How long are snell helmets good for

The SA rating is currently revised every 5 years. K stands for Karting. K rated helmets are subjected to the same tests as SA helmets except they do not require a fire-retardant lining. All helmets certified to the Snell SA standard are required to have M6 female threaded inserts installed in the shell to accept head and neck restraint anchors.

A pull test simulates a head and neck restraint acting on the helmet to test the strength of the anchors in the shell. New low-velocity impact tests simulate minor bumps, and new "low-lateral" tests simulate striking a side window frame. To ensure a level playing field, Snell will not allow manufacturers to advertise or sell Snell SA helmets until October Snell will not even provide the SA decals to manufacturers until April If you find someone advertising SA helmets for sale prior to April , they are committing fraud!

Unfortunately, most racing organizations have not announced their changeover plans yet, so it is impossible to give a solid answer. In the past, the rule has usually been updated to take effect after helmets the newest standard have been available for one full year. For example, for the SA15 changeover, SA05 helmets were accepted until the beginning of SA15 helmets went on sale in October If the SA20 and SA25 changeovers follow the same schedule, SA10 helmets will be accepted through and SA15 helmets would be accepted until the end of Note that every racing organization is different.

Please check your rulebook. Both standards are similar, but they vary in the specifics of their tests. The impact tests for both standards require weighted drops at high, medium, and low speeds onto flat, hemispherical, edge, and roll bar anvils that simulate real world impacts.

Both standards require testing in cold, ambient, hot, and wet conditions to simulate a variety of racing environments. Both standards require fire retardance testing, shell penetration testing, retention system testing, and shield testing. Many sanctioning bodies now recognize both SFI and Snell helmet standards. Please check your rulebook to be sure. The "A" was later replaced by the year of the standard e. In , the date was also dropped. The current standards are SFI Note that unlike Snell, SFI does not perform any helmet testing.

Snell performs the testing and randomly re-tests helmets purchased through retail outlets. Helmets should be stored clean and dry, away from extreme heat or extreme cold. Keep your helmet away from petroleum products or other corrosives as these can have unexpected results on even the strongest composite materials and resins.

Helmets should be stored out of direct sunlight, preferably in a padded bag. Dropping the helmet, even from just a few feet off the ground, can damage the shell. Discover By Discipline. Karting Dirt Racing Offshore. All Accessories. Rally Amplifier. Fearless Intrepid Brave Valiant. All Replicas. Nico Rosberg Replica.

All Mini Helmets. Learn More. Another point to keep in mind is the specific requirements set up by racing leagues. In this case, the SA and SA would be applicable. Manufacturers like Bell and Stilo meet all Snell requirements, and their helmets can be found here.

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