Helmet Crash Tests - SHARP

[Johnny]

If you wanna know how good your helmet is or if you are in the process of buying a new one, make sure you check the 2008 ratings by SHARP, the UK's Helmet Safety Scheme. It was a very pleasant surprise for me to find out that I own a 5 star helmet. Check the link below for more info...

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

[\\Mike_Lea//]

If you wanna know how good your helmet is or if you are in the process of buying a new one, make sure you check the 2008 ratings by SHARP

I was reading about this in RiDE as I recall and as you'd expect some of the big names who didn't do too well in the SHARP test have kicked back. Apparently SHARP tests specific points on the helmets rather than random points; they argued that this could lead to manufactures re-enforcing these points purely to obtain a good rating.

I actually quite like the idea of a point or star system but the issue around fixed points maybe needs addressing. I wonder if SHARP will get together with the big names and listen to what they have to say.

I think it's certain confusing when buying kit generally, aside from reading through the magazines etc. but a clearly labeled helmet would take out a lot of the guess work, wouldn't it?

M

[duke]

Johnny,

I am sure you have bought a nice lid.
However the system is flawed.
I would not like to disagree with you, but I read the same thing as Mike did, and I am inclined to believe some manufacturers more than others.

Of course £500 ($1000) of helmet will not be significantly better than the £200 ($400) as you pay for the race replica paint scheme.
On the other hand - I am not willing to believe that a polycarbonate lid will do the same job as composite construction.

Use your own judgement when you buy lid, consider fit more than star rating, as loosely fitting lid can decapitate you.
Most buyers will rush and buy the higher number of stars, irrelevant of whether that is best for them.

Cheers

[Johnny]

No argument there. True, you will have to look around before making up your mind on which helmet to go for, read around and of course try one on before you buy. It's just good and reassuring though, that the choice I made a year ago turns out to be a five star helmet. Just an extra point to validate my choice I guess. All in all, I believe the SHARP rating system is not the definitive guide but one more source to consult if you wanna get a better idea of how a helmet performs.

[\\Mike_Lea//]

Any ideas / thoughts on how often you should changes your helmet? I've been told that the ACU sticker on the side of your lid, which is split into four perforated sections, should be used as a guide. You tear on section off for each year and then at the end of the four years you should toss it.

Thing is, how can you be guaranteed when the helmet was manufactured?

I've also been told that something around 5-7yrs is acceptable. I wonder if it mentions anything about that on the SHARP webpage...

M

[duke]

5 years from new (manufactured)

In reality - that would translate to more like 4 years 6 months - assuming time spent in transit and time spent on the shelf.

However - on day 1 of the 5th year the helmet is as good as the day before.

If you feel flash - go and change it every 3 years.
If you are skint - buy cheaper helmet and then change it on year 5 rather than one good for 10 years.

So - common sense again.