Let's talk about helmets...

excelguru · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 10:55 AM

What SNELL designation are you suppose to look for in a road-racing helmet? SA2000? M2000? Something else? What's the difference between these? Is one for car use and the other for motorcycles? Are there other features and designations that one should look for? If two helmets meet the same SNELL spec and one is twice the cost, then what's the extra money buying? (BTW: I DO believe that you get what you pay for, most of the time.)

Iquiring mind wants to know.

mrmustang · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 11:06 AM

SA2000 has a fire resistant liner while the M2000 does not. The "M" designation does not stand for motorcycle. There are lots of different composite materials used to build helmets these days. Some are straight reinforced fiberglass, others are carbon fiber, and several combinations of the two in between. You then factor in the whether or not it has enough ventilation for you, or whether you want a forced ventilation system. Style, and size needed. No two (style/brand) helmets fit the same, never buy a helmet without first trying it on, or getting it properly fit to your skull. Many people will tell you otherwise, but let the truth be known, 75% of them most likely have helmets that do not fit properly to their heads

Bill S.

Dave Crace · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 11:08 AM

Keith,
The SA2000 is the latest road racing spec for helmets that most events require. The M2000 is for motorcycles. I think the difference might be the fire retardant materials (nomex) used in the road racing helmets.

DC

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 11:09 AM

Does SCCA sanction both the SA and the M series?

Ernie

mrmustang · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 11:12 AM

Yes, and no, it depends on what class of the SCCA your running in........Some of the high classes require certain amounts of fire protection (this is where the SA2000 needs to be), while lower classes (or classes that do not run endurance) only require the M2000's.........

Bill S.

Quote:

Originally posted by Excaliber

Does SCCA sanction both the SA and the M series?

Ernie

rdorman · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 11:27 AM

Locally even SCCA SOLO II requires the SA designation. SA95 as a minimum. I prefer the added protect of a full face helmet combined with a neck roll. Best value I have found is the helmets from G-Force.
Rick

hound dog · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 11:51 AM

Keith,
Just buy one that has the Snell SA2000 designation and you'll be fine for SCCA, NASA, and almost any other racing organization. The extra cost in a lot of helmets pertains to options dealing with fireproofing, style, and mostly ventilation (cool pack hookups, etc.). I bought an RCI helmet from Summit for $250, but I didn't realize it was made in China. I suspect the Simpsons, Bells, etc. are American made. I hope I kept you entertained down at 14 this past weekend. Nice to have met you and thanks for all your help. Damn nice Unique too!

h dog

Woodz428 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 12:08 PM

As a long time user of helmets (my current favorite is a Bieffe kevlar/fiberglass), I know that Bell was purchased by Bieffe a few years ago and the Bell plant in Rantoul has only made bicycle helmets since about then( I think they may have closed lately). I suspect Bells are made in Italy by the parent company now. It's kind of funny to me, when Bieffe introduced their first kevlar/fiberglass helmet in the '80's, a Bell rep was in the shop and told me that they didn't meet the Snell specs at the time and they just put the sticker on the helmet. When I asked why Bell didn't file a complaint if they knew this to be true, he wouldn't respond. That was the first time I bought anything other than a Bell, and I've been happy with every one I've bought since (about 1 every year and a half), and now that company owns Bell. Go figure.