I just checked my Aussie bought Fox V2 and all it has is a
AS/NZS 1698 sticker on it. Soo. Does this mean?
1: All Fox V2 (for eg.)helmets would be ok regardless of where you bought it?
2: Price doesn't really come into it as they all pass the same Australian standard?
3: Do expensive brands like Shoei have a smaller fail rate
when it comes to testing?
Just curious......
If there is no AS/NZS1698 sticker you will still be covered by TAC but may not be eligible for loss of earnings payments. Legally you do not comply with requirements for a helmet for use on road so you could be fined.
All Fox V2 helmets are most probably off the same production line, but it is not guaranteed. If you don't know the source then you don't know what you really get. Remember that a lot of companies exist just making copies of other peoples stuff.
The Aus standard has some tests that others don't, not necessarily making it a better standard but means some helmets are not imported as they are unlikely to sell enough to cover costs of Aus tests required. There is also a requirement to test a sample from each batch that comes in, not just some samples at the start.
The Aus standard sets the minimum standard to be met, many helmets will exceed the minimum. It is based on structural strength and energy absorbtion criteria, not looks, comfort or noise. So price alone will not set how much above the minimum standard a helmet passes by. The testing also has more pass/fail criteria than a measure of how much a helmet exceeds the standard.
There are other helmet standards, such as Snell, which set some higher criteria designed at race type situations or more extreme use. These are additional too rather than instead of the Aus standard. It is possible a helmet that passes Aus standard will not pass the Snell or other criteria. So that is something you can use in the purchase decision.
For me, I get a helmet one or two seasons old, they are usually heavily discounted to clear. I plan on replacing the helmet every 1-2 years so go for mid price at around $200-$300. Not being the best rider I hit the ground every now and then and over time that destroys the helmet function without appearing to be damaged.
My road helmet on the other hand was about $500 and is now due to be replaced, but that was bought with the intent of running around a track at over 200 km/h, not just tooling around on public roads at 100 km/h.
