The soft shell helmets of yester years were found not to be safe and the 
reason hard shell helmets took over. The soft shell may have soften the blow 
on impact, but hard objects like rocks, side walk curbs and other penetrating 
devices cut through the soft shells, hence hard shells. The soft shells 
prevented abraisions, but would not protect from internal head injuries. In 
racing we use to call soft helmets - hairnets.
Richard G
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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