anyone got an arai viper?

[Stu]

Originally Posted by rigor

AFAIK Arai helmets are tested to the same standard no matter where they are sold in the world. There is a variance in shape for different markets, since different locales have different head shapes.

Also, the Snell test is the USA standard, and from memory is the highest (hardest to pass) test, of the standard locale tests. They do kerb tests and penetration tests that the EU and other areas don't do. A while ago, when MCN was on it's high horse () about helmet safety, they wanted the eu to come up to Snell standard.

Anyway, Arai's all exceed the Snell test no matter where they are destined for sale, unlike some other brands.

Minimatt posted the link calling into question snell tests. Yes they maybe the toughest test but they are to easy to pass (according to the article) allowing your head to suffer 300 G and still pass. The article was saying that helmets should be softer than snell require to cushion your head more from an 8ft fall to the ground than an 80 mph crash into a brick wall (your body wouldn't survive that anyway)

Originally Posted by rigor

AFAIK Arai helmets are tested to the same standard no matter where they are sold in the world. There is a variance in shape for different markets, since different locales have different head shapes.

I worked for a UK based helmet manufacturer for 3 years as a sales rep, also got involved in a little design work.

From talking to the people who tested our helmets for us before we submitted them for official testing, it is virtually impossible to make a helmet to conform to all international helmet testing standards. It just cannot be done. Arai will be making seperate shells and liners for all different markets, same as we used to.

Originally Posted by Paws

Snell is the European level of testing, instead of the Gold ecu sticker, it has Snell on the back.

Snell is one of the American testing agencies, it is not European. Europe recognises the ECER tests only.

Originally Posted by rigor

A while ago, when MCN was on it's high horse () about helmet safety, they wanted the eu to come up to Snell standard.

When MCN finally employ a journo who has a clue what he's writing about I'll start buying their paper. They may be able to ride fast, but they certainly aren't journalists.