| Author | Message | ||
     Buelleaver |
UK government test ratings of helmets. http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ 22 different impact tests Far better then dot tests, but not sure how it compares to snell. But snell is having some controversy with their latest standard. It is the toughest in the industry, but one requirement is that the helmet has to withstand 2 heavy blows in the same spot. Some experts are arguing that this is making the helmet too stiff and transmitting an unnecessary amount of shock on the initial hit, as the strong second blow in the same spot is statistically rare. This is a significant debate because high end helmets all want (need) to be snell rated, and this drives there entire design. | ||
| Buelleaver |
Here is the link to the debate: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcyc le_helmet_review/index.html I've always liked snell, but my snell rated hjc only scored a 3 stars??? | ||
| Danger_dave |
My understanding is Helmets with variable density materials don't do well with the Sharp ratings because it applies the same impact force all over the helmet. Manufacturers who employ the Variable Density material say that's not what happens in reality so they make it less dense in the low probablilty impact zones and thicker around temples and the side impact points. Sharp hits them the same all over so Shoei and Arai and other Variable density hats results get skewed. Just what I read though. | ||
| Skntpig |
My Arai only scored 3 stars too. I think I'll keep it. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Cool, my Shark RSX got 5 stars. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Very interesting reading of the Motorcyclist article & Snell's response. About the only conclusion I can draw from it all is that there are no conclusions to be drawn. It all depends, it seems, on your head & the accident you have. Nobody has a foolproof accurate test regime, it's all based on supposition & estimation. I'll carry on wearing a decent mid range helmet. Mr Shoei saved my head a couple of years back, & I said thanks by buying another. However when replacement time comes around again, all bets will be off & I'll be looking for the best, & quietest helmet I can get for a reasonable outlay. | ||
| Swordsman |
Damn! My new helmet only got 2 stars!? The one I replaced got 4.  ~SM | ||
| P_squared |
The 1 I crashed got 1 star. Some folks might debate on how well it did it's job in regards to my brains though. lol | ||
| Spatten1 |
I bought the AGV V-Flyer, tested here under the AirTech European moniker. $145 shipped. Loud wind noise, but I bought it for safety (BSI with NO Snell rating) and value. Four stars for $145 shipped. I'll take it. | ||
| Spatten1 |
I avoid Snell helmet at all costs now. My last two helmets were BSI and DOT. There is a reason Arai and Shoei use different foam in Europe and Asia than they do in the US to meet Snell...... I understand that Snell gave up and improved their testing method due to the motorcyclist issue, but I don't know when that takes/took effect. | ||
| B00stzx3 |
No Vega?!?! I rate mine 5 stars anyways since it was the first thing to hit the gorund on my 65mph crash, and I'm still here to type this. Also with Snell, how would there be impact in the same exact spot, even if rolling seems kinda rare. Once you take a fall its time for a new helmet. | ||
| B00stzx3 |
No Vega?!?! I rate mine 5 stars anyways since it was the first thing to hit the ground on my 65mph crash, and I'm still here to type this. Also with Snell, how would there be impact in the same exact spot, even if rolling seems kinda rare. Once you take a fall its time for a new helmet. | ||
| Aldaytona |
I always spent a lot of extra money on Arai and Shoei because of the brand name. I bought a Schuberth C2 which because of it's flip face and flip dark shield was actually worth the extra expense. Had great venting and buckle as well. After crash testing the Schuberth and not being able to replace it, I purchased several Z1Rs, after reading the Motorcyclist test. New helmets, different colors, better protection, and more cash for me. Venting sucks, interior kinda cheesy, but able to rotate and have a "fresh" one on every day which is important to me since I don't have a car. I'm not a gear snob anymore, I'll still envy your Arai/Shoei race replica but I'd rather have my Z1R and 15-20 cases of Sam Adams for the same money. Not that I have anything against Pro Racers, I would rather support brewers. |
