Helmet safety - SNELL vs DOT ratings

[steve c]

I'm getting ready to go helmet shopping, so I start researching. This article
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html
was released back in '05. Its been discussed before, but I can't find any old threads. If you haven't read it, it's worth your time. The net-net is that SNELL rated helmets transfer too much energy and lower rated helmets (DOT, COST 327, Euro-spec) are softer and safer in 99% of real world crashes. I did some searching looking for more recent info, but got nada. Where did the verdict land on this topic? If I decide to go with a DOT helment, where can I find one? Even the DOT models mentioned in the article are now SNELL rated (too hard.)

- Steve

[ga_skyline_rydr]

I'm getting ready to go helmet shopping, so I start researching. This article
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html
was released back in '05. Its been discussed before, but I can't find any old threads. If you haven't read it, it's worth your time. The net-net is that SNELL rated helmets transfer too much energy and lower rated helmets (DOT, COST 327, Euro-spec) are softer and safer in 99% of real world crashes. I did some searching looking for more recent info, but got nada. Where did the verdict land on this topic? If I decide to go with a DOT helment, where can I find one? Even the DOT models mentioned in the article are now SNELL rated (too hard.)

- Steve

Just FWIW I highly recommend getting a helmet that is ECE and BSI certed. It seems to me they are tougher in their standards.

[TarzanMan]

The article is from 2005 and so it covers the Snell 2005 standard. Snell has a newer M2010 standard which addresses some of the concerns mentioned by the "Blowing the Lid off of Snell" debacle.

As for where everything stands: It is no different than before for me... I get a helmet with a snell or DOT rating that
1. Fits properly
2. Has features I want
3. Looks cool
4. Fits my budget

In my case, I spent years wearing helmets that didn't fit quite right until I figured out that AGV fits me pretty well. I decided to finally spend lots of $$ on one to see how the other half lives.

In my opinion, one need not spend $600+ on a helmet, but something that fits properly and has nice features is worth an extra $100-$150 or so.

[steve c]

Thanks for that advice Tarzan.

For the benefit of the board, here's what I can find regarding updated information.



The author of the original 2005 article was fired from Motorcyclist Magazine around September of last year (links below).
The new Snell M2010 standard mimics earlier Euro standards. (So, don't by a Snell M2005 rated helmet. They are too hard for your noggin.) Get an M2010.

Discussion on the WERA board is here (normal WERA board disclaimers apply :) ) http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=259558&highlight=SNELL+helmet
The story about the journalist that wrote the article getting fired is here: http://jalopnik.com/5582380/how-the-truth-about-motorcycle-helmets-got-a-journalist-fired

Arai's response to the story about Dexter Ford getting fired http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=600505

Here is a working man's summary of Snell M2010 http://superbiketoystore.com/superblog/2009/11/18/snell-m2010-how-it-relates-to-you/


You can thank me now :D

- Steve

[Mr1080]

Thanks!!!

[KKop]

Got a Shoei RF1100 a few months ago. Supposedly the first helmet to comply with SNELL2010.