I've "heard" that M-rated helmets are made to only take one big whack like your head hitting the ground. SA rated helmets have to pass a test with multiple impacts or at least that's what they're designed for.

I reserve the right to be wrong... no flaming

 

Good thing becuase the difference is in fireproof lining and impact test that simulates a roll bar. All Snell testing has multiple impacts.

 

It's several things that are different.

1) Yes, fire retardant materials in an SA lid.

2) Yes, multiple impact survivability in an SA lid (think whacking the head over and over in a rollover situation).

3) Thicker face shield for fire protection and intrusion resistance from higher speed projectiles (rocks, chunks of rubber, chunks of other cars) since not all cars are closed sedans.

 

The Snell website that I listed has a ton of info in it, for those who take safety serious it is well worth spending some time there.

I'm not going to disagree with Ludedude because his post is the info we have had to work with for many years, however there is some new info that unfortunately can not be completely proven, but is certainly credible, and interesting to think about.

In these modern times of cost-cutting/maximizing profit through more efficient production, I have heard many times that a helmet manufacturer who offers both SA and M class helmets builds all their shells to SA testing standards, and then finishes their build with things like fire safety if it is going to be sold as an SA.

Like I said, I can not confirm this or quote a specific reference, but I have heard this from some reliable sources. Bottom line, a helmet finished to SA standards will offer up more impact resistance and fire protection than an M rated helmet.

 

Doug, I've heard the same rumor regarding the shells all being built to the same standard and it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case, but the other elements are still different, i.e., fire retardant fabrics and face shield thickness.

Bottom line, if your sanctioning body requires SA certification then that's what you should buy. Compromises on safety, even perceived safety, should be left to the individual who has the most to lose by cutting corners....the guy under the helmet should decide if he wants "just good enough" or something better than that.

 

[QUOTE=Ludedude,Jan 11 2005, 02:42 PM] Doug, I've heard the same rumor regarding the shells all being built to the same standard and it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case, but the other elements are still different, i.e., fire retardant fabrics and face shield thickness.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I have been looking at the prices for SA2000 helmets and I am looking at the G-Force because of the cost.

As this will be my first event I don't want to spend too much money on a helmet only to find that I don't continue racing. Would I be foolish to buy used?

Also from reading, some suggest an open face because of the airbag, what do most people use, open face or full faced?

I live in South Texas, on the Gulf Coast and bordering Mexico, far away from any shops that carry any type of racing gear. Has anyone dealt with SafeRacer.com? Or can you suggest a reputable company to contact?

 

Here is the SCCA advisory on the issue of full-face helmets and airbags copied verbatim from Fastrack. The good news is that this is only an advisory, not a mandatory rule...yet.

Date: Nov 16, 2004
From: National Staff
To: All Participants
Subject: Airbag Advisory

It has been brought to the attention of SCCA Technical Services that the use of full-face or closed-face helmets while driving vehicles with active airbag restraint systems may result in injuries in the event of a crash that deploys the airbad. Because of the location of the steering wheel relative to the driver's position, the airbag axis is on a level with the driver's chin. In a crash with airbag deployment, contact with the chin area of a full face helmet can be so powerful "that the risk of fractures to the jaw cannot be ruled out" (Hubert Gramling, FIA Institute, FT3?AF, 18.5.1999). This applies to vehicles that may be used in Solo, RallyCross, High Performance Car Control Clinics, etc.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that full-face helmets not be used in vehicles with functional airbag systems. Potentially more restrictive language is currently being considered for 2005, which could appear in an early 2005 issue of FasTrack. If you have any questions, please contact the SCCA at 800.770.2055.
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Since the SA2005 helmets are coming soon, I'm also debating between an open or closed-face model for my next helmet.

Marcus