Snell helmet testing facility

[nm6r]

We went to the Snell helmet testing facility for a tour yesterday. Here's some pictures of what they put helmets through...

Pictures of Snell helmet testing (http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/03-12-05/snell.htm)

BTW, there are no Snell approved flip up helmets to date.

The reason: No manufacturer has submitted any for testing yet. Makes you wonder why.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Berzins]

Hmmmm... I am not sure I want to ask why they test them by shooting at it with a .22 cal rifle. Makes me not want to go anywhere where it needs to be tested for that! <grin>

Dave...

[Vanburi]

Hmmmm... I am not sure I want to ask why they test them by shooting at it with a .22 cal rifle. Makes me not want to go anywhere where it needs to be tested for that! <grin>

Dave...

Riding down the highway at ~70MPH you come up behind a truck(18 wheeler) and one of the tires from the truck picks up a small rock and ends up throwing it back. I would think that the velocity that this rock is flying towards you if fairly high. I don't think they are looking for the shield to stop the bullet. They are looking for the shield to not shatter or splinter...

Regards,

Claudie

[sherob]

BTW, there are no Snell approved flip up helmets to date.

The reason: No manufacturer has submitted any for testing yet. Makes you wonder why.


I wear a flipup(Symax... DOT approved)... I wear glasses too... makes a HUGE difference taking them off and putting them on :D. I don't wear shorts, tennis shoes, or flip flops when ridding. I do wear boots, jeans(at least), gloves, and always my helmet.

I used to wear a half helmet on my Sabre :eek:, then it got cold :). I have never heard of the chin bar flipping open, coming unlocked in an accident. I have heard or read somewhere that the hinge impacted the temple of the wearer and caused injury. The hinge on the Synmax is further back than the temple area, and is protected inside the helmet too.

In a state (Texas) where it is an option to wear a helmet, I would rather someone have anything on the noggin than nothing at all. ;)

Ride safe,
Robert

[Carl_T]

I think Calsci site reported some shattered eye sockets from the hinges on flip ups.

Bob, I've been riding in jeans sometimes also, though I've ordered armored pants now. Our good old jeans last for about 12 to 18 inches on the blacktop before it is skin that starts coming off in a long slide along the pavement.

Back when I was a youngster beginning to race a dirt scrambles in our area, I fell at about 25mph. on the dirt. It tore my jeans open from the boot bottom, to the crotch. I ordered leathers that week.

There are some companies selling ballistic jeans now, which are at least an improvement.

Snell has gotten us some better helmets than we would have without them, no doubt.

[nm6r]

"Snell has gotten us some better helmets than we would have without them, no doubt."

They keep raising the standard at about 5 year intervals too. The latest standard is 2005.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[sherob]

I said jeans at least... :D. Don't laugh, but I wear my leather chaps, and LOVE them! :)

Robert

[Carl_T]

No laughing here, it is not so easy to find well made pants safteywise, for under $200. Leather is great protection, though I prefer some padding as well.

[sherob]

My wife about busted a gut when I got all leathered up to ride my ST after riding a cruiser for so long... You can get pretty good prices on leather items at Leatherup.com :D. I have been pretty pleased with the things I've purchased from them in the past.

I will be looking at some mesh over pants soon... the chaps weren't so bad on the cruiser during the summer, on the ST I know these will be a little warm :).

Robert

[basco]

I think Calsci site reported some shattered eye sockets from the hinges on flip ups.

I have seen that too. I don't think its a fair statement to think the hinges that caused shattered eye sockets. I have a nolan and know the hinge is not near the eye socket, more like around the ear area. Post have been on the other site about that. Also look at all the gadgets and switches on that MC. Looked like a christmas tree. Also the helmet stayed in-tact. Something don't add up. I feel sorry for the guy but to blame the helmet that possibly saved his life. :confused: