At time of writing, no company has an approved ARB HS 2012 standard helmet. However one company, Coonan & Denlay (C&D), are hopeful their “Eclipse” helmet range will be the first brand approved by the ARB, possibly in the next month.
This company has spent the last few years researching & developing their new helmet range and firmly believe they will meet the ARB requirement for a High Performance Standard not seen before.
The tricky situation we are facing is we have not been able to showcase their product range, as only one prototype has been physically shown to us, apart from various catalogue & web images.
We are placing a limited order with this company initially, giving our customers the opportunity to try the different styles and sizes on. We can then determine larger orders long term. Please don’t hesitate to contact us regarding any initial fitting opportunity prior to February.
We are pleased to hear that the team from Aussie Rider, the makers of the New Derby jockey helmet, are also confident of having an ARB HS 2012 approved helmet early in 2013. Likewise, the Australian distributor for GPA Helmets, Saddlery Trading in Qld, also inform us that GPA will be working to manufacture a helmet that meets this higher safety standard. The more choice a jockey or track rider can have for this new High Performance Standard, the better it will be for all concerned.
While we may not be able to offer you immediate stock of approved helmets due to production & shipping times, we are sure we will be able to meet your needs for a helmet prior to an enforced date the ARB determines as mandatory.
At a guess, and that is all it is at this stage, the enforced date for all riders to have a newly approved helmet could be about October 2013. Whilst you may want to maximise the lifespan of your current helmet, if a superior level protection is available for your safety you may wish to take your personal safety into account and purchase a higher level of protection as soon as you can.
