#SHARPTesting

[motocentralgb]

SHARP Helmet Testing: Moto Central's Perspective

At Moto Central, rider safety is at the forefront of our mission. As one of the UK’s leading motorcycle helmet retailers, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality helmets alongside expert advice to help riders make informed decisions. A key part of this involves assessing the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP), a system designed to evaluate helmet safety.

While SHARP offers valuable insights into helmet performance, it’s not without its limitations. Here, we’ll explore its purpose, testing methods, strengths, and criticisms, giving you a balanced view to help guide your helmet choices.

What is SHARP?

Launched in 2007 by the UK Department for Transport, SHARP was introduced to complement the ECE 22.05 standard (now updated to ECE 22.06). Unlike basic pass-or-fail certifications, SHARP uses a star rating system, from 1 to 5, to help riders identify helmets that go beyond minimum safety requirements.

SHARP was influenced by the COST 327 report, a 2001 European study into helmet safety. However, deviations from this report’s recommendations have led to criticism, particularly regarding SHARP’s testing methods.

The Strengths of SHARP

Beyond Basic Certification

ECE standards provide a safety baseline but don’t distinguish between helmets offering superior protection. SHARP bridges this gap by comparing helmets and awarding star ratings, helping riders make more informed decisions.

Importance of Fit and Comfort

SHARP recognises that even a high-rated helmet won’t perform if it doesn’t fit properly. Poorly fitted helmets increase the risk of detachment in crashes, highlighting the need for secure sizing.

Life-Saving Potential

According to SHARP, if all riders used highly rated helmets, around 50 lives could be saved each year. This underscores the importance of considering SHARP ratings when purchasing a helmet.

Criticisms of SHARP

Testing Methods

SHARP uses solid headforms rather than biometric ones, which better mimic the human head. Critics argue that this limits the accuracy of SHARP’s results and makes them less representative of real-world impacts.

Lack of Industry Agreement

SHARP’s scoring system wasn’t developed with input from independent experts or industry-wide consensus, leading to doubts about the validity of its ratings.

Surprising Results

Some budget helmets have received five-star ratings, while premium brands have scored lower. This raises questions about whether SHARP’s methodology favours certain designs, such as heavy thermoplastic edge mouldings.

Limited Relevance

Many helmet manufacturers consider SHARP to be a UK-centric system with little global significance. Some even disregard it entirely due to perceived flaws in its approach.

SHARP Testing Process

SHARP’s testing process involves several key steps:

Helmet Selection: Models are purchased independently to ensure unbiased testing.

Impact Testing: Helmets are tested at various points, replicating real-world crash scenarios.

Modular Helmet Testing: Chin bar mechanisms are assessed and scored for durability.

Star Ratings: Data is condensed into a star rating, indicating the level of protection offered.

However, SHARP doesn’t test for noise levels, chin strap safety, or puncture resistance, leaving certain safety aspects unaddressed.

A Balanced Approach to Helmet Selection

At Moto Central, we believe SHARP ratings are a helpful tool, but they should be considered alongside other factors:

Fit: A secure fit is the most important aspect of helmet safety.

Comfort: A comfortable helmet reduces fatigue and improves focus, especially on long rides.

Quality: Premium helmets often feature superior materials and rigorous in-house testing that may go beyond what SHARP measures.

While SHARP has room for improvement, it’s a valuable resource for riders seeking additional guidance. Ultimately, the best helmet is one that fits well, feels comfortable, and offers confidence in its protection.

For expert advice and a wide range of helmets to suit every rider, visit Moto Central online or in-store.

[castiwls]

Can I ask ur ranking of short n sweet pretty pretty plss🥺 your a fruitcake stan so I feel you already have to tier taste

wait cause i have a list ready for this lmfaooo

also tysm fruitcake is top tier and needs more love

I LOVE short n sweet like i've been riding the Sabrina train since 2015 (can't blame a girl for trying still slaps) and emails I can't send...hands down perfection mwah

My ranking as of rn (It changes all the time) is

Juno A certified bop! this went number one in my car immediately

taste i played this song 254 times the first weekend according to airbuds no questions about it

sharptest tool i ADORE this song like the pre-chrous is so smart!

good graces it sounds like something ariana would make in 2020 and I LOVE it! my childhood two pop girlies

bed chem ty barry keogan

lie to girls love it

coincidence again very ariana coded i feel?

slim pickins' country bumpkin bop

please please please i like this one but the first two singles got overplayed in my house 😭

espresso thats that me espresso

dumb and poetic the bridge is top tier

dont smile again i love it but it's not my fav personally

[midnightstorm-underthe-moon]

4, 41, and 70 for the asks 😊

4. Do you like your name and why?

Yah, I picked storm and I dont want to change it. Its a comfort to me when im down, and just seeing somone use my picked name makes me happier

41. Top 10 favourite songs?

Uh okay.

Sharptest Lives :mcr

All the angels: mcr

Devil town: cavetown

Hazel: cavetown

This is home: cavetown

Feb 14: cavetown

Im not okay (I promise): mcr

Kids again: Artist vs Poet

Sweet tooth: cave town

Disenchanted: mcr

70. What was the last concert you've seen?

Never been to one,

[yummycrummy]

*kicks the mcfreaking door down* someBODY ONCE TOLD ME---

THE WORLD WAS GONNA ROLL ME!!I aINT THE SHARPTEST TOOL🔨 IN THE SHED XD

[chadsorlie]

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