Helmet Safety Standards

[MaYo (((d[0_o]b)))]

What are the real differences between Snell M2000 and the BSI 6658 Type A safety standards?

NOTE: This comparison has been conducted for informational purposes only.

Pre-release Testing (Before the helmets hit the streets for purchase):

SNELL - Before a helmet can be sold with the SNELL sticker, the company must first submitted 5-6 helmets to SNELL for testing. This number can vary depending on the helmet type and Snell Standard. If ALL helmets pass the testing, the manufacture is free to purchase the SNELL sticker for that helmet model only.

BSI 6658 Type A - Before a helmet can be sold with a BSI 6658 Type A sticker the manufacture must submit a "batch" to the tested. This batch depends on how many helmets the manufacture is releasing for sale. 5 for the production batch of 500, 13 for a batch of 501-1,200 and 20 helmets for a production batch of 1,201-2000. If the helmets pass ALL the tests, stickers are released for that specific batch and in that specific quantity.

Failed Tests:

SNELL - The manufacture must correct the problem, and a new set of helmets must be submitted.

BSI 6658 Type A - If any helmet fails the test, the entire batch is rejected. New helmets must be submitted for re-testing, following investigation of the problem and remedial action.

Post-release Testing:

SNELL - SNELL uses random testing, and purchases helmets off the dealer showroom floor. If a helmet fails the random test, the manufacture is notified, and further random tests are preformed. If further tests show repetitive failures, discussions are had between SNELL and the manufactures on ways to come back into compliance. If further issues arise, the manufacture could loose their certification status. SNELL states they test "Up to 2%" of all SNELL certified post-release helmets.

BSI 6658 Type A - Annual re-certification, and quarterly factory inspections.

Testing Procedure:

The following link will take you to the SNELL website for comparison information. We feel this is an accurate comparison, and does a good job of stating the facts. However, it is put out by SNELL, and is based on their organizational beliefs on testing. An example would be how they state BSI 6658 Type A conducts tests, which they feel are unneeded. We point this out because we feel it's important to understand that each test organization uses a different approach, and each feels their approach is superior. It just so happens, this evaluation is put out by SNELL.

SNELL Comparison

What racing organizations are each approved for use?

SNELL - PIM, AMA, Formula-USA, WERA, CCS.

BSI 6658 Type A - PIM, AMA, Formula-USA, WERA, CCS.

Both Tests supercede requirements for Club Racing i.e. WSMC, AFM.