dres2k

I'm thinking of getting a helmet for auto-x and possibly a few road course track days...so it'd be sa2005 snell rating.

I think i've read that sa2010 is due in october of 09, so would it be wise to wait for that?

How many years would I be able to rock an sa2005 helmet before it's obsolete?


G-Force Pro Eliminator is what i'm looking at btw.

O ya, if I wait, I get to wear a bright yellow helmet to auto-x in for now!!! lol

metros

I don't have an opinion on the SA05 vs. SA10.

However, before you purchase a helmet make sure you try it on. Helmets fit everyone differently and you don't want to be stuck wearing a helmet that's uncomfortable and doesn't fit correctly.

mikegarrison

If you want a helmet, go ahead and get one. Usually a 2005 will be allowed until there is a 2015 standard available. A 2000 will be allowed until the 2010 helmets are available. Etc.

By the time you've had your helmet for six years, you'll either not have worn it for four of them or you'll want a new one anyway.

GPMike

I could be wrong but I think SA20XX helmets are good for 10 years. So if you go with a SA2005 you are good to go for another 5 years with that helmet. Food for thought.

Orthonormal

I talked to a Pyrotect dealer on Sunday. He said that the M2010 helmets will be available later this year, and SA2010 helmets will be out sometime next year.

SCCA Solo allows the current Snell standard or the previous two. When 2010 is available, 2005 and 2000 will still be usable. A 2005 certified helmet will be legal with SCCA Solo until the end of 2019.

dres2k

oh damn...if that's true, than I guess I should just get one now than. The earth will probably explode before 2020 comes around so I should be alright lol

edit: gpmike might be right about the 10 year span...anyone else know for sure?

DER MotorSports

We're a dealer and Mike is right. However, I have yet to see a Snell make it out on the same year of it's "issuance" let alone early; I would suspect 09/10 more likely based on history, not 09/09

Orthonormal

"Good for 10 years" in what sense?

* Some particular organization allows them for 10 years?
* Snell recommends disposing of them after 10 years?
* Something else?

If it's the first one, you've got to realize that different organizations have different requirements. SCCA club racing, SCCA Solo, BMW track, BMW autocross, and some random HPDE may all have different rules for helmets...I know that SCCA Solo is more lenient that most track events, many of which require SA only and some of which only accept the current Snell standard.

mikegarrison

Show me anyone who accepts only the current Snell standard, please.

As I wrote above, generally the most restrictive rules are that only the current and past Snell standard are allowed. Some groups allow the current and two past. Some groups allow any Snell. Some groups don't care at all.

So buying a 2005 helmet right now means it should be accepted for at least six years, until the 2015 helmets become available.

DER MotorSports

ALL organizations permit using Snell rated helmets until 10 years after their labeled certification date: e.g., SA05 is good thru 2015, SA10 through 2020&c&c. That is the definition of safe useful life from Snell and by definition the legal life of their usage by any organization adopting the standard. I am NOT aware of any organization not accepting Snell standards but there are some not taking SFI (a competing certification body); that is the danger. Given the criteria for purchasing helmets used by most people (3000 for wheels and absolute cheapest helmet available) as well as the way most helmets are treated (exposed to sun and not protected during transport and storage) I am surprised the standard hasn't come down to 5 years - helmets tend to lead a hard life in non (pro) racers' hands.