Here is an interesting article about the new helmet standards from the NYT of all places:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/au...?_r=2&emc=eta1
Here is more detail about the new standards:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ne...met/index.html
Much more in depth article about the testing:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
I find the last article very interesting (I have admitted in the past that I’m a pretty big nerd). I also find it interesting how unflattering it is about the Snell testing.
One thing you will note is that the above articles are all about “M” rated or motorcycle helmets. That’s just the reality of the articles written for the general public. There are two major testing differences between “M” and “SA” rated helmets. First, SA helmets have to be made from fire resistant materials. Second, SA rated helmets are tested for an impact with a cylinder (simulating roll cage tubing). For those who thoroughly read the third article (yea, I know, not many), that second parameter is intriguing. That’s especially true for those who have properly padded any tube that a helmet could reach. A quick search of the new SA regulations on the Snell web site failed to turn up much more detail on those tests.
Anyway, there are very real changes to the 2010 regulations that have safety implications. This is especially true if you have a small head (although that, best I can tell, doesn’t really apply to the current audience).
Richard P.
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