Helmets

[david nelson]

Just been looking at the latest MSA email and has a section on HANS devices. 

I understand road going class dose not need them so class 7 will.

reading has left we confused about helmets.

i have a SA2005 and it looks as if this is not valid with a HANS device. It looks as if you need a FIA approved helmet. Not sure if SA2010 also will need changing?

what do others think?

 

[cskip]

There is an interesting article in the BARC Autumn magazine titled - "FHR - is your helmet ready?", which I guess is accurate.  On the topic of SA2005 it reads:

"A SNELL 2005 is a current standard, but if the helmet doesn't have the posts already fitted for the FHR device (they could be bought with or without at the time), these helmets will need to be replaced for 2016.

It is not all bad news, though.  If you've got a SNELL 2010 Helmet without posts, you can get them retrofitted as they have an M6 threaded washer built into the shell."

I have SA2005 without the posts fitted.  However mine is pre-drilled in the correct place.  So I plan to go to a specialist to seek advice.  Unfortunately I suspect that I have to buy a new helmet as well as the Hans Device.  :-(

 

[OliW]

Only if running in Mod Prod though Clive.

[cskip]

Oli your are correct.  

I have been thinking about getting a HANS device for some time.  The current rule changes have made me think I should bite the bullett.  So new Helmet may well be needed.. 

[OliW]

Hi Clive,

I made that decision last year and have not regretted it.  It's quite comfortable and easy to get used to so worth the changeover for the added safety benefits.

[GrahamV]

Hi David

I badly scratched my visor last year and couldn't get a replacement visor (it was a cheap V2 Classic) .... I tried polishing the scratch out but made it worse     .   So as i needed a new helmet I thought I'd upgrade to a HANS / FHR compatible relacement. 

I went for this one - http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/helmets/race-safety-accessories-pro-full-face-helmet

Its predrilled and tapped (M6) ready to accept HANS posts (I think thats what the 'H' is for in the SAH2010 standard).  It also comes with a free DT carry bag and a free 'smoked' visor as well.  For Hans posts I used the Schroth ones .... also from DT.

Recommended .... if you want a cheap hemet that's predrilled and tapped for HANS with a second visor.

GrahamV 

 

 

[Alan Bowler]

Time to finally retire my trusty SA2000 helmet and I'm also confused.

Putting aside arguments on saftey benefits of FHRs vs. cost vs. number of necks/heads I have...

I'm sure I read somewhere that the posts have to be fitted by an approved company, or was that just for SA2005 helmets? Do I just get a 2010 lid, and then get the posts later and screw them in to use with, say,  a Simpson Hybrid FHR if I need one or decide I want a FHR?

SA2015 helmets are available soon as well.

Can of worms...   If class 3 and above run on 1C tyres next year, and are then considered "mod prod", does that mean class 3 and above competitors MUST have a FHR?

AB

[GrahamV]

Hi Alan

Yes - i agree that its all a bit confusing

My understanding on HANS / FHR is -

• Two components to consider on a helmet - the 'anchorage' which is the threaded hole in the helmet and the 'post' which screws into the anchorage; 
• If you want to have a helmet drilled / tapped for anchorages then it must be done by a specialist company or returned to the original manufacturer.  They can advise if the helmet is suitable for modification; 
• If you go for the SAH2010 standard (as my post above - the helmet already has predrilled and pretapped anchorages) then you can screw the HANS posts in the achorage yourself.  Two minute job....  with just a small allen key;
• The other option of course is to buy a helmet with achorages and posts - both already fitted.  

The official guidance is in - FIA driver guide 2011. Frontal Head Restraints (FHR)
Appendix L, Chapter III, Article 3; Technical lists N°29 & 36

'It is however essential to have a helmet approved for FHR use (see FIA Technical list no. 29) and to have the FHR tether anchorages on the helmet installed by your helmet makers or an expert approved by them'.

Seems to make sense - i.e. the anchorages must be professionally installed but you can put the posts on yourself.

GahamV

[  FIA Guide to safe motor sport - page 8 - '.... do not drill holes in your helmet'.   ] 

[Stuart Miller 7]

Yes, can of worms.  I don't think anyone would disagree that we should probably wear FHR's.  I don't at present and have probably been lucky over the years.  I will be wearing in future.

Regarding helmets, I have a Bell RS series which was "HANS ready" in 2011 - except it's not quite as "ready" as I thought.  It has to go back to manufacturer for the HANS posts, so in fact I may as well purchase the new version of the helmet (with posts already installed) and a FHR device at the same time.  The discount I'll get buying as a set makes the new helmet almost the same price as sending my old one back for retro-fit.

Regarding Alan's comment RE list 1C tyres and Mod-prod.  Unless someone tells me otherwise then if we run 1C tyres in our championship then that would indeed take us out of "road legal" and classes 3 and up will require FHR in the eyes of the MSA.  Can anyone shed any light if this is the case?

Simon - dampers almost off the car and then I'll head west.........

 

[Simon.Rogers]

Stu

I am most definitely in the area where I need to do something.  

1.  Running Mod Prod proper I will need FHR next year - nearly did it this year anyway.

2. Arai SNELL2005 - pre drilled but not bonded nut on the inside.

3. Painted lid = extra cost.

So if I was Roadgoing I could fit my own posts and wear the FHR as it would be additional protection.

Lucky I did not as for next year it has to be certified.

However its really niot a bother.  Quick email to Arai UK and its £130 to have the lid sent to them for fitting of the posts and then it has to be sent to Arai Europe for it to be checked and sticker applied as Certified by the manufacturer.

So only just double the costs of buying the posts myself.  This extends the life by 3 years and I can then buy a new SNELL2015 lid when available and affordable.

Calm down "Dears"