TECH TIPS

(16 August 2010)

New Helmets Required by Most Sanctioning Bodies Beginning in 2011

SNELL ratings change every 5 years, however the SNELL SA2010 helmets have been delayed until October 2010. That being the case, most sanctioning bodies will update their helmet requirements to the either the SNELL SA2005 or SNELL SA2010 rating effective January 2011. The message is: If you're still racing with a SNELL SA2000 or older helmet, it's time for a new helmet. The SNELL SA2010 helmets will be fully available from October 1, 2010. In most cases these new helmets contain significant safety advances over their predecessors. Bell's E-Max Plus full coverage liner system protects your entire head with protection.

All auto racing sanctioning bodies require the SNELL SA (Special Application) rating rather than the SNELL M (Motorcycle) rating. There are good reasons for this, so make sure your new helmet is an "SA" rated one. An SA helmet has a fire retardant (Nomex, Carbon-X or similar material) interior and the chin strap is usually Kevlar and/or Nomex. An SA rated helmet is constructed to take both primary and secondary (rebound) type impacts like hitting your head on a roll-cage. Many SA rated helmets are available in carbon/Kevlar composites as well as fiberglass. These semi-exotic materials are not only stronger but they can be as much as 30% lighter than the same helmet in fiberglass. If your motorsports activity involves high G situations or if you do endurance racing you may want to consider one of these ultra-lightweight helmets.

"M" rated helmets usually have Nylon interiors since fire is not a threat and the chin strap is generally a woven Nylon material. The shell and liner of a Motorcycle helmet are designed to take a single sliding type of impact that is most common in motorcycle accidents.

Northstar Motorsports is proud to be a warehouse distributor for Arai, Bell, G-Force and HJC helmets. Northstar currently carries SNELL SA2005 rated helmets and will have the SA2010 in October 2010. The following models are available:

* Tri-Weave combines three laminated composite fabrics (carbon fiber, Kevlar & fiberglass) to form a strong, ultra light weight outer shell.

Hyperlinks

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OMP Grand Prix
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Tech Tips Archive

Driver Cooling and Hydration (30 Jan 2012)
HANS Devices and Proper Fitting of Helmet Anchors (25 Jan 2012)
New Helmets Required by Most Sanctioning Bodies (16 Aug 2010)
All Driver's Suits Are Not Created Equal (25 Jan 2012)
Toe in or Toe out (4 Apr 1998)
Understanding Tire Temperatures (11 Nov 1997)
Create your own unfair advantage, develop and use a Log Book! (26 Jun 2004)

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