8 replies to this topic

[honeybadger1]

Debating whether or not I "need" a new helmet for 2018.  I'm not sure when I actually bought my current Simpson Vudo but it's a Snell 2005 so the absolute newest it could be is 2009.  I have done some reading and the guideline is to replace around 5 years because the helmet can degrade over time from use (sun, sweat, oils, dirt, etc.).  I have yet to see any racecar rules that require a Snell rating of X year or newer.

 

Thoughts?

[Hoosier/ Precise Racing]

Every 5 years Snell introduces new safety standards that all manufacturers must comply with. Most sanctioning bodies and a few tracks in our area along with World of Outlaws, Allstars and Lucas Oil require Snell SA2010 or newer.

 

In 2020, those standards will be updated and sanctioning bodies will move their requirement to SA2015 or newer.

[TCM29]

Part of WKA karting pre-tech. 

[honeybadger1]

I saw this is karting all the time but have yet to see any acknowledgment of helmet condition/age in the stock car world.  

[dirtstudent2]

There is no tested safety reason that can be argued as 100% valid to require anything newer then a 2005 rating. 

 

It's total BS and another needless added expense thrown at racers by racing sanctioning marketers.  If they are or become required it will be the result of payouts by helmet manufactures.   2016 rating is far superior to 2015 and 2015 gives no better protection then 2005.  The only reason for not having to push 2016 helmets on racers is most ever racer could not afford a 2016 rated helmet.  Helmets rated at 2016 are far superior then 2005, 2010 and 2015 and the only reason their not pushed is 2016 helmet cost.  

 

From the Snell site and notice there is no impact difference between 2005, 2010 and 2015 except for second impact after a huge hit.  If you take a 7.75 hit you ain't going to be around to care about if it can take another 7.75 hit.

 

"The nominal impact velocities for M2005 work out to 7.75 m/s for the first of two impacts and, for the flat and hemispherical anvils, a second impact of 6.63 m/s. M2010 and M2015 retain 7.75 m/s for the first impact"

[TCM29]

I saw this is karting all the time but have yet to see any acknowledgment of helmet condition/age in the stock car world.  

A few years ago my son worked as a tech for the supermodifieds and they checked the SNELL dates, as I recall walking around with him when they ran at Winchester IN. (Helmets get smelly after a while anyway)

[jo73]

Helmets deteriorate with age, that is a proven fact. In racing, everybody needs to have a current snell approved helmet.  

[TCM29]

When you get that new helmet, take it here for the best custom paint work.

 

http://www.thebizarretist.com/

[lrnvlFan1w]

I would think sweat and dirt would break down and deteriorate helmet pads and materials.