JCS wrote:Snell also released their own reply to this article. Their reply seemed just as authorative as the magazines and they tried to back it up.
Actually, Snell's statement kind of proved that the magazine was right. Whoever replied for Snell apparantly didn't read the article all the way through. They accused them of running only a certain test, but the article clearly shows you the results from multiple tests. Seems they just got mad at the first part they read, and started fuming and writing.
The part they really rode Snell on was the double impact to the same spot on the helmet. You must pass this in order to receive Snell certification. Problem is, on the street or on the track, it almost never happens. So the shell is made harder to pass this test, but since it is harder, it doesn't absorb as much of the impact. Just like in a car, they make the crumple zone to absorb the impact. You could make it rigid and not do so much damage to your car, but it would damage you more. So I guess, you must choose between a helmet that looks unscathed with your head hurting, or the one completely damage, with you feeling alright.
Either way my helmet was right there in the worst impact absorbtion along with the Arai's and Shoei's, but I'll still keep it. They all will do a good job on protecting your head. Another point to always remember aside from all the certification crap is the best fit is the best and safest helmet usually. So base your buy off of that, and not off of the price and certifications.
