Helmet questions/advice

[Braveheart]

Getting prep'd for the school and need some helmet buying advice.

1. Should I get a 2000 "M" or "SA" rated helmet? I've read some posts in this forum about the differences and there seems to be a significant difference in price. Is it worth it? I will not be driving an open top car. I'm willing to pay for "SA" if someone can help me justify why.

2. Can you recommend a good place to buy from in the GTA?

3. Finally, are the Snell standards applicable worldwide? There is a chance I may move back to the UK in the next 5 years so just wondered if I was to pay the extra dough for the "SA" whether I would still get the use out of it.

Cheers

[MastaDeeMon]

SA helmets are designed to take multiple bumps where a M rated helmet is designed for 1 big bump, then it's junk.

D.

[G-ForceJunkie]

1. What Mastadeemon said is correct, to add though, if your planning on getting a roll cage (or already have one), then an SA helmet will be required, if you have no plans for a cage, then an M helmet is all you need. To my knowledge, the SA helmets have some sort of fire rating, whereas the M rated helmets do not.

2. I bought two helmets from Cycle World (both M rated), they have a pretty decent selection, and good prices. There is also another motorcycle place about 100ft from it...not sure of the name however. Royal Distributing also carries lots of helmets for cheap prices - but you won't find the best stuff there.

3. According to SNELL, you shouldn't use a helmet more than 5 years anyways ;) ...but to not be a smartass, I'm not sure.

[Cheers!]

I bought a used SA2000 helmet. I woudl recommend holding off buying an expensive helmet like a sa type until october when the sa2005 come out.

As with multiple impacts/single impacts. Well unless you have a roll cage installed its of no concern.

SA2000 helmets are nomex lined where as motorcycles aren't.

To get a light motorcyle helmet, it is a lot cheaper than a light SA2000 helmet. Light is good btw.

[thgear]

where would u get this ligh motorcycle helmet?? :)

so motorcycle helmets are okay? i'm a bit of a jam and have a buddy that rides, so i might borrow his.

also, does Mosport rent helmets in case i would be able to pick one up??

[Rob McAuley]

You really don't want a helmet for more than 5 years. They get pretty sweatty, so if you are doing any significant number of track days, you'll want to replace it after 4-5 years.

For that reason, I bought an M95 helmet for my first one, and it was perfect for Solo/Schools/Lapping days. Now I'm ready to race, and building a car with a cage, so I've picked up an SA2000 helmet.

So my recommendation is to start off with an M2000 helmet, then move to an SA helmet when you need to.

[thgear]

so "M" helmets are allowed or not?

and there are so many denominations, can someone break it down for the noobs? (me)

[Rob McAuley]

M helmets are allowed unless you have a roll cage.

M95 and SA95 helmets became available at the end of 1995.

M2000 and SA2000 helmets were available in 2000.

M2005 and SA2005 helmets will be released in October of this year.

Each helmet is good for 10 years beyond their release date. Thus this is the last year that M95 or SA95 helmets will be permitted.

M2000 and SA2000 helmets will be good for this year, plus 5 more years.

My recommendation: Spend $200 and buy an M2000 helmet now. It will last you 6 years if you can stand the smell. Then buy an SA2005 helmet in a few years when/if you move to a car with a roll cage.

[Carguy]

Originally posted by Rob McAuley
It will last you 6 years if you can stand the smell.

Bah! If you play hockey, you can stand the smell... ;) :D

[thgear]

and i do play hockey :)

plus i'm sure you can just chuck that thing inside a washer right :)

[CobraStang]

from www.smf.org (great informative site):
The five year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both the helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production over can affect liner materials. Hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, as well as normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Petroleum based products present in cleaners, paints, fuels and other commonly encountered materials may also degrade materials used in many helmets possibly degrading performance. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, designs, production methods and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from a prudent safety philosophy