LVDell

Just had a nice discussion with my regions DE chair about the allowing of both M and SA rated helmets in our regions DE. Personally, I don't agree with it and feel it should be SA rated only. PCA allows for regions to specify since their minimum standards only state a SNELL rated helmet (current and 1 prior).

FYI.....Snell M rated helmets do not have to be tested for fire or rollbar impact like the SA rating requires.

Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on this in a DE event. Obviously, it is a requirement in club racing so I wanted to keep this discussion to the DE event only.

RonCT

We had Joe from HMS go over helmets in the past and he was a strong advocate for not mixing and matching. M helmets are designed differently and geared toward multiple impacts and abrasion (picture dumping a bike at 65 and tumbling). SA helmets are designed for different types of impacts. I don't remember the differences, but I do remember him saying it was a really bad idea to use M helmets in auto events.

ltc

What about K rated helmets at a DE?

FWIW, in karting, you are allowed to use an M, K or SA rated helmet.

ltc

FWIW, a K rated helmet is the same as an SA, just no nomex...they are normally much cheaper.

LVDell

Lewis, in that case, now that I think about it, if PCA accepts a Snell rating (non specified) as the min standard then why not a Bicycle rated helmet? I just think the "snell rating" is too broad and for PCA to accept that and then allow the local level to specify within that rating system which one is wreckless. I mean, seriously, Snell certifies bike, karting, moto, etc..

Bob Rouleau

PCA also allows BSI standard in addition to Snell. BSI is the FIA standard.

LVDell

Bob, in DE correct? I didn't see this in the minimum acceptable standards. The only certification stated is a blanket "Snell" certification.

Chads996

Perhaps a clarification from the rating body would help this conversation?

Straight off from Snell's Website:

What are the differences between the SA, M and K standards?
The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:
The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi impact test while M standard does not.

More info: http://www.smf.org/

I personally think the last sentence is reason enough not to allow M in DE events.

LVDell

So with that said (thanks for posting that by the way Chad ) then the hierarchy for DE's should be SA, K, and then M? It just bothers me that regions are allowing helmets in the track environment without there fire and impact testing for that application.

ps. Lewis, I wasn't trying to be a smart *** in my previous post about bicycle ratings, just making a point since the standard is non specific and Snell does that rating as well.

RDL

This states that a test is done for this rating. Does anyone know if there is actually a difference in construction?

LVDell

From what I understand in discussion with my DE chair and CDI. The shell layer and construction is different. As well, the interior cushion level is different. Think about the impact forces on the head. This is what keeps me coming back to the question of "why allow a helmet for a DIFFERENT application?"

93 FireHawk 968

Why not allow football helmets? They're designed for major impacts. The M rated helmets are usually less expensive but why use something for a purpose it was not designed?

Veloce Raptor

If you have a $40 head, use a $40 helmet.

LVDell

Good point Dave. Which begs the question is that are people trying to use cost as a decision in purchasing a helmet? With all things being equal (taking cost out of the equation) which helmet would people buy? I think that answers the question.

Veloce Raptor

Well....there are some relatively inexpensive S rated helmets out there, and there is nothing wrong with them. Given that, why use a non-S helmet?