| jeffzx9 |
09-13-2013 08:18 PM |
Hey, ID. I've seen a couple studies which indicate that the TYPE of impact makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of a helmet; i.e. "point source" impact versus "blunt object." My own gut tells me probably 75% of helmet-involved events are of the blunt-object or "scraping" (against the road/concrete, etc.) variety. You're riding down the highway, have a get-off at 50-60-70 mph, bang your head on the tarmac and potentially slide/grind against an abrasive surface. I think the majority of DOT-approved helmets would suffice (using the tried-and-true styrofoam liner with outer shell of hard plastic-lexan/carbon/or other tough plastic resin.) As for "point-source" impact, each (real world) event is so unique with regard to physics involved, the standard "drop from 3 feet against a metal chisel" is kinda superfluous (IMHO.) Is the impact straight-on? Glancing? Head-only or is your body weight behind it, too? (F=MA.) Putting a bowling ball or pumpkin inside a test helmet and dropping it 3 feet (6 feet? Whatever) against a pointy rod only tests that particular 2 sq inch spot at that specific angle on THAT specific helmet with THAT specific mass/acceleration on that specific day. We can't infer (false logic) that ANYWHERE else with any other helmet, at ANY OTHER set of variables will have the exact same result (specifically with regard to point-source impact).
Overall, I personally feel like there's a cost/benefit ratio involved. Will a $600 dollar helmet protect you any better than a $200 helmet; both DOT and/or Snell rated? Much depends on your riding style/risk style/hazard level/experience/....and ALSO the variable none of us can control: WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME. I wouldn't automatically assume a high-zoot, big ticket, DOT/Snell/ABC titanium/carbon fibre helmet will save your punkin any better than the $200 hat from Tractor Supply......especially if you ride at redline. Helmet manufacturers may WANT us to believe that (so they can sell big ticket hats) but again; IMHO, anything above the 60-75% typical get-off against a blunt-scraping surface........each statistic is unique.
I don't claim to be any expert on the subject, though. Anybody else care to weigh-in??
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