I understand now how the DOT standard works and that they work on the honor system. What this means is that all DOT helmets, whether they're half, 3/4, or full face, can potentially fail DOT's safety requirements.

As far the quality....I wasn't comparing the quality of the AK88 to your 3/4 Bell. I was comparing it to all other "half" shell helmets. I agree that the Bell 3/4 has a nicer lining than the standard half shell helmet, but a nice finish doesn't mean it would pass DOT testing.

 

How bout everyone wear the helmet they want to wear. I don't need one here in PA, but I just got my AK88 and LOVE it! So sue me, or don't worry what anyone else wears...

 

Is this what you're looking for?
http://akouryhelmets.com/index.html

 

I purchased the AK helmet over a year ago. Florida is not a state that requires helmets, but it is the most comfortable lid I have ever worn. I would rebuy it. Also, I have yet to die while wearing it.

 

SkullCrush is an awesome helmet but a little more expensive. They run it over with a truck and it won't crush. The DOT standard is a farce.

 

DOT approved means the manufacturer states it will pass DOT standards if tested. All helmets with less then 1" thick padding have failed. The AK88 is much less then 1" and there was a thread here where a member swore it passed all DOT requirements but when he contacted Akoury they wouldn't send him the DOT papers but instead sent him papers for a older, larger model.

In the past other helmets that look exactly like the AK88 have failed & were recalled. A lot of members here were quite upset that the small DOT helmet they purchased was no longer DOT. There was a lot of crying & returns. See the Leather Up Outlaw Ultra Slims & Lows and the old Skull Crush helmets. There have been many discussions here over the years & the results are always the same. If it looks to good to be true, it isn't.

If you need to see DOT results on testing, do a google search. It's there for all to see & you won't see a AK88 test yet.

here you go 2008 test results http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...,d.aWw&cad=rja

Click on these for other test http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/testing/comply/fmvss218/

Looks like the last DOT test was 2008 http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cars/testing/c...4-25-2013.html

http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/moto...e-22-05-snell/

"NHTSA does not test helmets against the DOT standards before they can claim DOT certification; rather, each helmet manufacturer marketing their helmets for road use in the U.S. must test and self-certify the models they want to sell and then permanently affix the “DOT” emblem signifying compliance with FMVSS 218.
NHTSA enforces the standard by acquiring random samples of the product and sending them to an independent testing lab to verify compliance. Penalties to manufacturers for marketing non-compliant products can be steep—up to $5,000 per helmet."

Another thing is that the AK88 is distributed and marketed in Canada. Loophole?

" rather, each helmet manufacturer marketing their helmets for road use in the U.S. must test and self-certify the models they want to sell"

 

For those that have this helmet, my head measures 22 1/8" and slots between the small and medium sizes. Which would be the best to pick up? I'm afraid of it either being too tight or way too loose.

 

My head measures 24-3/8, the upper end of the XL. Went with the XL and it fits great! Im thinking over time the padding will flatten slightly and feel even better. I say take another good measurement and go with their chart...

 

I've taken several measurements and come up with being between the two sizes. Hence, the question I asked. lol

 

I finally got a recall notice a couple of months ago. I ignored, of course.