[Carrera51]

Dorkis:
A lot of you have been asking me what the status is on SA2015 helmets. The manufacturers began shipping inventory to all us distributors on Oct 1. We received the following information from Bell Racing on the SA2015 helmets and when they will be available. Please see below:

Snell 2015 Product Introduction Timeline

Bell Racing is looking forward to working with our customers during the coming racing season. The 2016 product line will feature a number of new models in addition to the continuation of several current models from the 2015 or SA2010 product line. The 2016 season will also mark the beginning of a new Snell homologation cycle with the introduction of Snell SA 2015 on October 1st in addition to a new standard, FIA8859-2015. The full line will be available for review at the 2015 PRI show in Indianapolis (Bell Booth #1915).

Product availability will be somewhat limited on models through Q1 2016. In addition to the introduction of several new designs for 2016, Bell has also invested in a state of the art manufacturing facility for auto racing helmets located in Bahrain (Bell Racing Helmets International) which will build all Bell SA2015, SFI 24.1, FIA8859 and FIA8860 products going forward. As we move through this production transition, we encourage customers to place stocking orders as early as possible.

The timeline for Bell’s product introduction for the new cycle follows below. The helmets highlighted in red reference the new models being added to the product line (new models will be available in more limited quantities through Q2 2016). Please note this timeline is subject to revision and we will keep our customers informed regarding any changes.

2016 Product Line

Bell will begin shipping the 2016 product line as follows:

October (2015)

Dominator.2
BR.1
Vador
Sport
Sport Edge
Sport EV
Sport Mag
GP.2 Youth

November (2015)

K.1 Pro (white and black)
RS7 Carbon
HP7
HP5

December (2015)

RS7
GT5
K.1 Pro Circuit (blue & red)
Mag-1 Rally


January (2016)

GP.3 Carbon
GTX.3 Carbon
M.8 Carbon
RS7 Kart
KC7 CMR
KC7 Venom Green
RS7 SC
GT5 Rally
GP.3
GTX.3
M.8

February (2016)

HP9 Rally
Mag-9 Carbon

[ausgeflippt951]

Any word from GForce or any other brands? Unfortunately the Bell stuff doesn't seem to fit my head as well.

Are the SA2005 helmets no longer supported starting Jan 1, 2016?

[BlackTalon]

Originally Posted by ausgeflippt951

Are the SA2005 helmets no longer supported starting Jan 1, 2016?

That varies per Club/ organization.

For PCA Potomac, SA2005 helmets will not be accepted in 2016. First DE event is not until HPDC in late March.

[joep]

So where again on the helmet should this info be? I have a Bell I bought from OGRacing this summer, but I'm finding the sticker on it anywhere. I recall it was a SA2010 however.

[BlackTalon]

usually behind the lining at the back.

[joep]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

usually behind the lining at the back.

ah ha! found it, and it is a 2010, thx!

[Carrera51]

Ken:
Your helmet is good to go through 2020. By then you will want a new one anyway. I've found that if you drive on the track once a month or more, then you will want a new helmet after 5 years of use.

[arob]

Wish you guys carried Stilo.

[joep]

Originally Posted by Carrera51

Ken:
Your helmet is good to go through 2020. By then you will want a new one anyway. I've found that if you drive on the track once a month or more, then you will want a new helmet after 5 years of use.

I know! I knew I needed a new one after borrowing one at autox once per month! (after the 1st month)

[somdcroc]

An excerpt from PCA.org on the minimum standards for HPDE.

"All car occupants must wear a Snell approved helmet, which has the current available Snell rating or the one previous Snell rating. Other helmets are acceptable if they are approved for PCA Club Racing."

In other words "current available" (2015) or "previous" (2010).

Some regions go beyond the above minimums. First Settlers Region does not allow M spec helmets for any run group, only SA are allowed.

In First Settlers we have some loaner helmets that are now retired--and its a good thing! We will be talking to Mark soon to purchase new SA2015 replacements.

Scott