sa2010 & SAH2010 HELMETS

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What is the difference between an SA2010 Rating and SAH2010 rating?

The new Snell SA2010 rated helmets are being phased in.  What is new is the addition of the SAH2010 rating. This rating is an addendum to the SA2010 rating. When you look inside your new helmet, you will see one or the other. A SAH2010 helmet can be used anywhere a SA2010 helmet is allowed. What exactly is the SAH2010 rating?


The extra "H" indicates FHR (frontal head restraint) capability. The Snell SAH10 rating applies to helmets 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.

All SAH2010 helmets will have a pre-installed HANS Device Mounting Point (M6 threaded hole for the anchor to mount into when it leaves the factory).  Note that the entire device anchors are NOT pre-installed.  Only the M6 threaded nut washer between the liner and shell is installed into the helmet.  The customer is responsible for installing the outer portion of the anchor (screwing the outer anchor part into the helmet).

The M6 mounting points that the anchors attach to are built into the SAH2010 rated helmet.  
The customer can screw in their anchor to the already installed M6 threaded hole.

SA2010 helmets may or may not be pre-drilled with holes for a head and neck restraint.   They do NOT have a pre-installed mounting point (M6 threaded hole).  The customer is responsible for installing both the M6 mounting point between the liner and shell and the top part of the anchor that screws into the M6 nut washer.

To make it easy, think of the SA2010 and SAH2010 as equal, and both will pass the same technical inspection.  The difference is the SAH2010 has the pre-installed mounting points and is ready to accept your head & neck restraint's anchors.

Changes in 2010 Snell Helmet Ratings

Racing safety standards have come a long way.  However, helmet technology will take another step forward as manufacturers begin to offer a new generation of helmets designed to meet the new Snell Foundation 2010 certification standard.  This new standard, which incorporates a radical shift in the way that helmets are tested and constructed, will result in helmets that are both much lighter and much safer than ever before.  In order to understand what this new standard will mean to you, here is a brief overview of changes you can expect to see.

The biggest change in the new helmet safety standard is they are going to adopt variable head-form sizes.  In prior Snell standards, they tested the helmets using a standard sized “dummy” head with a standard circumference to mimic the size, shape and weight of a human head.  The new 2010 standard is going to require a number of variable head forms that will better approximate the cubic mass and circumference relationship of various head sizes.  Everyone obviously does not have the same head size, so Snell is requiring the manufacturers to create six different head forms to test. 

Every helmet size will be a little more unique.  Manufacturers are going to have to change construction somewhat between sizes in a given model and this is requiring them to look at new, advanced shell construction methods to give them as light a weight shell as possible that’s also as strong as possible.   For each helmet tested, it is dropped twice and there are different criteria for the first and second drops depending on head form size.   Since the helmets will be properly sized to the actual head geometry of the racer, it’s going to be a better helmet because it’s not going to shift or move during an impact. 

Source:  BELL Racing

With advances in head and neck restraint systems (HNR), the new Snell standard will have a component that will test for compatibility of the helmet shell with the HNR.  The attachment anchor points (where the device attaches to the helmet) will require proper reinforcement in those areas to withstand lateral shear force that they may see in an impact.   Manufacturers will most likely view the helmets and HNR as part of an overall driver safety system. 

Snell introduces new helmet ratings every five years.  When the SA2005 standard was introduced, most racing organizations started phasing out the use of SA95 helmets.  We anticipate that SA2005 helmets will be accepted with most racing organizations through 2015 (check with your racing organization's rules to confirm).  For those interested in getting one of the new SA2010 & SAH2010 rated helmets, availability from manufacturers began in October 2010 and will be be phased in throughout 2011. 

If you would like to read more about Snell testing and standards, you can visit their website at www.smf.org. 

When you are ready for your first helmet or a helmet upgrade, sign up for our free tip sheet "5 Mistakes to Avoid when Purchasing a Helmet."  You will receive this tip sheet when signing up for our free email newsletter on our website at www.apexperformance.net.  The newsletter will keep you updated on the latest racing safety news and equipment.

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If you have a SNELL SAH rated helmet & use a HANS device, please click here to learn about special anchors you may need.