Are there any reviews based on actual crash damage?

[mas101]

As I'm starting to look at gear, I'm interested in how things actually stand up in accidents.

Is there any database of how stuff actually stands up to an off?

There must be a mad American somewhere dropping leather clad dummies off the back of an SUV at 80? No?

[TimR]

Bing Bong .... this is a colleague announcement. ..Could TC1474 come to customer Service ..

User TC1474would be the man to ask as it was/is his field of expertise

[tuktuk]

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff215/tuktuk_photo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1857_zpsq2qrpphw.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff215/tuktuk_photo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1859_zpsuyecji7i.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff215/tuktuk_photo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1864_zps5tlc6tor.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff215/tuktuk_photo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1860_zpswwgmn1ul.jpg

[bmwdave]

I personally tested a Caberg helmet to destruction and I'm still here telling you about it.

[mas101]

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff215/tuktuk_photo/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1857_zpsq2qrpphw.jpg

 

Interesting - what were the circumstances? speed? how far did you slide, etc?

[TC1474]

There must be a mad American somewhere dropping leather clad dummies off the back of an SUV at 80? No?

 

There is. And there is also a UK version, but it is not provide an accurate reflection of how kit behaves in different types of crashes over an extended period of time.

It is easier to answer specific question then be generic.

[mas101]

There must be a mad American somewhere dropping leather clad dummies off the back of an SUV at 80? No?

 

There is. And there is also a UK version, but it is not provide an accurate reflection of how kit behaves in different types of crashes over an extended period of time.

It is easier to answer specific question then be generic.

 

My problem is that I'm too ignorant to know what questions to ask.

I know there are sharp tests for helmets, snell tests, EN ratings, CE ratings, etc. But I also know that specific tests are often more about what is easy to test and measure rather than what is useful, quantitive wins over qualitative for testing.

Tests / standards are often gamed by manufacturers - not that I'm saying the that applies to bike safety gear, but thats my experience of dealing with standards in other fields.

If you have any specific links or guides then I'd be grateful for any guidance. Really I'll be looking for value for money and awareness of when spending more gets you a better result and when it just gets you trendier colours. One limit that applies to me is that I'm 6'3" and need longer than normal lengths.