Snell Helmet Specifications

Snell Specifications - As a memorial to William "Pete" Snell who was killed in an auto racing accident , a group of scientists, physicians, racing colleagues and friends teamed together in a dedicated effort to promote research, education, testing and development of standards geared to improve the effectiveness of automotive racing helmets. Through their work, the Snell Memorial Foundation was established in 1957.

Helmets meeting Snell Standards provide the highest level of protection available. Snell Standards significantly surpass those set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission's 16 CFR Part 1203.

In order to continuously monitor the quality of helmets being sold to the public, Snell purchases and tests samples of currently certified helmets from the marketplace. These helmets are tested only in Snell labs by Snell technicians. Helmets that meet Snell Standards carry a tamper-proof foil label stuck to the liner on the inside of the helmet.

SA-2010 is the current helmet standard for competitive automotive sports. This standard includes tests for impact, penetration by projectiles, chemical resistance, fire resistance, and ease of removal.

M-2010 is the current helmet standard for use in motorcycling. Many auto racing sanctions and tracks allow the use of M rated helmets by their competitors, but keep in mind that M rated helmets are not designed for the rigors of auto racing and do not posses the fire retardant properties of an SA rated helmet. We highly recommend the use of SA rated helmets for auto racing even if an M helmet is legal in your sanction or class.