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Snell SA vs. M ratings


scannon

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I got an email from the organizer of the Lotus club track event scheduled for this Sunday telling us that motorcycle helmets would not be allowed on the track. This is a lapping day, not a race.

 

Many of us have been running with motorcycle helmets for years and never run into this problem. The rules have always allowed SA or M rated helmets.

 

I'm willing to buy a new helmet but the only one I can find in the Denver area in XXL is $550, an amount I cannot justify when a good one can be had for around $300. No one can get me one in time and I am not willing to buy one without trying it on. BTDT, won't happen again.

 

Has anyone else run into this requirement at their lapping events?

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a lot of the organizations and tracks out here have imposed the SA rating only for any event on a track. I'm surprised that the Lotus club waited so long til they told you. the LOG event was a SA helmet + a whole bunch of other BS for their driving events, but that was known well in advance.

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a lot of the organizations and tracks out here have imposed the SA rating only for any event on a track. I'm surprised that the Lotus club waited so long til they told you. the LOG event was a SA helmet + a whole bunch of other BS for their driving events, but that was known well in advance.

 

I think the newest rating is 2005, and then they are good for 5 years, per SCCA.

Never been to a track event that let you wear a bike helmet. I have found different

makes of helmets fit different, Hope this helps, and enjoy the event !!!!

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They have relented and are allowing M2000 and newer helmets. Apparently the "no motorcycle helmets" bit came from the insurance company at the last moment.

 

In this area motorcycle helmets are acceptable for lapping days with all of the sanctioning groups I am aware of. Racing is another thing and for racing the SA is required.

 

I've been told even NASA allows motorcycle helmets in their non-competitive events.

 

I still plan on buying a new, SA rated helmet but now I don't have to do it in two days or less.

 

Anyone know when the SA2010 versions come out? I may wait and get one with a fresh rating.

 

Skip

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In the latest newsletter of the Snell Memorial Foundation, dated 2008 December 21 and located under "Articles & News", I found the following statement relationg to the SA2010 effective date:

"Certification testing to SA2010 will begin as soon as the SA2010 standard is finalized. The draft SA2010 standard is posted on the Snell web site. Helmets certified to SA2010 should not be on the market before October 1, 2010."

Website here: http://www.smf.org

 

Seems like it might be a long wait, Skip.

 

I believe the most beneficial difference between the SMF's "SA" and "M" ratings to be the test for multiple impacts the SA helmets are subjected to, whereas the M helmets are tested for one. Makes sense if you're strapped into a rolling car versus falling off a bike. Other differences are fireproofing, size of front opening, etc., but I see those differences as being of secondary importance, comparatively. But that's just me.

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Sean,

 

Thanks for the info, guess I won't wait for the 2010 version. OTOH, there should be some good sales coming up on the 2005 vesions soon.

 

Skip

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SCCA will let you have a helmet that is up to 10 years old. My SA2000 is still current until next year. Most clubs went to the SA requrement a few years back.

 

You may look into renting a helmet if you are not doing many events and want to wait until next year to get a fresh sticker (SA2010). I think that OG racing has a rental program. Last I heard of it, you get to apply the rental $ to a future purchase with them.

 

HTH

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