| Author | Message | ||
| Richard Stephens (Dino2400)
Junior Member Username: Dino2400 Post Number: 68 Registered: 10-2001 |
Thanks for the clarifications guys! Now it makes sense. Guess I need to go shopping... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1485 Registered: 12-2000 |
For autocross, helmets are good for 10 years. Once M2000 came out, then M1990 wasn't good anymore, but M1995 should be until 2005. Each organization has it's own rules, so check the specifics. SA2000 will guarantee you're cool for awhile no mater what you do. However, they start at about $200 vs. $60 for M helmets. | ||
| Joseph Caretti (Pino)
New member Username: Pino Post Number: 11 Registered: 4-2002 |
Richard, I observed the same things, and had the same questions. As mentioned earlier, the retention system is different (Kevlar), the liner of the helmet is fireproof, and the SA helmets have been impact tested against rollbars. This is what I've been told by a helmet retailer that offers both "M" and "SA" helmets. Hope that helps. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 342 Registered: 10-2001 |
Richard the reason (I believe) is that a motorcycle helmet is made for one big impact (like a bounce  ). But car helmets are made to receive many impacts (roll bar, door, dash, pavement). Once a helmet has been in an impact (even from dropping) it is no good anymore. Also, car helmets are made to different fire standards than a motorcycle helmet. This is what I have been told on the subject and it may be totally wrong, but at least it sounds good! | ||
| Richard Stephens (Dino2400)
Junior Member Username: Dino2400 Post Number: 66 Registered: 10-2001 |
I've heard the same thing about motorcycle helmets not being allowed. Can someone explain this to me? When I totalled the Ducati, the insurance bought me a brand new Arai Quantum/f and now they say I can't use it for the track in my cars. Hmm... Motorcycle helmets are built to smash your head on the pavement, walls, other cars, etc. but somehow not strong enough to protect you while inside a car? Doesn't make much sense to me on the surface. Any info would be appreciated! | ||
| Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Junior Member Username: 95f355c Post Number: 142 Registered: 8-2001 |
In SCCA we are still using SA95 but that is about to change to SA2000. Might as well get the SA2000 because by next year no one will accept the SA95. Regards, Jon P. Kofod 1995 F355 Challenge 2000 SCCA Spec Racer Ford | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 341 Registered: 10-2001 |
You wouldn't want to get a helmet that is less than SA2000. Many places (like Ebay) are selling SA95 helmets for cheap because alot of clubs require the SA2000 helmets now. Many will not let you use a motorcycle helmet either (differences in impact construction). | ||
| Joseph Caretti (Pino)
New member Username: Pino Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2002 |
Vanny, most club events have been requiring an "SA"(special application) rating for helmets now. The big difference is in the retention system, and the fire proof liner of the helmet. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Junior Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 173 Registered: 3-2002 |
Vanny, check with the SCCA. They should have their ratings posted, or at least have someone posted who can tell you. www.scca.org. Also, most top end models by the major manufacturers (Bell, Simpson, Bieffe) will qualify. | ||
| van mollenberg (Vanny)
Junior Member Username: Vanny Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2001 |
need some input-what do most clubs require regarding snell ratings for helmets . is m95 acceptable ?thanks van |