[seruzawa]

Back in the 80's one of the mags did an extensive test of helmets using a certified testing stand and came up with some highly unexpected results.

They discovered that Snell standard helmets were likely to transmit more force to the rider's head in a collision at or near freeway speeds (under 100mph) than a Snell Racing Standard helmet. Of course at speeds above 100 mph the Snell helmets afford better protection. This is because the Snell helmets use a harder lining than plain DOT helemts. In any case if you didn't ride at insanely extra-legal speeds you were often worse of in a Snell helmet than a simple DOT.

They also found absolutely no correlation between cost and protection. There were wide variances, but the final results were illuminating to say the least. A $60 helmet from JC Whitney may be just as safe as a $400 Shoei.

This data is 20 years old and helmet technology improved. Still, it'd be interesting to see this test repeated today, if just to seperate the ad copy from the truth.

Comfort was not part of the test. It was simply raw data on the transmission of force to the skull during a collision.

 

[seruzawa]

You are surprised that the USDOT is either unconcerned or incompetent (or probably both)?



Govt regulation is an expensive scam. It's only trusted by the mentally insufficient.

 

[seruzawa]

Re: Off thread...but you guys started it!

I signed up two months ago and I still get loads of rings with no one answering when I pick up, which is a telemarketting computer dialing my number. Also got a call from some scumbag last week.

I guess it takes several months for the list to take effect. I'm not holding my breath.

 

[seruzawa]

Re: HEY!

Because a higher standard always includes the lower standard and Federal Bureaucrats always have their heads fully implanted where the sun don't shine.

It's simple physics. Some of the DOT helmets with a softer lining absorb impact better at lower speed than the Snells. At racing speeds those DOT helmts could allow the skull to crush up against the helmet's outer shell while the Snell's stiffer lining would protect the brain enough for it to survive in a tank.

The point was that there was not necessarily any advantage to wearing a Snell helmet if you kept your speeds below 100 mph.