What is the SAH2010 Rating?

We're all expecting to see the new Snell SA2010 ratings on helmets and day now. What may catch you off guard is an all new rating - SAH2010. This rating is an addendum to the SA2010 rating. In other words, when you look inside your brand new helmet, you will see one or the other (if you see neither, you should contact your dealer since you just got burned!) Since everyone is bound to ask, Yes, an SAH2010 helmet can be used anywhere an SA2010 helmet is allowed. But what exactly is the SAH2010 rating?



The extra "H" indicates FHR (frontal head restraint) capability. We'll say it stands for "H"ead and Neck Restraint just so we avoid any further conspiracy theories regarding that particular Head & Neck Restraint manufacturer. Snell's mandate applies to helmets submitted that are supplied with built-in Hans Device connection points - two sets of M6 threads where the device anchors are typically installed. Due to an FIA homologation, many new helmets are manufactured with such terminals pre-installed.

The Snell Foundation verifies the location of the mounting points and tests the submitted helmet's pre-installed fittings for strength - I won't get into details regarding how the tests are performed (you can read up on that info by viewing the entire addendum via the link below).



Note that the device anchors are NOT pre-installed - only the M6 mounting points that the anchors attach to are built into the SAH2010 rated helmet.

Is this rating the answer to a question nobody ever asked? In our opinion, No. We've seen some attempts at Hans Compatible devices with pre-installed nutserts. Most of them were pretty shady in quality. It is of our opinion that if a Hans "install-point" is built into the helmet, it should be able to withstand the forces that an accident may create. And now, in this era of fake Hans Anchors, and false certifications, we have a way to prove that our helmets will perform the way we hope they will in the off-chance that we ever need to use it!

Detailed information for the SAH2010 Certification can be found here. For more information regarding this and other Snell Ratings, please visit the Snell Foundation's website at: http://www.smf.org