The Truth about Helmet Impact Standards

[Gadjet]

In case you haven't seen it, the June 2005 issue of Motorcyclist Magazine published a report wherein they compare how the various helmet standards actually protect your squishy little lump of grey matter. The results were rather surprising.

If you haven't read the article, here is where it can be found on the Motorcyclist website, recently updated with their reply to Snell's accusations. The article also has a link to the response from the Snell Foundation posted on their site.

Happy reading, and think carefully about that next helmet that you buy. Will it really protect your head as well as you've been led to believe?

[TheReaper]

Too tired to read through all of it right now, however I did enjoy the reply to Snell's open letter. I will have to take the time to sit down and read the article, I have it upstairs.

[ronboskz650sr]

I like the response to snell. Very articulate, and well supported. Hopefully the Snell folks will think twice before going on the verbal warpath against intelligent journalists. BTW these findings are similar to information I read in the early eighties regarding bicycle helmets, and influenced my choice to wear a geekier looking one to get the extra protection. I eventually went head-over the bars at 25mph, and landed partially on my head. I will never forget the sound of that helmet on the pavement, or the fact that I stood up and looked around almost immediately. The self-destruct characteristic of the foam is, indeed, very effective.

[AmericanWeiner]

Hmm..this makes me rethink that Exo I wanted.

[c-los]

This article made me rethink the HJC i wanted because it was so cheap and had a carbon shell etc etc, but it performed horribly in the tests. So, I bought the winner...Z1R - ZRP-1! It feels pretty good, it fits my head fine but the padding is very thin, and there is just the bare minimum in ventilation. It gave me peace of mind, though.

[dcfinney]

In this months Motorcyclist magazine, they report the loss of two advertisers as a result of their article on helmet safety standards. I have determined that those two are Shoei and Arai. Below is an email I just sent to Shoei with my views on that decision. Others may wish to join this effort.

Dear Sir;

I wear a Shoei helmet when I ride my BMW motorcycle and have been exceptionally pleased with the workmanship, fit and comfort of the helmet. Fortunately, I have not had to test the energy absorbing characteristics of the helmet.

I was most interested to read a review in the July issue of Motorcyclist magazine of the various safety standards and certification procedures for the several governmental and private organizations who certify helmet performance standards. I was sorry to see that Shoei did not choose to participate by providing a helmet to Motorcyclist for testing.

In this month’s issue of Motorcyclist, there was a note that Motorcyclist had lost advertisers as a result of that article. I went through back issues and noted that Shoei was an advertiser in prior issues (including the July issue) but not in the August issue. Therefore I assume it is possible and likely that Shoei now chooses not to advertise in Motorcyclist and I also assume that decision is based on the conclusions of the article on helmet safety.

From the article, I now understand better the impossible task that a manufacturer has in designing a helmet to protect the rider under all impact conditions. I do not fault you for choosing the Snell standard for the U.S. market, but now wish that you would also offer a helmet that meets only the DOT or EU standard, with the fit and finish typical of Shoei helmets.

I am writing, however, primarily to express my concern that Shoei has apparently chosen to retaliate against Motorcyclist by withholding advertising dollars as a result of an article which appears to be factually based on legitimate testing. This retaliation is uncalled for, and has caused me to wonder about the ethics of Shoei management. If my assumptions are correct, I strongly urge Shoei to reconsider this position if Shoei wishes to retain its reputation for quality products and management.

[cb360]

Excellent letter dcfinney. I hope they actually take a look at how they do business as a result of consumers like you. I Never buy the 'name-brand' helmets... mostly because of budgetary reasons. But I am happy to find out my off-brand DOT helmet is as safe as they come. Anyway, welcome to the forum.

[blair]

Bottom line: If you see "snell" on the box, find another box.

The article proved it, and the Snell foundation's petulant rant nailed it to their own tree.

Unfortunately, my HJC AC-3 is Snell rated. But I have one of the sizes that uses a larger shell and thicker liner, so maybe I have a chance of surviving bumping into a doorjamb in this thing. Maybe.

[Tarzan]

This is interesting. After my recent off I need to replace my Shoei XR1000 and been fully prepared to do a like for like replacement. This article has made me rethink, especially in light of their refusal to participate in the tests and the childish behaviour in ceasing to advertise with motorcyclist.
I guess I can save a fair chunk of money and go for a cheaper helmet though!

[High_Side]

It's funny how it's all coming around after the Motorcyclist story, when Cycle Canada covered the same thing a few years ago and it hardly created a ripple in the industry. Myself, I've recently replaced my aging Arai with a Shark helmet that is more comfortable and about 1/3 the price. It meets the Euro and DOT standards and weighs about the same as the Arai. I will concede that the Arai is slightly quieter and has better venting but it is in NO WAY worth the extra money. The recent hype about Euro being better than Snell probably helped seal the deal..... That, and it loooked cool....