Snell helmet requirement

[Mike Andrews]

George3 wrote:

betegh9 wrote:

My understanding about helmets is that the SA units are made with Nomex for fire resistance while the motorcycle ones are not, thus is why the SA ones are more expensive. All helmets are made to take impact, ONCE, so it is best to replace after a crash since it may have an invisible crack that may compromise its function for the NEXT time. Usually a lighter (carbon kevlar) are considered the best for strength / weight. The lighter weight has less SNAP momentum in a crash, and the Hans and R3 head restraint systems help the neck muscles to maintain your head over the shoulders.

That is my understanding as well. You leave the vehicle in a hurry in a motorcycle crash. The fire resistive rating is in the event of a fire in the car.

Fire resistance is but one thing... personally I think if the inside lining of your helmet is on fire you got bigger issues....



Nick, helmets are designed to take multiple blows and SA helmets are tested with multiple hits to the same spot (and perhaps now motorcycle helmets as well). Think about a roll over and your helmet hitting the roll bar as you bounce around....

But you are correct, once you "use" the helmet it's best to replace it.



As a general rule, lighter is better. Of course that usually cost more. More money also buys (usually) you better ventilation.