MSA

[P W]

Guys / Gals - Hoping to join the speed series for 2004 - in the process of getting everything I need sorted and a question has arose -

The helmet I bought earlier this year has a 'european gold stamp' which (I am reliably informed from the shop that I bought it from) exceeds the BS6658-A standards?

I am also informed that the British Standrads in being 'phased out'? and consequently will struggle to get a helmet with the relavant BS...label on as the gold stamps seem to be superceeding the British Standards??.

Is this true and will the MSA / WSCC accept my helmet with its gold stamp for the speed series 2004?

I look forward to the replies....

[scott beeland]

Your helmet will need to conform to either bs 6658- 85 type a or type a (fr) (fire resistant) or snell sa 95/ sa 2000.

The euro (acu) gold stamp and ece 22 stamps on many newer helmets are ok for bike racing; but not allowed by the msa for car racing.

There are helmets out there with correct standard (hjc/ simpson/ fm/ sparco...to name a few). You should go back to where you bought it and see if you can get an alternative.

Though even if you haven't worn it most dealers are reluctant to take back a helmet more than 1 week post sale.

Have you got your msa license/ yearbook yet? It's all explained in there.

Sorry Mate.

Scott

[Mark Stanton]

A crash helmet with the appropriate B.S. spec. and kite marked.

Your crash helmet must bear one of the following standards: B.S. 6658-85A (Type B is NOT acceptable). B.S. 6658 Type A/FR Snell SA2000, Snell SA95, SFi Foundation 31.1, 31.2b. Crash helmets must be in sound condition, a good fit and without damage to shell or securing straps.

An MSA approval sticker may obtained from an official scrutineer at your first event. Check out Sections Q.9. & 10 of "The Blue Book" for full details.

WSCC accept my helmet with its gold stamp for the speed series 2004?

Safety equipment is not under WSCC rulings - but is all part of the MSA legislation - what they say goes with regard to all safety requirements.        

Yes it is understood about European gold stickers but they are not accepted by the MSA.

I think the only bike helmets that still carry BS is Arai & Shoei     and then not throughout the full range

Demon Tweeks, Grand Prix Racewear, Midland Performance Centre in Walsall, Merlin Motorsport and Europa all sell MSA approved helmets    

In fact I'm off to Demon Tweeks tomorrow to buy myself a new crash helmet as my current one expires end of 2004 - they are only allowed to be used for a max of 10 years from date of manufacture      whatever condition    

[P W]

Thanks guys - not what I wanted to hear, but what I suspected !!

That'll teach me to buy from bikers !!

So,

1) Get MSA licence

2) sell current helmet in admag

3) visit a proper shop to get a proper helmet

NB - I'm going to Autosprt International on 9th Jan 04 - would it be stupid to expect to get one from the show?

[SteveD]

spam boy if your going to deemon theives don't expect to see anything there shopfitting at the moment    

[Mark Stanton]

As its snowing at the moment I'm re-considering journey up to Wrexham     Phoned em yesterday they're open and working    

P.W. Yep there will be stands at Autosport selling helmets and all other clothing, overalls etc - Demon, GPR and MPC are usually there - although they may not be carrying a full and complete range    

A skid lid is important to ensure a correct snug fit - take your time to ensure a comfy fitting - get yourself a nomex balaclava as well -      keeps inside of helmet cleaner      

The MSA also have a stand at Autosport    

[Mark Stanton]

In fact I'm off to Demon Tweeks tomorrow to buy myself a new crash helmet

Got meself a Bell its SA2000 approved          and how expensive are those tinted visors        

Well worth the journey up to Demon      wouldn't have been able to try on so many via mail order or whilst being jostled at Autosport      

[bofus]

Only trouble with Snell approval is they can't be used on the road, either as a bike helmet or a lid in a screenless car. Only BS approved or the equivalent ECE can be used. This is due to the size of the viewing slot and the impact resistance of the 'clear' visor

Lowest denominator is get a BS approved helmet with the A/FR suffix or do away  with the  bit for events below National A (I think that is the break point)

[Mark Stanton]

This is due to the size of the viewing slot and the impact resistance of the 'clear' visor

My new one has a wider viewing aperture and I purchased an additional non fog BS visor to suit.

Most of Demon and GPR helmets are either snell or BS marked so finding somthing suitable for both road and track use is quite easy        

I looked around most of my local bike shops and many were o.k for road use - but wouldn't comply with MSA track use      

[stu999]

Been looking @ helmets today for SWMBO. We visited quite a few bike shops, and NONE of the helmets on display had the relevent markings suitable for hillclimbing etc. However, according to the one shop we went to the assistant reckons Shoei, Arai, and other quality helmets are very often Snell approved, but dont come with the approval stickers fitted because they are not needed for bike use, at least in Blighty. Apparently he reckons Shoei can supply a letter to confirm Snell approval with helmets that are approved, but not marked up as such. He supplys helmets to the Karting fraternity, who have similar issues. Would that be acceptable?

[Mark Stanton]

Stu - having experienced a number of scruters of the past few years - safest option is to ensure the helmet has a sticker insitu.

I think I noted somewhere that certain Shoei and Arai helmets comply to SA2000 - if they comply then ensure a sticker is in place - often inside under the lining  

No sticker then walk away - you'll have all the added grief of chasing up manufacturer for letter of compliance - then when scruted you'll have the uncertainty of passing scruting - The first time an MSA scruter sees a brand new helmet they really go over it before they'll supply a blue MSA sticker for it - once that is in place - its the first thing that they all look for      

Unfortunately there is a lot of inconsistency amongst scruters - as quoted to me by one particular   at Ty Croes "Same horse, different jockey"          

Where are you in UK - there's sure to be a motorsport supplier not tooooo far away      MPC - Walsall, Demon - Wrexham, GPR - London or Larkspeed - Yorks + a few other smaller suppliers