Champion voted best in test!

Champion riding helmet #1 in the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings test!

When Virginia Tech tests helmets for different sports and disciplines, the tests are independent, objective and without manufacturer interference - the tests are done with the end user in mind and can be used as a way to compare the different helmets on the market.

Each riding helmet is rated based on 12 different tests in a laboratory to see how each helmet performs under different types of impact. The lab measures linear and rotational motion and acceleration, both of which are related to the risk of concussion. The helmets included in this test all meet either the American (ASTM F1163, SNELL E2016) or European standards (VG1 01.040, PAS 015).

The helmets are tested in the front, sides and back with two different impact forces that reflect what the helmet may be exposed to during sports use. The two different impact strengths reflect the strength of impacts that risk causing a concussion.

How the helmets perform through the different impacts and strengths is calculated in a system that takes into account the risk of concussion and the risk of the helmet being exposed to that type of impact when used in the sport. The total score reflects the number of concussions the person wearing the helmet would have suffered if they had been subjected to the same impacts as in the lab test. A lower score indicates good performance.

You can see the test and read on the test center's own site here!