DeTomaso Mailing List: March 99, Message #111

All,

I wrote:

>The manufacturers AND the Snell
-> foundation both state that the max useful lifespan of a helmet is
-> FIVE years, beyond that the foam starts to break down and seriously
-> degrades its ability to protect you.

Then Dave (conspiry theorist) Williams replied:

 That's bullshit, but it keeps the helmet market going.  And the safety
harness market.  And even fuel cell foam.

 Amazing how all three products had lifetimes close to forever until
the major companies making them because contributing sponsors to the
NHRA or SCCA, wot?

>>>Well, I have to agree that the 5-year restriction on harnesses is stupid,
and no responsible open-track organization (i.e. non-race organization) cares
about that.

But I can say with certainty that helmet linings DO break down over time,
particularly if they're used often.  I have a top-of-the-line Arai helmet that
I bought in 1986 that is NOT safe to wear any more.  I replaced it long after
I thought it was probably a good idea (cheap bastard), when I noticed large
flecks of foam were left on my head every time I took it off!  The lining was
basically disintegrating.

A new, inexpensive yet fully-certified auto helmet can be had for $100 (Snell
SA90) because the sactioning bodies (SCCA, etc.) are now requiring SA95 as a
minimum.  Open track organizations will take several years to become as
stringent, so an SA90 helmet will last you eight years or so.

>From what I understand, the lining in motorcycle helmets is highly flammable,
which is really not a concern for motorcycle applications but is a BIG concern
in a car.  An automobile helmet will PROTECT your face from burns, while a
motorcycle helmet will aggravate the condition if you're unconscious with
flames licking around your body.

That said, I'm taking my chances with my M95 (motorcycle) helmet at the PCNC
open track.  I don't know if the Nor-Cal Shelby Club will allow me to run with
it though--I might actually have to deploy my wallet crowbar once again and
purchase a dedicated auto helmet...

Mike