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msp332
9/22/2018 4:36pm
9/22/2018 4:36pm
Edited Date/Time
10/10/2019 4:05am
The Snell website has a list of all helmets certified to their current M2015 impact standard. There’s only six brands with current motocross models:
Arai: VX-Pro4
Bell: Moto-9 MIPS, Moto-9 Carbon Flex, Moto-9 Custom-Fit
Fly: F2 Carbon MIPS
HJC: CL-X7
Shoei: VFX-EVO
Troy Lee Designs: SE4 Carbon MIPS
Including old models back to 2015, there’s another 13 models from 11 brands:
Arai: V-Cross4
Bell: Moto-9
EVS: Vortek-T7
Fly: Formula
FXR: FX-3
Helmet Solutions: HMX-F1 (FXR)
HJC: CL-X6
LS2: MX456
O’Neal: 9 Series, 7 Series
Shoei: VFX-W
Troy Lee Designs: SE3 Carbon, Air
Plus these six current snowmobile helmets:
FXR: Blade
HJC: FG-MX, FG-X
Polaris: Demon 2.0
Ski-Doo (BRP): XP-3, XC-4
The Snell website has more information about their M2015 standard, comparisons to other standards, their test methods, and the science behind it. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has useful information about various test standards and what they mean in terms of speeds, concussions, brain injuries, etc. at helmets.org.
Also noteworthy: Leatt publishes independent impact test reports and 6D has some test information on their website that addresses concussions and traumatic brain injuries. But until the medical community can agree on performance parameters that prevent concussions/traumatic brain injuries, there won’t be certification test standards that address this. Current motorsport helmet certifications only evaluate brain accelerations with the goal of preventing death.
I hope consumers consider the impact performance data when deciding which helmet to wear.
Arai: VX-Pro4
Bell: Moto-9 MIPS, Moto-9 Carbon Flex, Moto-9 Custom-Fit
Fly: F2 Carbon MIPS
HJC: CL-X7
Shoei: VFX-EVO
Troy Lee Designs: SE4 Carbon MIPS
Including old models back to 2015, there’s another 13 models from 11 brands:
Arai: V-Cross4
Bell: Moto-9
EVS: Vortek-T7
Fly: Formula
FXR: FX-3
Helmet Solutions: HMX-F1 (FXR)
HJC: CL-X6
LS2: MX456
O’Neal: 9 Series, 7 Series
Shoei: VFX-W
Troy Lee Designs: SE3 Carbon, Air
Plus these six current snowmobile helmets:
FXR: Blade
HJC: FG-MX, FG-X
Polaris: Demon 2.0
Ski-Doo (BRP): XP-3, XC-4
The Snell website has more information about their M2015 standard, comparisons to other standards, their test methods, and the science behind it. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has useful information about various test standards and what they mean in terms of speeds, concussions, brain injuries, etc. at helmets.org.
Also noteworthy: Leatt publishes independent impact test reports and 6D has some test information on their website that addresses concussions and traumatic brain injuries. But until the medical community can agree on performance parameters that prevent concussions/traumatic brain injuries, there won’t be certification test standards that address this. Current motorsport helmet certifications only evaluate brain accelerations with the goal of preventing death.
I hope consumers consider the impact performance data when deciding which helmet to wear.
Since it costs big bucks to get tested - pass or fail - many companies are picking only one std to approve on (if they choose to be approved)
If you do a small amount of research in how most helmet testing is done for certification - and how some helmet manufactures “cheat” you realize we need a different test std as well as possibly no “certification” on a pass fail grade but rather a publishing of performance in various scenarious - so the consumer can make the most educated choice for their needs
Its a tough problem to solve, as each crash has its unique needs that contridict one another for design
The Shop
Fly’s 2019 F2 Carbon MIPS is another example as they’re only making the ECE version now, not the Snell model. Fox moved away from their Snell shell about a year or two ago on the V3.
I don't believe that Snell is a flawed standard and prefer helmets that meet the certification.
I don't see how ECE is better than Snell in any way. The acceleration thresholds are 275g for both, and the impact is 17.3 mph for Snell vs 16.8 mph for ECE. Achieving these impact ratings does not prove the same helmet would fail a lesser acceleration threshold at a slower impact. Passing a 275g test does not mean the helmet doesn’t also prevent concussions.
Show me the data.
Manufacturer's cannot "cheat" the test as it is an independent evaluation. And I wouldn't say the design needs "contradict one another." Every motorsport helmet is designed for preventing death. Adding a second goal of preventing TBI doesn't have to contradict preventing death at a faster impact.
As far as testing costs- there's a 2018 Snell MX helmet that retails for $140. IMO Snell certification cost is not an issue.
The first brand to really push that Snell might be overkill was Kali, since then 6D joined that conversation (I don’t believe any of their helmets have been Snell certified), and moving into Fox and Fly dropping their Snell shell order as well. They all have the ability to pass it and have, but choose not to due to what they believe is better for the consumer. Some brands, like Shoei and Arai, have shells that pass Snell, ECE and the Japanese certification (can’t remember the tag name) but choose to ship each model to what the corresponding area is interested in. They continue to ship Snell to US as that’s what consumers are used to buying while they sell ECE in most other regions.
I have no data on hand to go over this, just what I’ve seen visually on graphs and have been explained to by engineers at 6D, Bell, Fox, Shoei, Kali, etc...along with people from MIPS. Further more my opinion was also weighed off personal head injury experiences in each shell type and comparing this versus what I see at our local tracks for concussion rates along with most of us media test riders comparing what we’ve been knocked out in the most...
As I stated above, this is my opinion, and this is how I’ve come to this conclusion. Some will trust one standard over the other and in my case I’m going to stick with ECE certified shells when possible for photo shoots and in my personal days on the bike I’ll always choose one.
Just my Opinion based on common sense, I will say, I think these NON round helmets are bad news. They look cool, but Edges grab edges and twist the neck. A round design isn't going to grab anything and try and twist the head.
Think of watching a brick tumble compared to a ball bouncing and see what gets more twist.
A round helmet will hit and slide along the ground.
Maybe thats why they need MIPS, because these helmets are just not designed to really hit the ground.
Even if they hit pavement, those edges are going to want to twist the head.
Also why football helmets are round, and facemask grabbing is a penalty. They routinely hit the ground and slide.
We need a medical-driven standard that establishes a lower acceleration threshold for concussions/TBI in addition to the threshold for preventing death. Until then, the existing standards for preventing death provide the best data available to the general public.
Leatt is the only manufacturer that publishes independent test data for all their helmets. I hope other manufacturers do the same so we can at least evaluate data rather than wear the Emperor's New Clothes.
I wont name names - but a prominent helmet from Europe has additional foam placed where the impact testing is done - then the rest of the helmet has foam removed for weight - it passes the "test" and is one of the lightest helmets you can buy - but because it is missing EPS in other areas it's certainly lighter - but will fail the test if tested on those spots
If this isnt' a "cheat" please explain to me what is.
Any standardized test with a "set test procedure" allows a smart person to design for the test - and not the crash - if they so chose.
The GOOD news is helmet companies ARE passionate about head safety - and and INCREASING their in house testing requirements and technology.
6D IMHO pushed this forward - bell followed suit - and the new FLY helmet is a direct result of market competition and passionate individuals who are innovating AHEAD of regulatory requirements.
Sadly there is NO ONE design that is perfect. Basic physics CAN NOT be cheated. At a set velocity of impact - with a set helmet thickness - there is only so much time you have to slow down the brain. Ideally helmets would be HUGE with a large crushable area that absorbed massive energy over a long time - but we cant do that - size has negative effects on weight, rotational influence - and visibility etc...
The latest stuff from 6d, bell, fly, leatt are finally addressing MORE of the low speed concerns - but trying like hell to keep their high speed puncture testing requirements. I hope we see more and more of this - and if consumers truly would educate themselves OUTSIDE of perception - they could make smarter buying choices.
Cut open a Fly Mips, Bell Mips, TLD, Fox, Shoeii, etc...and really see whats going on.... it's not "rocket appliances" on helmet technology of old - EPS of certain thickness, hard thin shell, inner liner of sweat wicking material. All made very similarly - some are made in the same factory.
Basically, everyone knows where the tests are done, and how, and they make the helmets withstand the tests in those areas. Basically its cheating as mentioned above.
All I know is concussions seem to be more prevalent today than in the say Pre- Moto5 or 6 time frame.
I'm not sure but I've seen guys completely destroy late 80s early 90s helmets and heads were fine. And by destroy, I mean fiberglass shards sticking out everywhere and face bars cracked or broken.
They were also heavier, and I'm not sure thats bad. My old Moto 4 for example "Feels" like a more stout lid than anything I've had in the last 10 years. It feels less "Flimsy" Especially the face part.
Pit Row
They have zero in depth research done for off-road/MX helmets. Their penetration protection requirements make for heavier shells which are more dangerous in most crashes but especially in dirtbike/mx. The heavier the shell, the more G's your brain will take on impact.
But, yeah, if there's that 1 Seminole spear coming your way, the Snell hard shells could help stop it.
My SE4 does that nicely.
I know this.
I tested it the hard way.
That was in an SE4 Carbon in 2017.
That Helmet was destroyed.
My brain wasn’t.
I’m now wearing the poly version. It tests very well, too. Thankfully, I’ve only whacked the ground with it once...during the shootout. It, too, did it’s job.
The Snell test technician can choose any impact point on the helmet. "In all cases the technician may impact any site on the helmet surface on or within the test lines as drawn for any of the head forms considered appropriate for that helmet." Source: https://www.smf.org/standards/m/2015/M2015FinalFinal
Plus they test random samples within stocks for distribution. Source: https://www.smf.org/rst
There is no way to "cheat" the certification.
Intriguing the helmet I saw cut away - was reinforced for the puncture test in a clearly visible area. In the shell - as well as foam quantity
If snell did indeed test helmets everywhere - where the large air vent channels were - no way it passes
Why would that helmet manufacturer woukd spend the extra money in the specific area is an interesting question if they knew it were to be tested elsewhere
I recall watching a snell video on youtube, and there were quite a bit more tests done on the helmets than 2 impacts in the same area. As a matter of fact i want to recall snell takes dot and ece standards and elevates them more along with additional testing.
https://www.6dhelmets.com/6d-helmets-and-dynamic-research-win-grand-pri…
https://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2017/08/rutgers_guardian_c…
I have the different perspective and training from my job and 25 years of experiences in said job to form my opinion. Which is an educated one. I am a traffic crash investigator. Plus former MX racer and Snocross team owner for my kids. They would not wear anything but a Snell helmet. Snocross rules dictate it as well.
Now for your DOT testing. It is not a test. It is a “Standard” that is certified on the “Honor” system. Yes the government does not test helmets. They come up with a standard which they think maybwork and the helmet manufacturers have to tell them they tested their own helmets to meet it. Like was posted previously. Smell Memorials foundation is an independent testing lab that does charge the manufacturers and they do grabbrandom helmets. Not ones sent to them to avoid “cheating.” ECE I have not studied or had training on yet. But that will be good research for a slow night at work.
Now for recent real world data a few years back. Unhandled a motorcycle crash in the roadway. Bike was stopped waiting to make a left turn. He was in a sport bike but wearing a Fly Moto helmet. Non Snell, appeared to be the typical Thermoplastic Alloy style shell. He got rear ended in a sideswipe Ryle manner flipping him off his bike and to the ground (Hit / Impact #1). His bike was pushed into oncoming traffic. (Two lane country road). A second car heading the opposite direction hit the BIKE. Not the rider. However. The bike was ping pinged for an easy term back across the road. When the bike came back across the road the front tire struck the rider in the head / helmet (Impact #2). This impact cracked the helmet shell in several locations and the rider suffered a serious TBI (or closed Head Injury). He is now seriously impaired. First impact technically a low speed impact. Another I saw was a Snocross Racer that crashed HARD in nice soft snow. However the race was immediately stopped and medical crews rushed to him hecause his helmet broke. And they saw that and were afraid he was dead. Luckily he was ok aside from a broken arm and mild concussion. I won’t mention the brand or where it occurred but the helmet broke through the giggle opening and the entire top of the helmet bead seperated from the lower half. NO ONE can ever predict what forces will be exerted on a helmet in every crash situation. Impossible. Wear what you feel is best for your head. But remember you only have one. Have a $10 head wear a $10 helmet. I have seen a lot of dead bikers over the years and a common theme was cheap helmets.
I will only ever wear an ARAI personally as I was saved by mine. One of my Motorcycle crash investigation classes was also instructed by a professor on the east coast area. Can’t recall at the moment what school, but all he does is study Motorcycle crash helmet data and crashes. Smell helmet the best certification. ARAI #1 helmet made. SHOEI #2.
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