Are you looking for a new helmet to ride your motorcycle safely and comfortably? Do you know the difference between ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards? Do you want to know which one is better for your needs and preferences? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you.
In this article, we will explain what ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 are, how they differ, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each one. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the best helmet for you, based on your riding style, budget, and personal taste. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of which helmet standard is right for you, and how to find the best helmet that meets your expectations.
What are the ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards?
ECE stands for Economic Commission for Europe, a body of the United Nations that sets regulations for various products, including motorcycle helmets. The ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards are the latest versions of the regulations that specify the minimum safety requirements for helmets to be road-legal in 50 countries, including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa.
The number after ECE indicates the version of the regulation, which is updated periodically to reflect the latest research and technology.
Standard ECE 22.05
The ECE 22.05 standard has been in effect for around 20 years, and it is widely accepted and respected as a reliable indicator of helmet quality and performance. However, it is also outdated and due for an overhaul, as it does not reflect the current knowledge of safety and technological advancements.
It covers various aspects of helmet design, such as impact absorption, retention system, field of vision, ventilation, and noise. ECE 22.05 helmets are tested by independent laboratories that certify their compliance with the standard. ECE 22.05 helmets have a label on the chin strap that indicates the certification number, the type of helmet, and the size.
Standard ECE 22.06
The ECE 22.06 standard is the new and improved version of the ECE 22.05 standard, and it introduces more rigorous and comprehensive testing procedures for helmets, with stricter criteria and more realistic scenarios. The ECE 22.06 standard is expected to improve the overall safety and protection of motorcycle helmets, and to encourage innovation and development in the helmet industry.
ECE 22.06 helmets will have to pass more rigorous tests, such as rotational impact, oblique impact, visor impact, and modular helmet tests. ECE 22.06 helmets will also have a label on the chin strap that indicates the certification number, the type of helmet, and the size, as well as a QR code that links to a database with more information about the helmet.
How do the ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards test the helmets?
The ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards test the helmets in various aspects, such as impact absorption, retention system, field of view, penetration resistance, shell integrity, and dimensional stability. The tests are conducted in a controlled environment, using dummy head-forms with force-measuring accelerometers, and different types of anvils and sharp objects to simulate real-world impacts.
The main difference between the ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards is the number and variety of tests that the helmets have to undergo, and the level of performance that they have to achieve. Here are some of the key differences:
Impact absorption
The ECE 22.05 standard tests the helmets with six points of impact on the shell, while the ECE 22.06 standard tests them with 12 more points, covering a wider area of the helmet. The ECE 22.06 standard also tests the helmets at different speeds, ranging from low to high, to account for different types of crashes and riding conditions. Moreover, the ECE 22.06 standard introduces a new test for rotational acceleration, which measures the effect of angled impacts on the brain, as these can cause serious injuries even without significant impact velocity.
Retention system
The ECE 22.05 standard tests the chin strap and the fastening mechanism of the helmets by applying a sudden deceleration force, while the ECE 22.06 standard adds a new test for dynamic retention, which applies a cyclic load to the chin strap to simulate the movement of the head during a crash. The ECE 22.06 standard also tests the helmets with different types of fastening mechanisms, such as double D-ring, quick release, and magnetic.
Field of view
The ECE 22.05 standard tests the helmets with a minimum field of view of 105 degrees, while the ECE 22.06 standard increases it to 110 degrees, to ensure a better and clearer vision for the riders. The ECE 22.06 standard also tests the helmets with different types of visors, such as clear, tinted, photochromic, and pinlock.
Penetration resistance
The ECE 22.05 standard tests the helmets with a single strike of a sharp object on the outer shell, while the ECE 22.06 standard tests them with multiple strikes on different parts of the helmet, such as the visor, the chin bar, and the ventilation openings. The ECE 22.06 standard also tests the helmets with different types of sharp objects, such as nails, screws, and bolts124.
Shell integrity
The ECE 22.05 standard tests the helmets with a single impact on the shell, while the ECE 22.06 standard tests them with multiple impacts on different locations of the shell, to assess the durability and resistance of the helmet. The ECE 22.06 standard also tests the helmets with different types of impacts, such as flat, hemispherical, kerbstone, and edge.
Dimensional stability
The ECE 22.05 standard tests the helmets with a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, while the ECE 22.06 standard tests them with a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius for 6 hours, to evaluate the effect of heat and sunlight on the shape and integrity of the helmet. The ECE 22.06 standard also tests the helmets with a temperature of -20 degrees Celsius for 4 hours, to evaluate the effect of cold and frost on the helmet.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06?
ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 have their own pros and cons, depending on the perspective of the rider. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each standard:
ECE 22.05 advantages
ECE 22.05 helmets are more widely available and affordable than ECE 22.06 helmets, as they have been in the market for longer and have more competition. ECE 22.05 helmets are also lighter and more comfortable than ECE 22.06 helmets, as they have less material and padding to meet the lower requirements. ECE 22.05 helmets are also more compatible with accessories and communication devices, as they have more space and less interference.
ECE 22.05 disadvantages
ECE 22.05 helmets are less safe and durable than ECE 22.06 helmets, as they have to pass less stringent tests and have lower standards. ECE 22.05 helmets are also less versatile and adaptable than ECE 22.06 helmets, as they have fewer features and options to suit different riding conditions and preferences. ECE 22.05 helmets are also less future-proof and compliant than ECE 22.06 helmets, as they will be phased out and replaced by the new standard in the coming years.
ECE 22.06 advantages
ECE 22.06 helmets are more safe and durable than ECE 22.05 helmets, as they have to pass more rigorous tests and have higher standards. ECE 22.06 helmets are also more versatile and adaptable than ECE 22.05 helmets, as they have more features and options to suit different riding conditions and preferences. ECE 22.06 helmets are also more future-proof and compliant than ECE 22.05 helmets, as they will be the new standard and the norm in the coming years.
ECE 22.06 disadvantages
ECE 22.06 helmets are less widely available and affordable than ECE 22.05 helmets, as they are new in the market and have less competition. ECE 22.06 helmets are also heavier and less comfortable than ECE 22.05 helmets, as they have more material and padding to meet the higher requirements. ECE 22.06 helmets are also less compatible with accessories and communication devices, as they have less space and more interference.
How to choose the best helmet for you?
Choosing the best helmet for you depends on several factors, such as your riding style, budget, and personal taste. Here are some tips on how to choose the best helmet for you, based on the ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards:
If you are a casual or occasional rider, who rides mostly on urban roads and at low speeds, you may opt for an ECE 22.05 helmet, as it will offer enough protection and comfort for your needs, and it will be cheaper and easier to find than an ECE 22.06 helmet.
If you are a regular or frequent rider, who rides mostly on highways and at high speeds, you may opt for an ECE 22.06 helmet, as it will offer more protection and durability for your needs, and it will be more future-proof and compliant than an ECE 22.05 helmet.
If you are a sporty or adventurous rider, who rides mostly on off-road or challenging terrain, you may opt for an ECE 22.06 helmet, as it will offer more versatility and adaptability for your needs, and it will have more features and options than an ECE 22.05 helmet.
If you are a style-conscious or fashion-forward rider, who rides mostly for fun or leisure, you may opt for either an ECE 22.05 or an ECE 22.06 helmet, depending on your preference and taste, as both standards offer a wide range of designs, colors, and shapes to suit your personality and style.
Conclusion
ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 are two standards that regulate the safety and performance of motorcycle helmets in Europe and other countries that adopt them. ECE 22.05 is the older and more common standard, while ECE 22.06 is the newer and more advanced standard. Both standards have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the perspective of the rider. Choosing the best helmet for you depends on several factors, such as your riding style, budget, and personal taste.
We hope that this article has helped you understand the difference between ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06, and how to choose the best helmet for you.