Helmet standards

[SaferRides]

I bought a new helmet recently and noticed that it meets the updated ECE standard, 22.06. I was reading some reviews as I had a problem with the visor, and found out that Shoei make two quite different models for the US and the rest of the world, the RF1400 and NXR2.

So it all comes down to a difference between the Snell foundation and what seems like everyone else. Fortnine did a video on this a while ago and there's been quite a few articles as well.

In addition, the FIM decided that they should update their standard, which is similar to ECE 22.06 but has lower maximum G forces.

I am trying to find a reasonably brief summary of all of this, but it is complicated.

My interest in all of this started after suffering a rotational concussion about 10 years ago. No one who treated me seemed to know there was such a a thing back then.



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[F5 Dave]

The UK sharp ratings seem well thought out but probably superceded by ECE. I dont know if so

Snell and dot are very old and do dumb things.

I keep seeing people riding with their flip helmet in up position.

That would make for a very nasty accident and or break your neck as you don't roll easily with a sticky out thing on your face.

[BMWST?]

are the rsults of said studies,and F9 video clear cut that one is better then the other??

Buy a well known helmet that is the best fit/most comfortable/features you want. I truly believe that the actual differences in such stds are so small that in the real world the outcome of an head impact would be no different.

[SaferRides]

are the rsults of said studies,and F9 video clear cut that one is better then the other??

The research supports the ECE/FIM position, which is what started this debate in the first place. The majority of head impacts are low energy, basically falling off and hitting the road, and it is more important to reduce G forces on the brain and rotational injuries.



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[Gremlin]

I keep seeing people riding with their flip helmet in up position.

That would make for a very nasty accident and or break your neck as you don't roll easily with a sticky out thing on your face.
True, but also depends on the helmet. Some are dual homologated (P and J) where flip up or down, it's allowed. Some however, aren't, so using in that position actually means it's not legal.

[F5 Dave]

It's "allowed". What BS, surely? Imagine a crash where you roll, just a bit, doesn't have to be like a ragdoll.
But your helmet has a protruding bit out the front? Where you have a reasonable chance of your head following your body with a normal helmet. Having the front part up cannot help but greatly increase the risk of rotational damage as it rolls badly and unlike a ball shaped object that a normal helmet (or closed flip) is closer to.

[SaferRides]

Where Ryan really puts the boot into Snell.

Source: YouTube https://share.google/ipxe468jaDzX74Vk8

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[pritch]

From memory (so no reference to the new standards) the Snell system requires a very stiff shell. Some people felt too stiff. The more flexible European helmets had some cushioning effect in an impact.

The Sharp testing appeared to be designed by people who were wizards on testing but knew nowt about helmets. Arai (who fared comparatively badly) complained that the point on the side where the helmets were tested would not normally be impacted as it would be protected by the shoulder.

So you pays your money and you makes your choice.

[pete376403]

Peter Snell, the guy whose helmet failed and thus became the subject of the Snell Foundation, was a sports car driver and the testing was originally concerned with things in car that a helmet might impact, eg roll cages, so in this respect Snells testing of a side impact is relevant

[SaferRides]

Peter Snell, the guy whose helmet failed and thus became the subject of the Snell Foundation, was a sports car driver and the testing was originally concerned with things in car that a helmet might impact, eg roll cages, so in this respect Snells testing of a side impact is relevantI've seen that argument before. But Snell has different standards for car and motorbike helmets, so there must be a reason why they have left the double hit test in the motorbike standard.

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[SaferRides]

Peter Snell, the guy whose helmet failed and thus became the subject of the Snell Foundation, was a sports car driver and the testing was originally concerned with things in car that a helmet might impact, eg roll cages, so in this respect Snells testing of a side impact is relevant
Pete Snell.

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[SaferRides]

From memory (so no reference to the new standards) the Snell system requires a very stiff shell. Some people felt too stiff. The more flexible European helmets had some cushioning effect in an impact.

The Sharp testing appeared to be designed by people who were wizards on testing but knew nowt about helmets. Arai (who fared comparatively badly) complained that the point on the side where the helmets were tested would not normally be impacted as it would be protected by the shoulder.

So you pays your money and you makes your choice.

SHARP test to the old British standard but use ECE anvils. They claim to test at positions on the helmet where the majority of impacts happen in accidents. The side impacts are meant to represent the temples, which are a weak point of the head, but their graphics look like they test further back, above the ears.

All of the Arai helmets that pass ECE 22.06 are SHARP 4 or 5 star, so make of that what you will. Every 22.06 Shoei, including the Glamster(!), is 5 stars.

The new ECE standard seems very comprehensive and if a helmet passes that, then it should be safe enough.

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[rambaldi]

SHARP test to the old British standard but use ECE anvils. They claim to test at positions on the helmet where the majority of impacts happen in accidents. The side impacts are meant to represent the temples, which are a weak point of the head, but their graphics look like they test further back, above the ears.

All of the Arai helmets that pass ECE 22.06 are SHARP 4 or 5 star, so make of that what you will. Every 22.06 Shoei, including the Glamster(!), is 5 stars.

The new ECE standard seems very comprehensive and if a helmet passes that, then it should be safe enough.

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In the past I have relied on the SHARP testing, but these days I am looking to 22.06. Most of the SHARP database seems a bit out of date, helmets etc. that aren't on the market anymore. As you said, the new standard does seem very comprehensive. Now if only were a site I could use to narrow down the range of helmets available based on feature set - in my experiance things sufficient rear vents, internal sunshield, detents and pinlock all help me be comfortable and therefore safer. I don't make good decisions if I am, for example, too hot.

[SaferRides]

In the past I have relied on the SHARP testing, but these days I am looking to 22.06. Most of the SHARP database seems a bit out of date, helmets etc. that aren't on the market anymore. As you said, the new standard does seem very comprehensive. Now if only were a site I could use to narrow down the range of helmets available based on feature set - in my experiance things sufficient rear vents, internal sunshield, detents and pinlock all help me be comfortable and therefore safer. I don't make good decisions if I am, for example, too hot.You could try somewhere like sportsbikeshop.co.uk. They have a list of filters you can select to narrow down the choice. Champion Helmets is another option.

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[rambaldi]

You could try somewhere like sportsbikeshop.co.uk. They have a list of filters you can select to narrow down the choice. Champion Helmets is another option.

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Thanks, those get most of the way to what I want. There are only a couple features missing e.g. proper detents. Now if only sites would properly stack different colour options so I don't have to scroll through 20 copies of the same helmet.

[pritch]

OK. It's nothing to do with standards but it's a helmet. No test yet? An interesting approach.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gVXE14R3t4s

[F5 Dave]

Was going to say they already tried that. But wait.. from the rear. Wonder if that compromised the protection there? If not it looks like a good concept. Hmm, would need real good test to see if it can be pulled off when in a crash, as you don't want too hard a plate under your chin.
Try your hand under your chin as it is were part of the retention.
Position it so it is secure and comfortable and you can't imagine the helmet ever coming off in a rough and tumble accident.
Now ram that hand back into your throat as if your helmet took a face first hit.

Oww.
I imagine they have a cleverer retention system but my first proof of concept prototype failed.

[Kickaha]

Was going to say they already tried that.

I think it was Schubert with a front opening one

[sugilite]

That rearwards opening helmet looks interesting. The only thing I really wonder assuming it's structural integrity is still good is - how many emergency response people would know how to remove it?

[SaferRides]

And how do you remove it if it jams in the closed position? I was on a ride when someone couldn't open his flip-front helmet. It took some time, and he was very stressed by then.

Also, I think you really need a strap to keep a helmet securely in place during a crash.

No thanks.

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[F5 Dave]

Well actually that's a very valid point.
Patient laying unconscious and anything other than face down. Good luck removing helmet.

I had a mate that had a dymo print tape (remember them?) Saying ""In event of accident do not remove helmet" on his chinbar. The idea being that it could in certain situations cause spine damage.
He had a point. At first aid courses I usually have a spiel about check if you need to, and how to support head while another removing by pulling straps apart. But only if not breathing.

On other had you can see some busy body trying to yank stuck new tangled Why won't this come off?? Helmet.

[SaferRides]

I don't know about other brands, but Shoei helmets have quick removable chin pads for that very reason. Then cut the strap and the helmet should come off easily.

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[F5 Dave]

I have a shoei, but the conversation is about this new type. Also I don't expect you will be lucky enough for a responder to know or take the time to look and say. Hey, look at these things on the bottom of the helmet, I bet if. . .

[SaferRides]

I have a shoei, but the conversation is about this new type. Also I don't expect you will be lucky enough for a responder to know or take the time to look and say. Hey, look at these things on the bottom of the helmet, I bet if. . .Yeah, I've had that thought.. Hopefully it's part of paramedic training.

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[R650R]

Yeah, I've had that thought.. Hopefully it's part of paramedic training.

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Dave is correct. Showed paramedic friend a new Shoei awhile ago and they’d never been made aware of anything like that. And if you see the volume of knowledge they must learn, plus updates to their procedures that come often they already have too much to keep up with.

Ideally those tabs need bigger more prominent text but remind the buyer of their mortality probably isn’t good for sales.

[SaferRides]

Dave is correct. Showed paramedic friend a new Shoei awhile ago and they’d never been made aware of anything like that. And if you see the volume of knowledge they must learn, plus updates to their procedures that come often they already have too much to keep up with.

Ideally those tabs need bigger more prominent text but remind the buyer of their mortality probably isn’t good for sales.That's not surprising but still disappointing. My last 3 Shoei helmets have had EQRS and most of the other brands have adopted it for sports and dirt bike helmets at least. Maybe stickers on the helmet would help, but if you don't know it exists then you wouldn't look for it.

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[R650R]

That's not surprising but still disappointing. My last 3 Shoei helmets have had EQRS and most of the other brands have adopted it for sports and dirt bike helmets at least. Maybe stickers on the helmet would help, but if you don't know it exists then you wouldn't look for it.

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Maybe the next evolution we’ll see of airbag technology. Post impact inflation of neck stabiliser, air driven jack internally splits helmet after several minutes stationary.
Internal helmet pads could be air instead of foam make putting helmet on easier too and ensure perfect fitment…,

[SaferRides]

Internal helmet pads could be air instead of foam make putting helmet on easier too and ensure perfect fitment…,
It's been done - Scorpion.



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[F5 Dave]

Their biggest concern is probably trying to learn how to de-escalate ever increasingly violent entitled public when trying to attend to patients.