Tired of borrowing helmets!

[la2baja]

Don't know if this is do-able but I have an older Simpson helmet purchased in 1993. I am the only owner and it has never been damaged, dropped or in a crash (taking a bow, thank you very much!) . It is out dated but still a good helmet. Is there someone who is qualified to update the helmet and inspect it so I can use it for racing again? I have used it for prerunning but without updated stickers it wont pass tech. and I am sick of using eveyone elses helmets.
Thanks for any info you have!

[Kbach66]

I don't think anybody will re-certify the helmet.

Even if it hasn't been involved in any crashes, drops, scrapes, etc....the resins/glues used in the helmets construction dry out over time (I've heard with most helmets, it's good to replace every 5-6 years to be safe) making them more brittle.

Even though it's going to cost a few bucks....it's well worth it to get a new helmet. It's also not a thing you want to cheap out on either, you get what you pay for most of the time.

Unfortunately....due to experience (....or inexperience!!!) I've crash tested a few types of MX helmets during my motocross racing/riding career and found out the hard way that you get what you pay for. I had to drop a sponsorship from a certain helmet manufacturer after getting concussions from minor hits to the ground.

I feel that I'm dumb enough as it is...and don't want to be any dumberer, so I spend the money (or beg the right sponsors ;) ) and get the better helmets.

Just my .02 cents.

[la2baja]

Thanks for the info. Makes sence. I can't afford to get any dumer either. Guess I'll spend the cash, and put this old pumper on a mantle for story time.

[ShaneR]

Don't feel bad, I have 3 or 4 helmets that just sit on a shelf and all are in good shape except the one with cracks running down the top and front of it. That one is good for stories! New helmet every 2 or 3 years if the old one was in a wreck or not.

[Superfab]

The helmet construction is not up to the current specs. Every time they come up with a different spec the designs change a little to up the protection level. And yes the components break down with age also. Remember..you have only one brain..use it wisely!

[Beachracer]

Helmets change the snell approval number every couple of years, and when the next one comes , we all get new helmets to keep racing.
Currently I think the approved is Snell m99 and before that was 95, we may be due for a new helmet update in 06' , makes me kinda think back when did I get my last helmet,
I'm gonna call Scott at PCI and see if there is another rating newer, knowing our luck it will be just before the 500 that the ruling changes ,and add another 1200.00 to
that race prep. (4 helmets)

[AZ45]

The most recent change in the SNELL rating was from SA2000 to SA2005. Most professional racing sanctioning bodies require minimum of a SA2000. Basically they don't want you using a helmet more than 10 years. The SA2000 helmets will be good until the end of 2010, the SA2005 to the end of 2015.
If you are using an M rated helmet, it's designed for motorcycles. The main difference is that motorcycle helmets are not required to be fire resistant, and are allowed a 2mm shield thickness instead of 3mm for an auto racing helmet. Most of the crash testing is the same, but having a Nomex or Carbon X liner is obviously the way to go when there is a chance of fire. A 3mm shield will take a rock hit better than the motorcycle shield as well.
The newer helmets with factory fresh air systems circulate air much better than the converted moto helmets too.
Bell fresh air helmets with the SA2005 rating are under 400.00.

[Beachracer]

I talked (E-mailed) Scott, and went out to look at my helmet with a flashlight ,and it
passed inspect all 05' and it is a M95 ,that I got from PCI in 99 or 2000, so I may be due at Laughlin.