Official The370Z track accessory thread (helmets, racing suits/gloves etc)

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by molamann

HJCHX10 Auto Racing Carbon Helmet-SafeRacer

^
WTF?

I thought I was quite acquainted with helmets since I've been riding for almost 4 years now and I didn't even know HJC even made helmets that expensive. I mean is there a difference between motorcycle and car helmets? My Arai Corsair helmet is considered one of the top of the line motorcycle helmet and it was only around $750 whereas the most top of the line HJC motorcycle helmet I recall was maybe $400.

That is their top of the line carbon fiber helmet. Equivalent SA helmets from Simpson, Bell, Standard 21, and Zamp will all run around $1,200.

Don't know why SA helmets typically run more expensive than M helmets, most likely due to economy of scale would be my assumption. There are more motorcycle riders needing helmets that pass the Snell M standards, than there are car enthusiasts/race car drivers that will need Snell SA standard helmet. And there are subtle differences between the two standards, I believe M helmets are subject to higher impact loads while the SA helmets must meet certain fire proofing standards. Both standards are listed somewhere on the intarweb.

[dkmura]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Don't know why SA helmets typically run more expensive than M helmets, most likely due to economy of scale would be my assumption. There are more motorcycle riders needing helmets that pass the Snell M standards, than there are car enthusiasts/race car drivers that will need Snell SA standard helmet. And there are subtle differences between the two standards, I believe M helmets are subject to higher impact loads while the SA helmets must meet certain fire proofing standards. Both standards are listed somewhere on the intarweb.

SA-rated helmets must pass multiple impact tests that M-rated helmets do not. Snell ratings are based on their use, and Special Application (SA) helmets are typically used for auto racing. In the event of a major car crash (vs. a bike crash) there's a higher chance of multiple impacts (ie. rollovers) in which the helmet needs to protect the head repeatedly. The M-rated helmet is rated to take one major impact only. As you mention, a fire resistant interior is part of that rating, but if you ever need THAT, you're in bad shape already! Passing those tests adds up to a more expensive helmet!

[ianthegreat]

Originally Posted by dkmura

SA-rated helmets must pass multiple impact tests that M-rated helmets do not. Snell ratings are based on their use, and Special Application (SA) helmets are typically used for auto racing. In the event of a major car crash (vs. a bike crash) there's a higher chance of multiple impacts (ie. rollovers) in which the helmet needs to protect the head repeatedly. The M-rated helmet is rated to take one major impact only. As you mention, a fire resistant interior is part of that rating, but if you ever need THAT, you're in bad shape already! Passing those tests adds up to a more expensive helmet!

So I guess a motorcyclists head bouncing up and down the road doesn't qualify as multiple impacts

I hate that SA are so expensive

[bullitt5897]

Originally Posted by dkmura

SA-rated helmets must pass multiple impact tests that M-rated helmets do not. Snell ratings are based on their use, and Special Application (SA) helmets are typically used for auto racing. In the event of a major car crash (vs. a bike crash) there's a higher chance of multiple impacts (ie. rollovers) in which the helmet needs to protect the head repeatedly. The M-rated helmet is rated to take one major impact only. As you mention, a fire resistant interior is part of that rating, but if you ever need THAT, you're in bad shape already! Passing those tests adds up to a more expensive helmet!

I hate to call ya out but I have first hand experience of multiple impacts on a M rated helmet... Motorcycle riders who highside often have 4+ impacts to the skull as we are tumbling through the air slaming are head and limbs against the pavement at speeds excessive of 80mph. Not only that but the distance our heads travel are far greater than that of an individual in a car. I have highsided about a half dozen times and every time I had several impacts to the skull. This is why I pay for a $700 helmet from Shoei.