Helmet ?

[qs_zo6]

can someone please tell me why "auto" helmets are more expensive then motorclycle ones... shouldn't the motorcylce helmets be as strong or stronger the the auto style? i don't get why the big price difference.

[tigerdrvr]

I'm just gonna throw out a wild guess...
Both Motorcycle and Auto helmets have to be certified, most common Snell foundation (also DOT for motorcycles)...thing is, the Snell tests for motorcycles and automobiles are quite different...so, if I'm a helmet manufacturer, I have to pay for both. When I go to sell the helmets I have much larger, and more competitive, market for motorcycle helmets...so, I need to sell at a minimum margin, in volume, to make it work. The auto helmet market doesn't afford me the same options: much smaller unit volume + same development cost = higher revenue per helmet to make it economically viable...

[AndyCBR]

Just a guess... Some auto racing gear is required to be Fireproof (nomex lined, etc...). I have seen this cause a significant difference in suits, gloves, etc (versus ones for MC or karting)


Andy

[leaftye]

Originally Posted by AndyCBR

Just a guess... Some auto racing gear is required to be Fireproof (nomex lined, etc...). I have seen this cause a significant difference in suits, gloves, etc (versus ones for MC or karting)


Andy

That's it right there. For an SA rating, it has to be fireproof. Also factor in fewer numbers of SA helmets produced versus motorcycle helmets.

[JtownZ06]

Maybe cause the guys driving four wheels have a little more gray matter than the guys driving two. Bigger brain - bigger price.

[qs_zo6]

i didn't think of the fireproofing. that make the cost understandable.
thanks guys.

[Subdriver]

Here is the info from the Snell Foundation:
http://www.smf.org/faqs.html

[UstaB-GS549]

SA has to be fire resistant. SA is designed to hit things inside the car like roll bars, M is designed for different types of collisions. Bell Motorsports or Simpson probably has a better explanation.