2025 has arrived! The new SNELL helmets will be released in October of this year: It’s time to start checking helmet dates again

Do you have a SA2020 or M2020 helmet? Relax, you’re good for +5 more years.

Do you have a SA2015 or M2015 helmet? Read on… and start saving up.

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Time is almost up for SA2015 helmets.

SNELL 2025 rated buckets will be released on October, 1 2025.

For our previous rollout: 2020’s standard October rollout was made worse with 2020’s global production issues, so 2020 helmets were allowed for a full extra year (2021) in most venues. When the 2025’s are released October 2025, the 2015 rate helmets will be considered obsolete. They will be allowed to finish the season, but I expect slightly less freedom to be given to 2015 rated helmets into the 2026 season.

Snell Release Schedule with changes and release dates here:

To sum it up: As we begin the next helmet cycle, expect to start seeing 2025 rated helmets in October. You will be able to finish out this season with a 2015 helmet, but how much of a grace period goes into 2026 is up in the air. 

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Can I continue to run my Snell 2015 helmet after the 2025 season?

I would bet not. While many clubs, organizations, and tracks allowed the expiring 2010 helmets through 2021, I’m not sure that same grace will be afforded to us with a continued tightening around safety gear and event insurance scrutiny.

Where CAN you use your 2015 (or older) rated helmet?

• Many Autocross clubs and regions accept helmets for more than the standard two cycles.
• Some track organizations may accept an extra rating cycle for HPDE/Track Day use, though I wouldn’t expect it.
• Many noncompetitive karting tracks allow helmets regardless of snell date (check your local place before showing up). This is my primary use for old helmets.
• Garage/Trophies/Halloween, or anywhere you could use it as decoration or a conversation starter.

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How does all this relate those who are using SA2020 helmets?

You are still good for the remainder of the 5 year cycle through 2030 when the SA2030 helmets are released. Then, I would hope most clubs will allow 2031 as a “changeover” year, still accepting the 2020 helmets as helmet manufacturers try to keep up with the demand for their nearly-released lids.

One note: there are exceptions to the “changeover grace period”. New Jersey Motorsports Park was forced by the NJ State Police to not accept helmets for any grace period once the new helmets are released. If this continues for this cycle as expected, SA2015 helmets will have no 2026 grace period in New Jersey. I doubt they will be alone in 2026.

“So my helmet rating is good for 10 years, is that even safe?” The rating is indeed good for 10 years from the date of the rating’s release, and as long as The Helmet is in obvious very good condition, it should still protect you for that time. Most likely you will be buying your helmet at some point during that 10 year window so you’ll usually get anywhere between 5-10 years of rating life. If you bought a SA2015 helmet on September 30 2020, you should get about 5 years before the useful rating “Expires” after two cycles. If you bought a SA2020 helmet on October 1, 2020 (The Day the SA2020’s were released) you should get 10 full years before the useful rating expires.

Even with the 10 year maximum rating life, the SNELL foundation recommends cycling helmets out after 5 years… or immediately, if they are involved in a serious crash.

“I see 2020 rated helmets on sale. Should I buy one, or are they useless?” The 2025’s are not yet available, and won’t be until October. There are still a LOT of helmets to be produced and sold before then. Any 2020 rated helmet will be allowed for at least 5 more years (Once the 2030 standard is released+any grace period if applicable). If you are using your helmet constantly, chances are it may be pretty gross in 5-6 years. Many people choose to replace helmets after 5 years… if you are one of those people, buying a 2020 is a great option, waiting a bit for larger sales could be even better. While there are improvements in the safety standards between the rating generations, the differences are miniscule… so you aren’t actually sacrificing anything tangible for safety. Being the the cheap person that I am, I try to get as much time as I can safely get out of my helmets. Making a helmet last 10 years without being compromised or getting gross is certainly possible. A Balaclava can go a long way in keeping your helmets fresh closer to 10 years, after nearly 10 years, my 2015 still looks and smells shockingly decent.

To sum it up… It’s your call. If you can get an especially good deal on a 2020 and you’re someone who is generally hard on gear, go for it. High-Dollar helmets will usually see the greatest discounts, so if you’re looking to really spoil yourself, now would be your time.

Beware purchasing any 2015 Helmets, they are entering their last year or two of usable life for most avenues.

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Sources: https://www.smf.org/standards/sa/2020/SA2020_cover.pdf

Want to read up more about helmets and safety gear? Check out my post: The Budget Safety Gear YOU need for Track Days and Racing and OTHER POSTS by No money Motorsports.