What are the differences between the SA, M and K standards? The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:
- The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
- The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
- The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi impact test while M standard does not.
What is the difference between the Snell SA2005 and SFI 31.1/2005 helmet standards? Both standards are similar in terms of impacts and testing conditions. The impact tests for both standards require 2 drops in a single location from 3.2 meters and 2.3 meters onto flat, hemispherical, edge and role bar anvils that simulate real world impacts. For the Snell SA2005 standard, impacts can not exceed 290 Gs. For the SFI 31.1/2005, impacts can not exceed 300 Gs and the average for all impacts has to be below 275 Gs. Both standards require testing in cold, ambient, hot and wet conditions to simulate racing environments. Both standards require fire retardant testing, penetration testing and shield testing. The majority of racing sanctioning bodies recognizes both the Snell and SFI helmet standards.
More information about the Snell standards can be found at
www.smf.org and information on the SFI standards is available at
www.sfifoundation.com.
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