Re: Helmets, S vs M

[Jim Ochi <jochi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Michael, Don" <DMichael@domain.elided> wrote:
>
>A Snell SA-rated helmet has a nomex liner and is required for SCCA racing.
>An S-rated helmet is Snell-approved, but without the nomex. I don't know
>about your area, but in mine (New England), S-rated helmets are required for
>BMW CCA drivers' schools and most non-BMW CCA similar events. Most allow an
>S-90 for at least next year, but an S-95 should be available which will get
>you through 2004. They start around $200 and go up to well over $600 for
>light-weight kevlar.
>
>I don't know for sure, but I suspect an M-type helmet has a much less
>stringent quality spec and is considered suitable to get by motorcycle
>helmet laws in some states. M-type is not suitable for much else.
>They're one small step (maybe) above a bicycle helmet.

Uh, just some clarification.  Snell ratings that pertain to motor vehicle
helmets are SA and M - the current Snell standards for these are SA-95 and
M-95, but drafts of the SA-2000 and M-2000 standards have been released.
There is an S-98 standard, but it's for ski helmets - I don't think they'd
be accepted for any driving type events. :-)  For more info, check out the
Snell web site at <http://www.smf.org>.

Here's an excerpt from the FAQ on the Snell site:
- ----------------
Q8: What are the differences between SA Standard and M Standard?  
SA Standard was designed for auto racing while M Standard was for
motorcycling. There are three major differences between them: 
(1) SA standard requires flammability test while M standard does not; 
(2) SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard; 
(3) SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not. 
- ----------------

Because of difference #2, the narrower visual field, I would tend to think
that using an SA helmet for everyday motorcycle riding may not be the best
thing to do.  Since M rated helmets are acceptable for most driving schools
and autocrosses, buying an M helmet may be your best bet for dual use.  If
you do get into racing, which requires an SA rated helmet, then get an SA
rated helmet for racing, and use your M rated helmet for your motorcycle.  

For motorcycle helmets, there is also a DOT standard, but the Snell
standard is more stringent, and requires certification and random sample
testing.  As far as I know, all Snell certified motorcycle helmets meet the
DOT standards, but the reverse is definitely not true.

Hope this helps,

Jim Ochi
jochi@domain.elided

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