SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1533430
IN A GOOD HEADSPACE Higher Helmet and Neck Restraint Standards Continue Make New Strides In Safety Story by Stuart Bourdon Photography courtesy Snell And Manufacturers T his is a big year for helmet manufacturers, as they have been pushing hard to deliver what racers want, lighter designs with greater impact safety from all angles. It’s also the year that Snell helmet safety objectives are due to be updated. Hong Zhang, Director of Education at the Snell Foundation, told us, “The organization has been helping to raise the helmet performance bar since 1959 to improve helmet safety. Everything has evolved over the years, but the main focus is still on how much of a blow the helmet is made to take without allowing the peak G to get through all the helmet material and hit the head.” New Rules for 2025 “The outside shell and the foam are supposed to work together to absorb that blow by destructing itself because the blow is basically input energy,” Hong said. “The D.O.T. standard is set at 400 peak G because we understand that about 400 to 600 G creates brain injury or worse. We have always set peak G at 300, that was our pass or fail. SA2025 sets the maximum peak G at 275 for all helmet sizes.” The new SA2025 requirements for impact velocities and acceleration limits also assure compatibility with FIA 8859-2024 standards. “The SA2025 standard also calls out more impact severity by increasing the impact energy on the first of two impacts at each impact site,” added Hong. “In other words, Snell SA2025 implements tougher pass/fail criteria (a lower peak g limit) while subjecting helmets to a harder impact in testing (higher impact energy).” IMPACT VELOCITY CHART Snell is also instituting a new testing method for motorcycle helmets. “The only major change from M2020 to M2025 is the additional oblique impact test that measures the rotational acceleration during impact using a wireless test dummy head form,” she said. “We will release a list of Snell-certified SA2025 helmets on October 1, 2025,” said Hong. “The problem, however, is that not every certified helmet will be ready for sale by then. Snell will continue to support and recommend SA2020-certified helmets. They are still good helmets and people using SA2020 helmets in racing events should feel safe.” Helmet Trends Helmet technology, design, and materials are constantly evolving to meet or exceed safety standards and improve driver/rider comfort. Simpson for example, is using computer software like Solidworks to develop new ideas quickly, and to make changes easier. Less weight is often high on a helmet buyer’s checklist. Lighter-weight helmets help decrease fatigue in the neck and shoulder muscles. Almost every racing helmet and FHR manufacturer offers carbon-fiber material in some of its products to eliminate some weight from their helmets while maintaining optimum helmet structural integrity. More manufacturers are now offering helmets with fully adjustable pad systems and built-in communication capabilities. Pyrotect’s Steve Russell talked about the company’s new six-pad inner liner system that can be adjusted to provide the perfect fit. Other manufacturers such as Mike Marmurowicz of G-Force Racing said, “Where once communication modifications were solely done by the radio outfitters, we at G-Force have models that will come ‘ready for radios’ directly to you.” A few manufacturers we talked to were already ahead of the game. Kyle Kietzmann at Racing Force Group told us, “We homologated most of our racing helmet models to FIA 8859-2024 standards, so the changes to our shell construction and liner configuration (to meet SA2025) are minimal. In the same manner, all full-face helmets, such as in our Bell Carbon and Pro Series, will get a mechanism called Smart Lock with the launch of the new Snell SA2025 standards.” Mips® Adds A Twist One of the latest technologies for moto helmets is the Mips® safety system. This technology comes from scientific research indicating the brain is susceptible to rotation. In the event of an impact the helmet technology provided by a Mips® safety system is intended to help reduce the effects of rotation energy by enabling relative movement between the head and helmet. This low-friction layer allows for omnidirectional movement of 10-15mm when a high load occurs during an angled impact. This system is available for manufacturers of motorcycle and bicycle helmets and adds another layer of safety during falls and impacts. Contact the helmet manufacturer to see if they incorporate the Mips® system in their moto helmets. As technology improves head and neck safety, it’s important to understand what’s available and how important utilizing the latest gear is for ensuring maximum safety. Helmet and neck safety manufacturers have offered a look at some of their latest products that can provide additional insight into what’s available. SJ HELMETS ARAI VX-PRO4 The ARAI VX-PRO4 motorcycle helmet features a rounded chin bar and maintains the same compact shell length proven to be less likely to catch and dig-in during a spill. The shell is made from multiple proprietary components, including Super Fiber which provides 30 percent higher tensile strength and increased penetration resistance than standard fiberglass. An all-new removable neck roll allows easy and convenient cleaning of the helmet. The revised Emergency Release Cheek Pad system has the release tab repositioned and is easier to access by rescue staff. MSRP $759.95 Bell Racing BR8 Carbon This ultra-lightweight Bell Racing BR8 Carbon helmet was designed for off-road racing and can be used in multiple configurations for forced air. It features an aerodynamic front duckbill, a Double Screen Anti-Fog (DSAF) insert, rear-facing airflow vents that prevent dust from entering the helmet while allowing air into the helmet, and an air chamber design that evenly distributes are around the head. The helmet can be used with or without ear cups. MSRP: $699.95 Bell Racing RS7C LTWT Developed in collaboration with Penske Racing, this ultra-lightweight version of the Bell Racing RS7 Carbon helmet combines an aerospace-grade carbon shell, reinforced energy-absorbing liner system, and other performance features. The Bell RS7C LTWT provides advanced airflow, enhanced energy management capability, and the ability to be used with or without ear cups. It’s also race-ready at less than 2.8 pounds. MSRP: $1,999.95. G-Force Racing Revo Air With a composite blend shell, the Revo Air from G-Force Racing weighs in at just more than 3.5 pounds. It features an upgraded comfort liner with TrackPAT vision enhancing print and removable/replaceable cheek pads, multi-density EPS liner, high-flow but low-profile top air inlet for forced air system, and a new thinner chin strap. The 3 mm-thick molded polycarbonate shield offers eye protection and visibility, and a precisely molded synthetic rubber shield seal keeps dirt and debris from being a distraction. The Revo Air also features a newly designed M6 threaded Head and Neck Restraint anchor. MSRP: $399. G-Force Racing Rift Air Housed in an upgraded lightweight fiberglass shell, the G-Force Racing Rift Air (at just over 3.5 pounds) delivers desirable features such as a dual-density EPS liner top air inlet with Tri-Flow design, customizable fit pads around the head as well as cheek pads, and an upgraded comfort liner with TrackPAT vision enhancing print. The Rift Air also features a 3 mm-thick molded-polycarbonate shield, molded synthetic rubber shield seal, thinner chin strap, and newly designed M6 threaded head and neck restraint anchor. MSRP: $349. O’Neal 10 SRS Prodigy The 10 SRS Prodigy is a lightweight carbon fiber shell model weighing in at just 2.38 pounds (in size M), and it features oversized vents and EPS channels for maximum airflow through the helmet. A removable and washable Coolmax padded liner, rubber roost nose guard, side goggle traction pads to keep your goggle strap securely in place, and a high air intake mouth vent with a screen that keeps debris out, are all built into the 10 SRS Prodigy. MSRP: $399. O’Neal 10 SRS Flow This lightweight (2.53 pounds) but sturdy fiberglass shell helmet, the 10 SRS Flow, offers oversized vents and EPS channels, a removable and washable padded inner liner, a removable mouthpiece for easy cleaning, side goggle traction pads, and a high air intake mouth vent with a mesh screen. MSRP: $299. Pyrotect Pro Air Vortex Carbon Pyrotect’s Pro Air Vortex Carbon full-face helmet comes with a six-pad headliner and cheek pad system that can be resized for a perfect fit. Designed with a 12K carbon weave, stainless steel hardware, and a Kevlar chinstrap, the Pro Air Vortex Carbon (mid-forced air model pictured) features a fire-retardant Nomex interior, a large eye port, and a rubber eye port seal, a .125-inch polycarbonate shield with a three-stage pivot positioning system with tear off post, and M6 inserts for head/neck restraint devices. Available side or top air. MSRP: $899. Pyrotect Pro Sport Composite A less expensive yet still top-shelf product is the Pyrotect Pro Sport Composite full-face helmet. It’s made from a tri-weave composite for safety at an affordable price. The interior P1 venting forced-air channels are designed similarly to the Pro Air series, featuring added ventilation ports directed at the face shield. The Pro Sport Composite offers a larger eye port and rubber eye port seal, six-pad headliner and cheek pad system, fire-retardant Nomex interior, .125-inch polycarbonate shield, and M6 inserts for head/neck restraint systems. MSRP: $369. RaceQuip PRO20 Side Air The RaceQuip PRO20 Side Air is a full-face helmet is made of composite materials. Reinforced M6 threaded HANS/HNR inserts are mated to the shell along with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner. Forced air is plumbed into the left side of the helmet through a standard 1.250-inch barbed fitting so air flows across the face shield from left to right for cooling and anti-fogging. The 3mm polycarbonate face shield features hand ratcheting tear off posts, and large eye port with a silicone gasket. The Nomex interior and paint are fire retardant as well as the Kevlar chin strap. MSRP: $341.96. Simpson’s SD1 Simpson’s SD1 is offered in a composite and carbon fiber. It’s designed with no front vents and built to handle dirt, dust, and rain. The SD1 comes standard with a clear visor in dark smoke, iridium, amber and chrome, with adjustable aluminum tear off posts from the factory. The SD1 has a non-vented chin bar for added protection from rocks and debris. It’s easy to dial in the helmet’s fit by utilizing the removable interior, and the cheek pads and top pad come in varying thicknesses. Color options include white, gloss black, matte black, blue, red, yellow, copper, safety orange, and Carbon. MSRP: Composite: $718.95, Carbon: $1,348.95 Simpson Adventure Journey And Xcursion The newest venture from Simpson Motorcycle is the Adventure line. Designed for “adventure riders” the Journey Bandit helmet is a good choice for open highways and off-road trails with a dual-certified chinbar, while the Xcursion Bandit full-face helmet is for more rugged off-road exploration. Both are available in tri-composite or carbon fiber shells and offer adjustable top and chin vents for superior airflow, plush foam padding wrapped in Comfort MAX for a secure and dry fit, ultra-wide eye ports, and Pinlock MaxVision antifog shields. MSRP: Journey (Composite) $574.95; Xcursion (Composite) $524.95. Stilo Venti WRX Dirt The new Stilo Venti WRX Dirt was designed to tackle the harshest environments of Baja. Offering a 34-percent increase in field of view, the Venti WRX Dirt helmet is offered in Carbon or Carbon Zero, comes standard with a “double glazed” full visor with Stilo’s dual-lock clasp design, interchangeable cheek and top pads for a custom fit, Hans posts, and integrated electronics Installed. A full line of accessories allows you to enhance the look of your dirt helmet, including an extended peak and visor to give your helmet an aggressive signature that matches your driving style. MSRP: Carbon: $2,000, Carbon Zero (lighter weight high-tensile carbon fiber) $4,500. SOURCES: ARAI araiamericas.com Bell (Racing Force) bellracing.com G-Force Racing Gear gforce.com O’Neal oneal.com Pyrotect Safety pyrotectsafety.com RaceQuip holley.com/brands/racequip/ SIMPSON MOTORCYCLE holley.com/brands/simpson_ motorcycle/ SIMPSON simpsonrace products.com STILO stilohelmets.com