How important is it to have a SNELL approved helmet? What does it have that a DOT only approved doesn't?

Question

How important is it to have a SNELL approved helmet? What does it have that a DOT only approved doesn't?

Answer 1

uh, well thatsure, it basically means a prettier face in the casket at a funeral. Seriously, if ya don't include all the body armour that ya look like a ninja turtle with then that's all it will do. It does have a higher crash / crush rating than just the DOT helmet. But I personally can't stand all that extra clothing except in cooler / colder weather and takes away from the pleasure of riding by sweating my a-- off

Answer 2

I will probably start an argument with folks that don't know what the Snell rating and how it is 'earned' is all about.

The fact is: Snell is a marketing gimmick, that is all that it is. They have set up the most absurd testing procedure you can imagine, and for a helmet to meet that standard, the overall design is compromised to do it. In other words, if you think it means anything, go ahead and spend at least $100 it adds to the cost of a helmet and know you are not getting the best overall protection.

The US DOT standards are more than sufficient to certify a good protective lid.

Answer 3

Not important.  SNELL tests differently than whoever tests for DOT.  Some say SNELL  tests are more rigorous and others say that DOT testing better reflects real-world use.

A helmet saved my head back when Z-90 and ANSI were the standards.

Answer 4

Nobody has tested a helmet since back in the 70s.

Answer 5

Very important!  My husband's Bell Full Face Street Helmet saved his life when he was hit on his bike by a drunk driver.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Basically SNELL is private version of testing and certification of helmets. You won't find a SNELL certified helmet that doesn't fit the DOT standards. The testing is more thorough. Not to say that DOT isn't good, but SNELL is just a more rigid standard. They also use different testing methods.

Answer 7

Haven't found much on when the last testing was done but this says they are tested.

http://www.smf.org/testing.html

Answer 8

If you drop a $800 SNELL rated bucket on the ground, you get to buy a new bucket.

in 90% of wrecks with autos, helmets dont help on bit.

Dept Of Transportation DOT stickers mean, they paid the govenment to put a sticker on them.