helmet spec

[Terry Everall]

steve has a BS6685:1985

Think I remeber that this is ok until 01/01/2010 when it may be withdrawn

OK?

[Mark Stanton]

1985 is that the year of manufacture or the year of the BS ??

I thought there was a 10 year life span for motorsport use ??

The Blue book gives a list of current acceptable BS and labels

[simon besant]

mines a BS6658-85  type A/FR

hope thats ok in 2010

[Mark Stanton]

Yep ............... but make a list for Father Christmas for 2010          

[BigDaveUK]

Did i also read that snell SA2005 will no longer be msa approved in 2010

i only bought my simpson diamondback 6months ago!!

[stephenh]

There does seem to be some confusion here on this issue of helmets. However, the blue book is quite clear.

What it says on helmets,and I have ignored the rules for kart racing as that seems to be of interest to those members in the northeast mainly , is as follows:

[the following helmets are acceptable for 2009]

For all MSA and International events:

FIA 8860-2004

SNELL SA 2005

SNELL SA 2000*

SFI Foundation 31.1A, 31.2A

BS 6658 Type A/FR

note * [this one ie SNELL SA 2000] may be withdrawn from 01/01/10

Therefor if you have any of the above you are fine this season whether you circuit race or hillclimb. However if your's is SNELL SA2000 you are forewarned that you MAY possibly or probably need to replace it for next season. Not certain however.

There is then one further type approval of relevance to us on this site, unless anyone is involved in international competition, because it only relates to MSA events:

BS 6658-85 Type A. Note this type approval WILL (not may) be withdrawn from 01/01/10

So in summary if your helmet meets any of the above you are ok for up to national race and speed events.

However, if you are looking to replace your helmet this year, you are on notice not to buy a helmet which is BS 6658-85 Type A (although the same numbers with /FR at the end is fine because as I understand it it then has a proven fire-resistant lining). You would also be taking a risk if you buy a SNELL SA 2000.

That's what the blue book says in its current edition. Of course what it might say in 12 months time is anyone's guess!!

I am therefor looking for a helmet which is SNELL SA 2005 or BS 6658-85 Type A/FR

[Nick Algar - Competition Secretary]

Spot on Stephen

Or in other words read the Blue Book, I have put a link up, it's all in there and to be honest any of the ambiguities in there will be up to the Scrutiners to sort out. We are all just taking an educated guess.