Motorcycle Helmet Selection

[saltwheels262]

got a 2005 snell z1r helmet from
j.c.whitney in '07 for a good price.

franey

[racer x]

I just went from an Aria helmet to a Scorpion Exo. I am very happy with it.

[relaxedphit]

At your price Eric, I'd be happy too.. Congrats on the new sponsor.

[Warp12]

When do we see Snell 2005 helmets being written out of the rules?

[Seldom Seen Slim]

At the present -- helmets are allowed for ten years.  And at present Snell Foundation issues new certifications every five years.  So, therefore -- it might well be safe to assume that a Snell '05-stickered helmet will be accepted by the sanctioning organizations 'til the Snell '15 units are out -- likely in 2015 or so.

[Warp12]

Thanks Jon.

[tomsmith]

Here is a nifty site in Japan.  They have lots of (mostly) high end street stuff in addition to Snell 2010 helmets.  Apparently there is a big market in Japan for exotic street bikes.  I can see a problem with trying the helmets on before buying one.  It is owned by a guy from Australia or New Zealand who married a Japanese girl so they speak English.  They shipped my nifty carbon fiber wallet right away, but that is all I ever got from them so I can't offer any recommendations or other opinions.  The site is fun to look at:

http://www.moto-works.jp/

[relaxedphit]

Is depending on a helmet that's over 5 years old a good idea? I've read that after three years the helmet should be replaced, but then they say I should toss all the helmets I've polished the pavement with too.

[Captthundarr]

A dropped helmet, read oops I dropped It, may not need to be replaced. If someone gets a little mifed and spikes the pumpkin protector on the pavment then it should be replaced.

 To loosely qoute the snell website the most damage that happens to a helmet is when your nogin is in side of it. ie. If you polish the pavement with your head then you should seriously consider replacing your helmet. the shell and inside padding have been compromised and will not performed as designed the next time you feel the need to polish pavement. 

[suprf1y]

Is depending on a helmet that's over 5 years old a good idea? I've read that after three years the helmet should be replaced, but then they say I should toss all the helmets I've polished the pavement with too.

Helmets don't go bad.

It's unlikely that it's been exposed to anything that would degrade it's function over a 5 year period.

[Captthundarr]

Is depending on a helmet that's over 5 years old a good idea? I've read that after three years the helmet should be replaced, but then they say I should toss all the helmets I've polished the pavement with too.

Helmets don't go bad.

It's unlikely that it's been exposed to anything that would degrade it's function over a 5 year period.
[/quote
] They don't "go bad" unless they strike something with force. Then thier structure has been compromised and will no longer fuction as designed. Pro drivers and riders replace there helmets after an incident where the helmet struck the pavement or a solid object in the car. Yes the get thier stuff for free, but if your safety is on a budget, well?

[tekebird]

Helmets do indeed go bad.   it called padding getting sacked out, Ever street helmet I have ever owned has gotten sacked out over time (read gets loose on the melon)  loose helmet= melon bouncing around inside on impact= head bruses

Solution:  grow yourself a big "Fro as the padding wears 

[bharmon77]

Sorry, don't have a new rule book yet. Are all SA2000 obsolete?

BHarmon

[Cajun Kid]

SA2000  models are no longer acceptable... Must have a SA2005 or SA2010

Charles

[Cajun Kid]

As to helmets wearing out in 3 or 5 years.

Both points of view could be valid...

A street helmet that is put on and off several times a day and worn for longer periods of time, will experience more inside wear and the interior padding will become looser on the head than a race only helmet that is used 5 to 10 times a year and put on and off a lot less often.

But on the other hand the helmet actually does not wear out,,, it just can wear inside to a point that if the fit becomes loose,, get a new one with a more recent Snell Cert.

As a rule, for my Race Helmets I get a new model every 5 years and the old one has no wear and is in great shape,,, I figure that in 5 years the safety and technology must have improved so I take advantage of that.

To each his own on replacement intervals and cert dates,,, as long as you are within the guidelines now of SA2005 or newer,,, if your helmet is 5 to 6 years old and you like it.. than so be it.

The inspectors look for the Snell Cert tag and general condition of the helmet when presented in tech.

Have fun and be safe this season.



Charles