I believe that the GCR specifies either current Snell rating or *one* prior - so for today that means SA95 or SA2000 . Late next year SA95s will no longer be valid once the SA2005 helmets come out. In my experience most track events seem to go by those rules.

Also, the local organizers may lay more stringent requirements, so it is always best to check with them first. One issue that I have seen come up is the legality of using an M rated helmet on the track, which may or may not be allowed depending on the event (most likely not allowed).

-bill

 

That is correct. Solo2 does not have as strict helmet standards as track racing. The reasons why are obvious...

 

Heck, "M" helmets are allowed in autox....

 

Holy crap, I want one of those carbon fiber helmets!
80g to 100g weight!
YEOW!
If anyone was watching GP of Hockenheim on SpeedTV, they showed this current safety standard for F1 racing.
I hope this trickles down to us soon...


-Ted

 

Are you kidding? It's already available...
in the form of carbon-look tape you can apply all over your current helmet? LOL

 

I've been working tech for SCCA club events for a couple years, the GCR does in fact say SA95 or newer. For rallycross (and I believe this is pulled right from autocross, but I can't say for sure) we require M90 or SA90 and newer.

Someone asked how often you use it, and I think that's the best thing to go by. If you use it a lot, get a new one now, because by 2009, you'll need a new one anyway. If you use it a couple times a year and it has no nicks or chips from falling or anything like that, you might as well wait.

 

for more info on the subject...
http://www.smf.org/pdf/m_sa_k2005_timeline3.pdf

 

Thanks. Very informative.

The short version: SA2005 stickered helmets will be available after Oct 1, 2005.

 

FWIW - SCCA Club Racing will require SA2000 or higher Snell stickers effective 1/1/07. Snell M rating is not acceptable.