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Comparison Between Bicycle Helmet Standards

All the bicycle helmets sold in US market will be required to meet CPSC standard after it becomes effective in the next a couple of years. However, those helmets passing Snell's B-95 or N-94 standard will automatically qualify because Snell's standards exceed CPSC's.


ITEM ASTM F1447 CPSC SNELL B-95 
Roll Off No Yes Yes
Impacts on Flat
or Hemi Anvils
98/57 Joules 
2/1.2 meters*
98/57 Joules 
2/1.2 meters*
110/72 Joules 
2.1/1.4 meters
Curbstone Anvil One Impact 57 J 
Fresh Sample
One Impact 57 J 
Fresh Sample
Unlimited 65 J 
(Same as Hemi)
Headform/Mass ISO/5.0 kg ISO/5.0 kg ISO/5.0 kg
Coverage Per 
Martin Williams
Less than CPSC  Less than B-95 65%
Authority Self Governed Self Governed Tested by Snell
Follow-Up Test No No Yes
Scope US only US only International
Effective Date '93,'94,'96 Jan '99 Sept '95
* Equivalent to Snell B-84 impact levels (effective 1984 through 1990)

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