Can someone explain how Helmets are rated?

[QuickKafer]

Okay, I promissed my wife that I would never race without a Helmet.  That being said, I need to find a good quality helmet that meets the NHRA tech inspection standards.  I understand that there is a SNELL rating.  However, I have no idea what "SNELL" is, or how they rate helmets.  Got any suggestions?



I've got a big head about a size 7 3/4 or 8 for a fitted hat.  How do I measure myself?  Do I just order a "XL" size and hope for the best?

I'd also love to hear your comments and feedback about particular brands or styles.  I've never been a motorcyclist, or an ATV guy, so I've never really wore a helmet before.  When I raced for the first time in Las Vegas, I went to Wal-Mart, bought the highest priced helmet they had, and returned it when I was done.   (Hey, a teacher's gotta do, what a teacher's gotta do! )  It wasn't a SNELL rated helmet, and my car is an 18 second daily driver, so I felt safe.

Talk to me, Let me here ya holla back at me, yada... yada... 

Scott Faivre

(Today is my last day before the Christmas break with the kids.  They are WIRED!  Please forgive my squirelliness! )

[carl nolen]

My helmet is expired and I need a new one. Inside of the helmet, there should be a small one inch or so sticker that says SNELL with a number. Here's some info  : http://www.helmetcity.com/faq.php . In the NHRA rule book, there are new guidelines for types and dates. The biggest difference is the M and SA rating. Current dates are Snell2000 expires 1/1/2012 and Snell 2005 expires 1/1/2017. Carl

[QuickKafer]

Carl,
      Thanks for the reply!  I got a lot of that from the NHRA website, but I don't think I stated my question clearly enough.  What does SNELL mean?  I searched for a while and couldn't find anything on the net.

      Are certain brands better than others?  Are any of the helmet manufacturers crap?

THANKS!
Scott Faivre

[admin]

Bump...

Are any manufacturers considered poor quality and should I NOT consider them?

Thanks!

Scott Faivre

[Demian Dennett]

I found this while searching the web.  The info appears to be pretty old but I think the basic information still applies.
Here it is
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Track/helmet.htm
Hope it helps.

[admin]

Demian,
     Thanks for the link!  While that particular page didn't really provide anything new that I was looking for, it did have a couple of good links.  Further "clicking" lead me to finally understand what the heck "SNELL" is.  I knew it was a saftey compliance rating, but did you know...

"William "Pete" Snell (picture below) was a popular amateur sports car race driver who was killed in a crash in 1956. He died of massive head injuries when the auto racing helmet he was wearing failed to protect his head."


As a memorial to Pete, a group of scientists, physicians, racing colleagues and friends teamed together in a dedicated effort to promote research, education, testing and development of standards geared to improve the effectiveness of automotive racing helmets. Through their work, the Snell Memorial Foundation was established in 1957. The Foundation has a Board of Directors  that oversee the Foundation's operations.  The board is comprised of Medical Doctors and Ph. Ded research scientists and engineers, all of which have distinguished themselves in the areas of safety and/or head injury.

The above was taken from the SNELL Foundation website.  See it at: www.smf.org

So thanks to Demian for posting the links!  After 4 months, I now know what the heck Snell means!

Thanks!

Scott Faivre

[Demian Dennett]

Now we all know what "snell" means!  Glad I could help.

[admin]

How many of you use Snell "M" rated helmets?  The other option is "SA" rating.  I was looking again today for a bit and found that the M is fine for most drag racers, EXCEPT those that are going 10's or faster.  The SA rating is fire retardant, and roll bar tested.  With my slow 18 second car, I don't think I've got any problems!

The latest SNELL rating I've seen for either M or SA ratings is 2005.  Are there any newer?

Scott Faivre

[admin]

Scored my Helmet!

Now I can go to the track without the evil eye from the wife!



Its a SNELL M2000 rated sportsman helmet.  I'll step up to the SA2005 when I get a dedicated race car with a roll cage.

Well the helmet's here, but the big motor is still in pieces in the garage.    I'm cool with running the trophy classes with my little 1776.

Take care,
Scott Faivre