What helmet was that?

[mrslush50]

I don't roadrace or even speed too much...

really?  that's not what the Montana Highway Patrol says.  

(sorry, couldn't help my self)

[The Buddha]

Ooooo Montana Highway Patrol...I am impressed...My friend got a $10 ticket for doing 135 on his 1100 GSXR...He said the cop was a pig...
Cool.
Srinath.

[Moose]

Wish I could manage to get a $10 ticket when I get busted speeding.  :nana:

[The Buddha]

Oh well its all thanks to the montanabahn...No speed limits...
Cool.
Srinath.

[Rashad]

After wearing out a Zeus brand flip-face helmet, I bought an HJC Symax and love it. Yes, flip-faces are somewhat of a compromise with regard to wind noise and weight. I don't find the HJC to feel any heavier than many full-faced designs but, I'm sure it would move the needle a little further. The flip-side, (get it?), is the convenience of being able to move the chinbar out of my way to drink, converse, SNEEZE. No matter how cool some of the full-faced designs look, I doubt I will ever go back to one. I don't roadrace or even speed too much, (hold your typing finger MrSlush), so the SNELL rating just isn't that important to me.
 Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine did a pretty comprehensive test on several different models of these helmets and, even though the energy absorbsion, etc. was in a wide range among the brands, not a single latch or hinge failed that I can remember. Some of their tests were done several times more than the DOT requirements dictate and everything was still within spec. I had not heard of Arai making one of these. That must be new. The word I got was that they wouldn't make any helmet that wasn't SNELL approved and a SNELL flip-face would simply be way too heavy.  The cool thing about the Schuberth model is an integrated, flip-up sun shield. This eliminates the need for sunglasses altogether.

Cool.. got links? pics?

[Adam Fraser]

Here is a link to the Lazer/AGV one http://www.agv.com/AGV%20Collection%202003/AGV%202003%20Collection%20GT/GTO%20DETAILS.htm

They rebranded it AGV for street use.  I use mine on the street and it isnt too terribly much heavier than a normal helmet.  Looks like SRP is 199 which means dealers should have them for a little cheaper.

[Toenis]

I got some nice Italian design flipup:

[Delta88]

Actually, Montana does now have speed limits. Even in the daytime. It's 75 on the Interstates, 70 for cars on secondary highways in the daytime, 65 at night, 60 for trucks in daylight, 55 at night. The tickets used to be $5, then $10. Now they are $20 but you can still pay the officer on the spot and it does not go your driving record. I'm afraid 135 mph would get you much more than the $20 infraction. I happen to know this guy, yeah, that's it, a friend of mine, yeah, who was pulled over for 82 in a 65, (it was nightime on a State highway), and the Speed Tax Collector gave him a break and wrote me--I mean him up for only 10 over. This would imply that the fine would be more if he had been written up for more than 10 over. Anyway, enough of this thread hijack-
 I searched the Motorcycle Cruiser website and they don't have a reprint of the article online. I will have to rummage through my skyscraper stack of old cycle mags and dig it out. My decision to purchase the HJC was largely based on the info in that article. They had interior noise levels as well as the impact test results. I was leaning toward the Schuberth on the merits of that integrated sun shield, but the HJC tested as well or better, was quieter, lighter and less than half the price, ($185 delivered from casporttouring.com). I'll repost if I find anything specific and of any help in the article.

[Rashad]

I got some nice Italian design flipup:

Ohhh man that is soooo sweet!!!!  

[glenn9171]

Flip-up helmets are not SNELL approved because the SNELL ratings only specify full-faced helmets in their rating rules.  A flip-up helmet is not considered a full-face.  Even if a flip-up helmet is tested to be as strong and safe as a regular helmet in every way, it could never get SNELL approval.  

Do not think that just because it is not SNELL approved, that it is not as safe.  It may or may not be.  I wouldn't buy one as I have no real use for a flip-up design.  Plus they are all much louder than their full-faced counterparts, even the Arai model.

[JasonB]

Flip-up helmets are not SNELL approved because the SNELL ratings only specify full-faced helmets in their rating rules.  A flip-up helmet is not considered a full-face.  Even if a flip-up helmet is tested to be as strong and safe as a regular helmet in every way, it could never get SNELL approval.  

Do not think that just because it is not SNELL approved, that it is not as safe.  It may or may not be.  I wouldn't buy one as I have no real use for a flip-up design.  Plus they are all much louder than their full-faced counterparts, even the Arai model.

I do not know the full reasoning behind the flip-up helmets not getting snell rating (I'll have to search for that) but its not because its not a true fullface helmet. Snell ratings are for all helmets submitted to the Snell institute for testing. It might be that no one has submitted one (dunno why not). Also open face and even beanie helmets can be snell certified (there are open face helmets that are snell certified I have owned a few) Havent seen a beanie thats certified yet tho but I havent looked.

And for the post about shoei not doing snell helmets, 2 of thiers are only DOT approved. the St. Cruz and the Syncrotec (flip-up helmet)

[JasonB]

Here is the official word from snell about the flip up helmets.

Why won't Snell certify some types of helmets like flip up front designs?
Snell does not dismiss out of hand, any helmet design that strays from the conventional.  Snell does not point out any design specifications, other than general requirements in our standards.  We are however, always concerned with innovations and new designs that may effect the helmet's ability to protect the wearer, or in some cases the helmets potential to cause injury.  At present, the Foundation has not had the opportunity to test any of the flip up front type helmets.  So far, we can not find any fault with these designs as long as they are used according to the manufacturers instructions.  We will also certify any size of helmet as long as it meets the same requirements as any other Snell certified helmet.