Are DOT helmets better than Snell???

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FruDaddy

Member

Aug 21, 2005

2,854

0

• Jan 12, 2008

• #1

I stumbled on an old article claiming that Snell approved helmets are too hard. I thought it was an interesting read and, though it seems to be directed at street riders, I want to share it with everyone.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/

 

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SpDyKen

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Mar 27, 2005

1,237

1

• Jan 12, 2008

• #2

I.M.H.O., Sometimes no; sometimes yes.

The key is to define exactly what kind of 'hit' (or, especially multiple 'hits',) that you want the helmet to protect you from. Your question can only be answered when this has been decided on , and clearly defined.

Just like deciding which bike is best. Best for what purpose?

Clearly defining exactly what the impact you are going to use your helmet for is more difficult than it seems at first.

Just my $0.02 worth, KW

 

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Steve St.Laurent

Mi. Trail Riders

Member

Feb 6, 2006

255

0

• Jan 12, 2008

• #3

There's a follow up article to that in this months motorcyclist where Snell has a new set of standards that includes some of the recommendations from that one.

 

Rooster

Today's Tom Sawyer

Damn Yankees

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Aug 24, 2000

3,292

1

• Jan 13, 2008

• #4

$0.02 worth taken. However ... who in the world knows what impact you are going to have? You could tip over and smack your helmet into a rock a low speed, or you could slam into a tree WFO in top gear? I go with both. If the helmet does not have Snell and Dot approval, I won't throw it on my grape.

As stated in the article "But crashes are accidents. So you have to guess."

 

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mkelly04

Member

Jul 27, 2007

196

0

• Jan 14, 2008

• #5

One thing to consider is that the dot sticker program is voluntary. That means anyone can put a dot approved sticker on any helmet.

At least with the snell sticker program you know that the helmet meets a set of standards.

 

YamaB

Member

Apr 2, 2004

401

0

• Jan 16, 2008

• #6

Rooster said:

$0.02 worth taken. However ... who in the world knows what impact you are going to have? You could tip over and smack your helmet into a rock a low speed, or you could slam into a tree WFO in top gear? I go with both. If the helmet does not have Snell and Dot approval, I won't throw it on my grape.

As stated in the article "But crashes are accidents. So you have to guess."

Click to expand...

I personally enjoy the WFO into a tree. Much more exciting than the low speed tip over. I've always used dot+snell approved helmets, and have hit my head on everything except the kitchen sink, and my brain still functions for the most part.... Come to think of it, I did hit my head on the kitchen sink once, but wasn't wearing my helmet so it is not relevant to this conversation! :bang:

 

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mtk

Member

Jun 9, 2004

1,409

0

• Jan 16, 2008

• #7

I've done the WFO into a tree before.

It isn't fun.

My helmet was fine. My femur was not. :(