injdinjn

Snell 90 helmets no longer allowed beginning in 2006

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07/19/2005


Beginning Jan. 1, 2006, where a Snell-rated helmet is required in NHRA competition, the Snell 90-tagged helmets will no longer be allowed. NHRA is making this announcement more than five months prior to the expiration to allow the racing community the chance to update their safety equipment.

For the 2006 NHRA Rulebook, in the General Regulations under Helmet and Goggles, the section will list expiration dates for all Snell- and SFI-tagged helmets in an effort to notify the racing community of these expiration dates.

At the end of the year, Snell plans to release the 2005 tag for inclusion on helmets constructed after that point.

Apeiron

That's fairly normal. Snell issues new labels every 5 years, the sanctioning bodies allow them for 15 years.

RTFC

Are the snell 2005 versions out yet or what is the current rating and how long are they good for?

Example: if you bought a snell 90 in 1994, you only got 11 years use where as if you bought it in 90 you got a full 15 years.

Looks like right now is the time to buy a new helmet to get your money's worth.

Apeiron

2005 versions should be out in October I think.

8T8IROC

iTrader: (3)

Snell 05s are out now, I have been looking as I know I need to replace my current helmet as it is a Snell 95. Of course if you get a Snell 2000 or so they helmets are a bit cheaper, while I would not addvocate saving money on the piece of safety equipment that can save your life I am just stating that if this is for AutoX or drag racing purposes only and the need for the helmet is just to satisfy the minimum requires it isn't a bad way to go

MrDude_1

i wouldnt trust a 10 year old helmet... nevermind a 15 year old one... if its "just to comply" then you might as well get the cheapest POS out anyway.
if you want a good helmet for real protection, you'll be buying a new helmet way before the current one "expires"

8T8IROC

iTrader: (3)

All depends on the use of the helmet IMHO, I mean if you never use on an motorcycle type vehicle then I would think using one as long as possible is fine, now if you have a fairly quick drag race or autox car then I would say keeping the helmet updated would be prudent. What would I define as 'farily quick'? when you are required to an entire driving suit for saftey not just a helmet.

injdinjn

The reality of the life of helmets is limited by the cost and length of testing.
To insure the integerity of any product over a period of time it must be tested and documented over that period of time, In the case of helmets, they need enough so they can do yearly tests, and once the helmet is tested it's no longer any good (the testing breaks the helmet).
So due mostly to the cost of documentation they only certify the helmets for 15 years.
Example, I have a snell helmet I bought in 1972. It is still as flexable as when new, but the padding is dried out.
Fiberglass boats, which don't have much thicker glass in them and take a bigger pounding during use do not have expiration dates on them.
Testing and documentation is why medicines have expiration dates.
Plus, the sooner the expiration date arrives the sooner a new product can be sold.

MrDude_1

you pound my helmet like you do a fiberglass boat, you'll be buying me a new helmet..


although 8T8IROC's right.. it really depends on usage... i use the same helmet that i buy for my motorcycle in my car at the track... i was looking at it from more of a motorcyclists point of view.. my helmet isnt for show and rules.. lol