Helmets: How are they rated?

Our helmets are certified to Snell Standards. The current Snell rating is  SA2010 or SA10. And there is now a new Addendum to the SA2010 rating which is  SAH2010 or SAH10.
Auto racing helmets are rated as either M, SA or K
(M2005, SA2010, SA2005, K2005 or M05, SA10 SA05 and K05)
or to FIA 8860 or to SFI 31.1/2005 standards.

M standard is for Motorcycle or motorized highway vehicles. M rated helmets are to be used for motorcycles, motorized highway vehicles and also for types of racing that do not require a fire retardant rating. (We recommend that you consult your sanctioning organization for specific helmet requirements.) M rated helmets also require a larger eye port for a wider range of vision.

SA standard ("Special Application") is for helmets that meet the standards necessary to be used in competitive automotive sports and racing (including NHRA) and require a fire retardant rating for interior compartment components as well as the helmet shell, shield and chin strap. SA helmets are also subjected to additional testing including a test which simulates a roll bar impact including penetration and impact tests.

SAH standard meets all of the requirements of the SA certification, but SAH means that the helmet also has FHR (frontal HEAD restraint) capability; in other words, Hans type device connection points. This FHR M6 terminal hardware is fixed in the helmet shell symmetrically on the right and left sides. The hardware has M6 threads and must meet the stringent specifications and testing by Snell. The Snell SAH2010 standard is compatible with FIA8858-2010 and is recognized by the FIA for use outside of North America. SAH rated helmets only have the threaded hole part of the hardware, NOT the anchoring hardware.

K rated helmets are used for Karting applications. They are subjected to the same test standards as SA helmets except the do not require a fire retardant interior.

FIA 8860 This standard was developed by the FIA to improve overall helmet performance and safety and is known as the most severe racing helmet standard. The Homologation procedure for testing consists of linear impact tests, abrasive anvil tests, crush test, penetration tests, the helmet shell surface is subject to BARCOL Hardness tests and more including stringent testing of Hans type device anchorage points.

SFI 31.1/2005 is the most current SFI Foundation's rating for fire retardant motor sports helmets and it is comparable to the Snell SA2005 rating. SA2010, SA2005 and SFI 31.1/2005 are accepted by the NHRA as acceptable helmet ratings.