Autocross & Motorcycle helmets, The same? Different? Options

[Rusty]

I've been reading all the info I can about how to select a motorcycle helmet. Apparently, not all helmets are equal, and my head is worth far more (to me) than whatever I invest in a helmet. Within reason, cost is not an issue on this safety piece.

While looking around, I realized that many were Snell rated. So, does this mean that my motorcycle helmet can pull double duty as an autocross helmet?

-Rusty (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)

[Dave_Darling]

Often the motorcycle helmets have wider eyeports than the SA helmets, but not always. The SA helmets have Nomex liners, the M ones don't have to and usually do not have them.

Other than that, there is no real difference.

There are two things that are different in the Snell "M" and "SA" tests. The first is the requirement for fire-retardant lining in the SA helmets, and the second is a test that simulates a roll bar impact--a drop against a cylinder. (M tests include drops against a 90-degree corner, a sharp object, and so on. Those same tests are also used on SA helmets.)

A good friend said, "As an engineer, I would have to work very hard indeed to make a helmet that would pass the M tests and fail the SA-specific tests."

As is so often the case, though, the real answer to your question is RTFR. Read The Rulebook. It will tell you if M-rated helmets are OK or not. I would not use a helmet without a Snell rating, but IMHO the M-rated ones are just fine for autoX or the track. (Until you get to where a fire suit is required. Then you should use a helmet with Nomex lining--an SA helmet.)

The ratings are upgraded every few years. Most places seem to require -95 or later; some may only require -90. I don't know what the latest Snell rating is; the last I remember hearing about was -00. And there was some oddness after that??? I forget exactly. But I would walk away from any store carrying anything older than -00 helmets.

--DD