Re: Snell95 M rated helmets(and a plug for Shoei)

[Paul Wilson <pwilson@pop.ma.ultranet.com>]

At 01:07 AM 9/12/98 -0400, Richard Beels wrote:
>ALL helmets should be replaced after "one major blow" and usually some good
>minor ones as well.  The M is for motorcycle not major (just in case some
>people mis-read your post).  It doesn't generally use kevlar (strap=nylon)
>or nomex (padding=plush velour) but the M shell is more "sharp object
>impalement resistant" as I understand it.  

As I understand it, motorcycle and auto helmets are structurally the same.
If anything, the motorcycle helmet should be stronger.  Take Kevin Schwantz
doing a dismount at 150mph.  His head is going to hit at least as hard
because he has nothing else to protect him.  It also has to protect against
sharp objects like Miguel Duhamel's(sp?) bike that is now out of control
because he could not avoid Kevin's errant motorcycle.

The main difference is that the auto helmet has a fireproof liner as
Richard said.  The auto helmet might also not have as good(or at least
different) ventilation and might have a thinner shield.

Finally, I'd like to give a plug for Shoei since they treated this customer
very, very well.  I bought a Shoei X8 after trying it on in the store.  It
felt good in the store but maybe just slightly tight.  After about 45
minutes of riding, the air pressure would push the helmet into my forehead
in a very uncomfortably way.  I called Shoei to ask for help.  They gave me
some suggestions and I tried them.  Unfortunately, the suggestions didn't
help much so I called them back.   The Shoei guy said he'd send me a new
helmet.  This was a year after I bought the original one.

It turned out the helmet was a brand new X9(kevlar and carbon fiber) and
the helmet was originally supposed to go off and be custom painted for the
aforementioned Schwantz.

The new one is very comfortable and I'll probably be a Shoei customer for
life.

Paul Wilson
'98 A4 1.8TQS
'85 Honda Interceptor