snell sa2025
UNDERSTANDING SNELL SA2025 & FAQs
WHAT & WHY IS SNELL SA2025 HAPPENING - A QUICK SUMMARY
Every five years (2010, 2015, 2020..) the Snell Foundation introduces a new and complete compliance standard (homologation.) Helmet manufacturers are obligated to produce helmets that comply with the latest standard (s). The Snell foundation is a completely independent body with no ties to any brand, manufacturer, sanctioning body or racing series. Manufacturers have to give a specified number of helmets to the Foundation’s testing facilities - and then walk away. If the helmets fail any part of the tests, the helmet will be rejected. The manufacturer can re-submit a helmet after they have made the required changes to achieve compliance.
To learn more: https://smf.org/faq, https://smf.org/testing
SNELL tests and certifies three types of helmets - road racing (Snell SA), karting (Snell K) and motorcycles (Snell M.) The testing will be unique and appropriate to that discipline. For example, the SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not. The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than the M standard. (This means that some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal.)
These new helmets cannot be released until October 1 of the new sanctioning year. They certainly cannot be shipped before October 1, even if they are in the warehouse and ready-to-go. There should be no SA2025 labeled headgear or claims for such until this date.
Why every five years - there’s nothing wrong with my old helmet.
The new homologation is crafted to allow for the recognition of any new racing series, new technology, new materials, new data plus updates to comply with all new safety mandates from the sanctioning bodies such as the FIA. Sometimes this involves adding additional safety features but frequently it is increased testing criteria.
Sanctioning bodies, motorsport governances and racing series organizations (amateur or professional) will write different mandates for which helmets they will accept. In general, it is the current standard and the previous standard. This means, after October 1, SA2025 and SA2020 helmets will be accepted.
Often the new standard is no more than adjustments to the previous homologation - but not always. However, it is written and presented from scratch so cannot be classed at an upgrade or an add-on to the previous standard.
The helmet manufacturers are reportedly given adequate time to make the necessary changes. However, it is a big endeavor especially if the homologation changes are significant. Manufacturers also use this time to introduce changes to their helmets, especially new graphics, - and also new models. Consequently, the changeover is not always smooth and delays occur. ( It is also a time when Brands introduce price increases to reflect the upgrades etc.)
SA2025 - WHAT WE KNOW
We have learnt that there are no critical changes between the SA2020 & SA2025 helmet homologation. As a result many manufacturers have had helmets ready-to-ship October 1 2025. However, shipping and arrival times may depend where these helmets are located. We know some helmets are already in the US such as Zamp-Racing - and orders will ship October 1. Other brands have their helmets stored outside of the US and this complicates the process. For example, Bell-Racing & OMP has told us their helmets will not ship (or fly out) from their Bahrain manufacturing facility until after October 1. Clearly this will add time to their arrival in the US. In addition, new models usually take longer to hit the market.
The major brands usually ship their higher-end, pro-racing series helmets first. Pro-racers are subject to stricter mandates, plus they need time to have their helmets painted.
WE KNOW
Every SA2025 helmet has had to comply with and tested to the new FIA 8859-2024 standard. Some helmets, especially pro-racer series, will be dual tagged.
“Requirements for impact velocities and acceleration limits have been selected to assure compatibility with FIA 8859-2024 release. That is, compared to the corresponding values in FIA 8859, impact velocities and peak acceleration for SA2025 are either the same or more severe.”
The Snell standard is widely accepted in the USA. However, racing in an international sanctioned series, will require the FIA homologation. In addition, the Snell Standard is not recognized/accepted outside the USA.
Helmets that are solely SA2025 tagged will not be required to have all the FIA’s new mandates, such as the new visors locking system.
WE KNOW
The new mandated safety features for SA2025 & FIA 8859-2024 include:-
A visor locking system that can be easily accessed and released by someone other than the driver. See Bell Racing SmartLock™ https://track-first.com/smartlock-bell-racing-helmets
A locking system that secures the visor when in a half inch open position - (allowing some ventilation with relief from visor fogging)
Manufacturers must present more sizing molds for testing. The FIA is trying to avoid the use of foam to create sizing differences.
ABP (Advanced Ballistic Protection) option conveying that the helmet has increased, strong protection added to the chin and forehead areas. Designed to protect open-cockpit racers from the severity of flying objects impacts. ABP helmets are mandated in pro-racing.
WE KNOW -
Stilo has already introduced their ‘SA2025’ with their new ST6 design helmet series.
Bell Racing are discontinuing some series, and models . Their introductory B2 brands will be replaced with OMP helmet. (OMP owns Bell) The K1 Sport, the K1 Pro, the GTX 3 and the GP3 are discontinued. However, Bell Racing is introducing the K1, the XD7 (GTX-3 replacement) and the XR7 (GP3 replacement.) The M8 will become Bell’s entry-level helmet - at a price under $500 with an even wider range of sizing. The GT6 series is increasing the range of sizing, icluding a 3XL size.
WE KNOW
Many manufacturers/brands have simply upgraded their present helmets to comply with the new standards, yet some for clarity have changed the helmets labelling. For example, the Zamp 64C is now the 66C
IN ADDITION
the changeover creates a great opportunity for Brands to introduce new products, helmet accessories and new features. For example, we know, manufacturers who offer graphic helmets have, for SA2025, altered the colors and the style. We know, Zamp-racing has introduced colored lining to their RX-67D helmets. And the colored lining is an option for other helmets. We know many brands are introducing electronics and hydrations options, pre-installed.
NOTE: “Snell Foundation tests thousands of helmets every year to find out which helmets can provide the best protection through the most current technology and material. Snell Certification points out those helmets that pass their severe tests. The Snell label lets you know that your helmet will perform its most important function: protect your head when all your judgement, skill and luck have failed to keep you from harm.”
Snell Standards demand the highest premium protection that current technology and materials can offer
