SHARP helmet ratings by the UK government

[old head]

interesting rankings

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

[HDGoose]

Surprising...
Pretty high? Or do they rate many like that?

[old head]

I was quite surprised at the number of "quality" helmets that didn't score very well. Odd.

Interesting that Europe seems to have quite a number of brands that we don't.  I would think US of A would be a bigger market.

I started with 5 star rankings, but there weren't many that we can buy here in the states.

Old Head

[drlapo]

a $70 Lazer beats my new Arai!!!!!

[Dogwalker]

The SHARP rating had become quite important in the European helmet market, with, for example, Nolan pointing out the uniformly high ratings of his products in his advertaisings, or Arai releasing a (rather specious to me) document on why many of his helemts don't fare well in the test.

[cloudbase]

Good find, and thanks for posting that link.  Nice to know I'm riding with a five-star lid.

[averb]

Another informative site - http://www.crash.org.au/ratings.php
Steve

[molly]

When the Sharp system came out here in the U.K. I was surprised by how well the cheaper brands did in the tests. I now use MT helmets which cost less than 100 pounds, they fit me like a glove and have have been up there in terms of quality with any helmet I have used.  I have three (the wife is the same size), they have removable washable liners and the artwork on some are brilliant.
 http://mthelmets.com/

[Steph]

I believe Sharp tests have specific points for testing as opposed to Snell's random points. Some manufacturers just add extra padding in specific points to do well in Sharp tests.
Also, Sharp does not test the strap held point to the helmet. I'm surprised that a polycarbonate helmet would fair better the a composite fiberglass helmet!

As an aside, I was riding with my old Arai Quantum helmet and put my left hand in front of the front air vents on the top. Was surprised how much wind noise those vents had been creating. Came home carefully unglued two little front plastic vents, cleaned the helmet ( no marks left), put black tape over the 1/4 inch holes. Went out riding and the helmet is so much more quiet, it's unreal.
Depending on your riding position and wether you have some kind of screen in front of you (I don't), I'd recommend you finding out how much noise your vents make. Like me you might be surprised. Even with ear plugs it makes a big difference in inner calmness!

[charlie b]

FWIW, the Sharp testing also runs impacts above the normal standards.  So, a helmet that otherwise does well on the ECE/DOT may not with the Sharp.  IIRC, the racing groups in Europe use ECE.

Pros and cons to all the different testing methods and minimums.  DOT, Sharp, ECE and Snell are all different.

On the Sharp site
"Whilst all helmets that are sold or worn legally in the UK must meet minimum safety standards (e.g. approval to UN ECE Regulation 22.05), it was clear that some helmets exceed the minimum safety requirements to a much greater extent than others."

[molly]

My 'cheap' MT helmet which is Sharp five star rated is also ECE/22.05 DOT rated and has a ACU gold sticker making it suitable for British motorcycle racing.

[bratman2]

Glad to see my Shark RSR2 gets 5 stars. I bought it because it was so light compared to most brands. Plus it was on closeout, I am sort of a tight wade!