Reading this statement from FULLNOISE/M.A all Senior National Event participants are to have the Eject System fitted to there helmets, is this correct?
THE HELMET EJECT SYSTEM
Every rider on track will have to have a Eject system fitted inside their helmet for the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals - Credit Aaryn Minerds
The final rule that was announced for the 2013 season is something that has not come from WEM themselves but is something that has been bought in by the MX Commission.
The rule was discussed in 2011 and at the time it was recommended that the system be bought in for the 2012 season. The latest minutes which can be found on the M.A website show the system is now compulsory for all senior national events in 2013, meaning the rule will also be in place for the Australian Supercross championship later this year. It is a rule that makes a lot of sense in a lot of ways. The chance of the system actually being needed is very slim and not every crash where a helmet has to be removed will require the eject system to be used.
But in the cases where riders could possibly have neck and or head injuries the device makes it a lot easier to remove the helmet.
With all new technology though there is a cost. Each rider will need at least one helmet eject device for the season. At the moment the only device available which is the Shock Doctor Eject helmet removal system available for $89.95.
The single price really is nothing for what the system can do and the benefits it provides. I have done a little research into the product and the system can be removed from one helmet and placed in another and requires replacing every two years, unless the system is deployed, then it will need to be replaced.
The device needs to be in the helmet at all time, be it practice, qualifying or during the races. Teams and privateers for that matter are going to have to decide weather they are going to keep changing the system in and our of helmets between sessions or purchase multiple devices and have them all ready installed in each helmet for the day. Something I would say Jake Canada wishes he had done!
If you are looking for more information on how the Eject system works check out
http://www.ejectsafety.com/home.html and it is also worth while checking out the FAQ's (Frequently asked questions) that are available on the site.
Damo