Dome-Test-Lab
- Member since Sep 12, 2017
- Male / 69
-
Scotts Valley , California - 4 Followers
- 0 Trailforks Points
The Dome is the global authority in helmet testing, research and development. Based in Scotts Valley, California, the Dome’s unrivaled resources include more than 50 test fixtures as well as 3D printers, injection molding and thermal molding equipment, an in-house wind tunnel, CNC machines and other equipment required to design, develop and evaluate new ideas in head protection. The test lab and its engineering staff began in 1954 to support Bell Helmets. In the following decades these resources have served many helmet categories (including tactical, military, hockey, football, baseball and equestrian) and supported many brands, including Bell, Easton, Giro, MIPS and Riddell. The facility was officially named the Dome in 2011. Today the Dome is focused on testing and R&D in powersports, cycling and snow sports and serves as the in-house test lab for Bell and Giro. Learn more at HelmetFacts.com
Recent
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 14:08
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
We completely understand the desire to know which helmet is “best”, but even test data can be misleading. Each accident is different, and in some accidents the “better” helmet may not work as well as one which had slightly lower marks. The standards have all been developed to address the needs of specific users. It's a complicated subject that we intend to speak to, here on Pinkbike, in the near future. For the time being, it's important to choose the right equipment for your intended use. There's some common sense involved, for example don't choose a lightweight road helmet for a day of laps at the Whistler Bike Park. Basically when you see ASTM 1952 on the back of a full face, know that ASTM certifies that helmet for downhill and freeride. When you DOT, know that it's been certified for powersports.
If you want to read more on the subject of standards and "toughest" and "safest" we have an explanation here: http://www.helmetfacts.com/standards/toughest-vs-safest/
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 13:54
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
Not sure how to interpret that... Are you asking if the investment in testing and R&D has improved revenue? Testing, R&D and driving innovations in head protection have been hallmarks of this test lab and it's associated personnel since 1954.
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 13:51
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
@nicolai12: For the time being and for your information we impact 200 helmets of each model during development to understand how that shape works to the various worldwide standards and to our own internal standards. We can’t get enough information from testing even ten helmets to compare one model to another. We currently aren’t allowed to share our test data because it is proprietary (keep in mind that would be hundreds of docs for each model). We completely understand the desire to know which helmet is “best”, but even test data can be misleading. Each accident is different, and in some accidents the “better” helmet may not work as well as one which had slightly lower marks.
We are determined to present riders with more visibility to allow them to make informed decisions, but hopefully that helps explain where we stand today.
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 13:37
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
If you visit HelmetFacts.com you'll see an overview of standards, materials and testing methods. We've made great efforts to be as objective as possible presenting this info. These are subjects that don't encourage bias... It's merely a matter of explaining how standards differ, explaining the properties of materials and lifting the veil on test methods and equipment.
Of course we're not surprised by your comments above, we knew from the beginning that we'd see this sort of response. But would you prefer that we didn't publish any of this information? We've seen so much confusion and misinformation (regarding current standards, for example) that we decided to stop waiting and create that resource ourselves.
Regardless of the helmets you choose to buy, if you want to learn the difference between CPSC and ASTM 1952 standards, or want to learn the differences between Expanded Polystyrene and Expanded Polypropylene there really hasn't been a great resource about those subjects. Our goal is educate riders, parents and even other brands.
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 11:32
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
Thanks for bringing up this important subject. MIPS is addressed on HelmetFacts.com and the Dome believes that MIPS can add an additional measure of protection in angled impacts.
But to be clear, there is no more ownership stake in MIPS. Bell and Giro used to be owned by BRG Sports. BRG Sports invested in MIPS when the company learned that this effective technology could be incorporated in a wide range of helmets, from kids' helmets to full face to team sports. Bell and Giro are currently owned by Vista Outdoor and there is no longer any financial link between these brands and MIPS. Giro and Bell license the technology like any other brand.
If a technology emerges that improves on MIPS, that can be incorporated into a lightweight, comfortable helmet, we will welcome it.
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 11:26
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
We wanted to start with a foundation of resources that explain materials, helmet standards and testing protocol. We understand the need to empower riders with data to make the right choice for their own needs. That's our goal and we hope to bring that to you soon.
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 11:24
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
We hear you loud and clear, and we understand the need for data. We are working on presenting data in a meaningful way (with explanations) to empower riders to make the right choice for their own needs.
Dome-Test-Lab pinkbikeaudience's article
Sep 12, 2017 at 11:20
Sep 12, 2017
The Dome Launches HelmetFacts.com
@RedRedRe: The goal with HelmetFacts.com is to give riders as much info as we can so that they can make educated decisions. We were skeptics of MIPS when we were first approached by the company, but we took the time to test the concept -- even building our own test fixtures instead of relying on MIPS for data -- ultimately we learned that MIPS' claims were valid. We are believers in this system, but to be clear we have no ownership stake in MIPS. If a technology emerges that improves on MIPS, that can be incorporated into a lightweight, comfortable helmet, we will be morally obligated to use it.
