NSXPO Helmet

[RacerX-21]

On various pieces of literature, I saw the SNELL requirements for helmets… But, are Snell open face helmets allowed? And if not can closed motocross style helmets be used if they meet the Snell requirement?

I ask, because some racing organizations only allow shield style helmets.

[Larry Bastanza]

I beleive the requirement is Snell 95 or better. Open face is OK.

Motorcycle helmets are a no-no.

HTH,
LarryB

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by Larry Bastanza:
I beleive the requirement is Snell 95 or better. Open face is OK.

Motorcycle helmets are a no-no.

The requirement is indeed Snell 95 or better. However, motorcycle helmets are also allowed, according to Eric's post in this topic (http://www.nsxprime.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/006583.html).

[Larry Bastanza]

WOW,

Opps, I stand corrected. I find that to be WAY out of the norm though!! I know out in the east this is a severe no-no.

But... the rules must be different for NSXPO!

Thanks for the correction.

LarryB

[docjohn]

No there not Larry,in our region a m95 is allowd at most hpde events,just not in sanctioned racing.

[Jimbo]

I also found the motorcycle helmet allowance to be surprising.

I don't think there's any events here in my area (Glen, Lime Rock, Pocono, etc) that allow motorcycle helmets.

My recommendation to anyone who plans to purchase a helmet, don't go the motorcycle route. Take the extra time to find an auto rated SA helmet.

If you already own a cycle helmet and plan to bring it to NSXPO, I'd reconsider that choice. A helmet is pretty inexpensive considering the alternative.

The specs are different for a reason.

-Jim

PS: I used to race karts years ago, and the kart spec is completely different from autos and cycles.

------------------
1992 NSX Red/Blk 5 spd #0330
1991 NSX Blk/Blk Auto #3070 (Sold)
1974 Vette 454 4 spd Wht/Blk
1976 Honda Accord 5 spd, 3 door Blue/Blue
1977 Honda Accord - Custom - Under Construction
1986 Chevy Suburban
http://homepage.mac.com/jimanders/PhotoAlbum1.html

[Larry Bastanza]

Well,

I learn something new every day http://www.nsxprime.com/ubb/smile.gif.

Either that or my age is showing!!

Thanks John,
LarryB

[docjohn]

Jim if you could educate me on the evils of a full face m95 vs sa95.I thought the major difference was in fire retardence not in impact protection.I would therefore still support the usability of m95 for use in hpde.I don't support the use of open face design,although I like the idea of showing up to an event with those hard-hat ,spike ontop outlaw biker type helmets,lol.

[Jimbo]

Doc,

It's my understanding that motorcycle helmets are designed for impacting the road many times over from a 6-8 feet away, whereas SA rated helmets are specifically designed to handle in-car collisions.

I suppose, one could assume that the motorcycle impact would be more severe and those helmets would provide better protection, but I don't think that's the case.

The specific kind and time (msec) impacts are much different on cycle hitting the tarmac and in a car interior. It's also different on a kart and there's an example where one would think that a kart and a cycle would be the same.

Of course, I haven't seen the test data, and it might be a bit of hype, but I think given the nature of the Snell organization, I think it's probably simply, if anything, erring on the side of being overprotective.

Flame retardance is another aspect but for me that would be a minor difference. To me the odds of getting in collision on the track is much, much greater than getting involved in a fiery collision, particularly with a street car.

-Jim

------------------
1992 NSX Red/Blk 5 spd #0330
1991 NSX Blk/Blk Auto #3070 (Sold)
1974 Vette 454 4 spd Wht/Blk
1976 Honda Accord 5 spd, 3 door Blue/Blue
1977 Honda Accord - Custom - Under Construction
1986 Chevy Suburban
http://homepage.mac.com/jimanders/PhotoAlbum1.html

[erobbins]

Originally posted by NSXEE:
On various pieces of literature, I saw the SNELL requirements for helmets… But, are Snell open face helmets allowed? And if not can closed motocross style helmets be used if they meet the Snell requirement?

Open face helmets are fine. It's your face. :-)

Any helmet is acceptable so long as it has a valid Snell certification sticker on the inside showing M or SA ratings for standards years 95 or 2000 (no 90 permitted).

Please... be reasonable, though. Just because one of those outlaw-biker neo-WWI German soldier things with a big chrome spike on the top would probably get flagged as unsafe for in-car use, even with the targa top off. :-)

(for reference, "The Kaiser", linked to below, is not Snell rated)
http://www.helmetsetc.com/images/helmets/specialty/kaiser.gif

EDR

[nsxtasy]

Anyone who is interested in reviewing what each of these standards represents is encouraged to check out the website of the Snell Memorial Foundation here (http://www.smf.org).

[RacerX-21]

SA Standard was designed for auto racing while M Standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. There are three major differences between them:
1. SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not;
2. SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets may not be street legal);
3. SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not.

Both have the same standard Impact rating.