Test Speeds

An enhanced high and low speed test method was specified, based upon head injury severity. The COST 327, 2001 report recommended that impact velocity be raised from the current UN ECE Regulation 22.05 value of 7.5m/s to 8.4m/s, but to ensure that helmet performance was not compromised in the lower velocity impacts a 6.0m/s test was added. Performance limits would be strengthened and a new enhanced baseline level of performance formed. SHARP will test between 6.0m/s and 8.5m/s. To be consistent with the oblique impact test speed 8.5m/s has been selected, rather than the 8.4m/s proposed by COST.

Research indicated a strong recommendation to use 9.5m/s as the upper impact velocity. This may be too severe for many current production helmets. To ensure that protection at this velocity does not reduce, the performance of helmets at this test speed is being monitored.