28-03-13, 01:53 PM
(28-03-13, 01:39 PM)Streetbudgie link Wrote: [quote author=Pat link=topic=6923.msg65500#msg65500 date=1364303004]
Gold ACU sticker means nothing from a safety point of view, the ACU don't have a lab & don't test helmets.
A few years ago a reporter from MCN posing as a new Chinese helmet manufacturer contacted the ACU & enquired about how to get a new lid ACU approved. The answer was to send them photos, proof that it had been granted BS/EU safety approval & a cheque for (IIRC) £3,500 & they'd then approve it & send him 10,000 ACU gold stickers!
Interesting, please explain why you need a gold ACU sticker to use your helmet on any race track in the UK if it has nothing to do with safety?
Maybe the above was to highlight a problem with the ACU approval process which is now dealt with?
The very fact that MCN (that fine reputable tome) did this must have been to reveal something misleading about the sticker which indicates that it should mean something.
If you want to wear a polycarbonate helmet then that's your choice, personally I would put as much trust in one of those ridiculous cycle helmets that people are so fond of putting their kids in.
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I think you'll find it was a way to generate money for the ACU by giving perceived value (the sticker) via a license cost to the manufacturer. I can't think of any test that is relevant to a track that isn't equally (or more so) relevant to road use.
Lids are down to personal preference, lack of testing standardisation means you have no idea what you're paying your money for. If it fits and it meets ECE Regulation 22 (Europe) (2001) then it's okay for road use, that doesn't mean it's a good lid.
You pays your money and you takes your choice, just don't be under the illusion that a £400 Shoei or Arai is so much better than a £120 Caberg, as the opinions are subjective imo.
Opinions are like A**holes, Everyone has one. Some people seem to have more than one though which is a bit odd.