SNELL vs. DOT Ratings
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 112
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From: Upstate NY
SNELL vs. DOT Ratings
I live in NY, where DOT helmets are required. Am looking at switching from an HD brand half-helmet to a Bell brand Motocross style helmet. I have narrowed it down to two models... one is DOT only certified, one is DOT and SNELL certified. I read about the differences in DOT/SNELL testing. Is the SNELL rated version worth almost twice the cost? Any advice is appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 728
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From: So Cal
The most important difference is:
SNELL certification is based on actual testing of actual helmets.
The DOT rating simply indicates that a manufacturer believes that its helmet meets the basic DOT standards, without any actual testing on the helmets themselves.
More than half of all helmets recently tested with the DOT sticker on them actually failed DOT's lab tests.
In effect, when you pay "twice the cost" for a SNELL certified helmet, you're paying for the testing. Only you can decide whether or not it's worth the extra cost.
SNELL certification is based on actual testing of actual helmets.
The DOT rating simply indicates that a manufacturer believes that its helmet meets the basic DOT standards, without any actual testing on the helmets themselves.
More than half of all helmets recently tested with the DOT sticker on them actually failed DOT's lab tests.
In effect, when you pay "twice the cost" for a SNELL certified helmet, you're paying for the testing. Only you can decide whether or not it's worth the extra cost.
Last edited by QehQeh; Apr 7, 2011 at 06:20 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 374
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From: SE WI
If it's Snell2010, then I would pay more, since that's teh current "best" protection out there.
If it's any other SNell (20005 , older, etc), I would NOT pay more for it, as teh very nature of the design to meet Snell standards makes the rest of the impact material harder, adn reduces teh protection it gives you (G rating)
If it's any other SNell (20005 , older, etc), I would NOT pay more for it, as teh very nature of the design to meet Snell standards makes the rest of the impact material harder, adn reduces teh protection it gives you (G rating)
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,396
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From: Southern California
Actually, to drive in an SCCA sanctioned event you not only have to have a Snell rated helmet; it has to be the current Snell rating, and it can't be an "M" Snell rating ("M" is the Snell Rating for Motorcycle Helmets).
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 842
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From: N. CA & East TN
I have taken a tour of the SNELL facility and there is a big difference. DOT does not test helmets. DOT is for the department of transportation, they refer to the MVFSS (Motor vehicle federal safety standards) which dictates what a legal helmet should contain. These are not tested and only meet a very basic outline. Better then a non DOT, but not the best. SNELL is a testing facility that is bi partisan. Snell tests helmets in several tests and only if they pass those tests can they be rated snell certified. Snell then periodically goes back out and re purchases these helmets to test them again and make sure they do not change. If i am in a state that does not have a helmet law, i enjoy not wearing it. But when i am back home and it is requied i would not wear anything that is not snell related. If you care about safety, Snell is the way to go. If you just want a helmet, DOT suffices.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Anchorage, AK
I live in NY, where DOT helmets are required. Am looking at switching from an HD brand half-helmet to a Bell brand Motocross style helmet. I have narrowed it down to two models... one is DOT only certified, one is DOT and SNELL certified. I read about the differences in DOT/SNELL testing. Is the SNELL rated version worth almost twice the cost? Any advice is appreciated.
There is also other info from the Snell institute. Read and make up your own mind. I opt for anything without the Snell/ANSI label. For me it's about the bounce factor. I like the Scorpion half with the visor that slides up into the helmet. Also has ear protectors that keep the sound of the wind way down. You will notice that Snell only puts their label on solid full face helmets. At least as far as I've seen. You may get some of the same composites in the DOTs. DOTs are tested and Snell has nothing to do with fire retardance. Last I read, they are working to gether to come up with a better standard and designs that are made with the size of the head in mind. Wish I had saved that article.