What are the real differences between Snell M2005, ECE 2205 and the BSI 6658 Type A safety standards?
NOTE: This comparison has been conducted for informational purposes ONLY. Our intent is not to scientifically say one standard is better than the other, we leave that to our customers. However, through our own interpretation of the standards, we have made a choice on which one we believe makes the most sense. No one at the Helmet Harbor protests to be experts of each test, but we have done our best to present the facts as published by each organization. SEE BELOW FOR SPEC SHEETS
Pre-release Testing (Before the helmets hit the streets for purchase):
SNELL - Before a helmet can be sold with the SNELL sticker, the company must first submitted 5-6 helmets to SNELL for testing. This number can vary depending on the helmet type and Snell Standard. If ALL helmets pass the testing, the manufacture is free to purchase the SNELL sticker for that helmet model only.
BSI 6658 Type A & ECE 2205 - Before a helmet can be sold with a BSI 6658 Type A, or ECE 2205 sticker the manufacture must submit a "batch" to be tested. The batch size depends on how many helmets the manufacture is releasing for sale. 5 for the production batch of 500, 13 for a batch of 501-1,200 and 20 helmets for a production batch of 1,201-2000. If the helmets pass ALL the tests, stickers are released for that specific batch and in that specific quantity.
Note: The ECE 2205 helmets are tested by BSI, and have the BSI Kitemark.
Failed Tests:
SNELL - The manufacture must correct the problem, and a new set of helmets must be submitted.
BSI 6658 Type A & ECE 2205 - If any helmet fails the test, the entire batch is rejected. New helmets must be submitted for re-testing, following investigation of the problem and remedial action.
Post-release Testing:
SNELL - SNELL uses random testing, and purchases helmets off the dealer showroom floor. If a helmet fails the random test, the manufacture is notified, and further random tests are preformed. If further tests show repetitive failures, discussions are had between SNELL and the manufactures on ways to come back into compliance. If further issues arise, the manufacture could loose their certification status. SNELL states they test "Up to .25%" of all SNELL certified post-release helmets.
BSI 6658 Type A & ECE 2205 - Annual re-certification, and quarterly factory inspections.
What racing organizations are each approved for use?
SNELL - FIM, PIM, AMA, Formula-USA, WERA, CCS.
BSI 6658 Type A - FIM, PIM, AMA, Formula-USA, WERA, CCS.
ECE 2205 "P" - FIM, PIM, AMA, Formula-USA, WERA, CCS
Spec Sheets
