What helmet rating is needed to run solo?

[JazzGTI]

I was looking in the solo rules and it gives several different ratings. It wasn't very specific. Maybe one of the safety stewards here can help.

[johnnytavo]

i'll wait for scott to reply but i am sure you can run any m2000+ or sa2000+

[JazzGTI]

That's is what I thought. But in the rules it doesn't say anything about any year or numbers after the Snell SA,M.

[johnnytavo]

where are you scott b?

[jason33hs]

Any helmet (M, K, SA) Snell certified 2005, 2000, or 1995 is legal for solo. You can find some deals on Snell 2000 and you can use them until roughly 2015, if you can stand the "just autocrossed in smell" that long.:)

4.3.1 Helmets
Helmets meeting the following standards must be worn while on
course: All helmets meeting the current or two immediately
preceding Snell Foundation standards (SA, K, or M), or SFI standards
31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A are acceptable.
For maximum protection, helmets must fit securely and should
provide adequate peripheral vision. The chin strap must be securely
fastened. Loaner helmets should be available to vehicle occupants
not having their own.


I was looking in the solo rules and it gives several different ratings. It wasn't very specific. Maybe one of the safety stewards here can help.

[Nathan]

If it makes you look like Dark Helmet from Spaceballs, it's probably legal.

[ShortysTRM]

That's exactly what mine looks like lol

[TimMaddox]

At the meeting friday it was mentioned that you need a helmet rated Snell 95 or newer to run autocross.

I have another helmet, that I haven't used yet, that has a flip-up chin guard. It has a label that says "DOT approved" and the date of manufacture is Sept 20 2006.

When I tried to find out about Snell rating, I discovered this:
Snell does not test helmets with flip-up chin guards. Here's an excerpt from their website:

"Snell does not dismiss out of hand any helmet design that strays from the conventional. Snell does not point out any design specifications other than general requirements in our standards. We are however, always concerned with innovations and new designs that may effect the helmet's ability to protect the wearer, or in some cases the helmets potential to cause injury. At present the Foundation has not had the opportunity to test any of the flip up front type helmets for certification. We do not find any fault with these designs as long as they are used according to the manufacturers instructions and meet all of the requirements of the standard. We will also certify any size of helmet as long as it meets the same requirements as any other Snell certified helmet."

So, is the helmet legal?

[lmcgrew]

I may be wrong but it has to be snell approved, most snell approved are also dot approved, not all dot are snell approved. Snell approved is usually heavier harder to find around here and more expensive.

[SentraWV]

Luke's right. From the 2008 rules:


4.3 DRIVER’S SAFETY EQUIPMENT

4.3.1 Helmets

Helmets meeting the following standards must be worn while on
course: All helmets meeting the current or two immediately preceding
Snell Foundation standards (SA, K, or M), or SFI standards
31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A are acceptable. Helmets meeting
British spec BS6658-85 type A/FR are also acceptable.
For maximum protection, helmets must fit securely and should
provide adequate peripheral vision. The chin strap must be
securely fastened. Loaner helmets should be available to vehicle
occupants not having their own.

[TimMaddox]

What if the tech inspector is a bit farsighted, and I write Snell2000 on a post it note and put it on the helm.....oh never mind, I will just give it to my nephew for skateboarding or something. Thanks for keeping me straight.