Kind of related...

I had to do a report for school & I did the difference between DOT & Snell ratings. Aside from all the actual testing & performance requirements (which were significant) MUCH MORE IMPORTANTLY I found that any Tom, Dick, & Harry making helmets in their garage can sell helmets labeled as DOT & not test a thing. No testing is required to sell a helmet as DOT approved. DOT randomly tests a few helmets off the shelf each year for compliance but no where near every manufacturer & model---NOT EVEN CLOSE. Especially the $5 a helmet box at bike shows etc.

Snell on the other hand tests each & every helmet in THIER lab BEFORE labeling it as Snell certified & followes up with of the shelf spot checks thereafter.

Bottom line, because of this loop hole DOT means absolutley nothing, look for the Snell label.

I challange you to find a helmet that is not DOT rated--you wont because every helmet made can be DOT labeled no questions asked.

 

DOT is the standard for safety. I would expect nothing less. Getting a Snell approved helmet just makes the helmet a better choice. The "ONE" MX style helmet I have is both DOT & Snell approved.

I'm sure someone can bring up a helmet that is not DOT approved.

 

I have 4 different helmets, depending on type of riding.
Scorpion for in town
KBC modular Im currently replacing the liner in for more "adventure riding"
MX helmet for strictly off road.
Ive tried to ride with the MX helmet, and at high speeds it wants to rip off my head![:@]

As for the DOT rathing.........them "puddin bowls" dont have DOT ratings, so there is some standard there that the Mfr has to meet.

Anyone here wearing a Arai XD or Shoei Scorpion helmet??

 

Believe what you want to believe boys, you dont have to test a thing to label a helmet as DOT approved.

My comment about finding one not DOT rated only means which manufacturer would be stupid enough not to label it as DOT approved since they have to do nothing in order to do so other than stick the sticker on.

 

Here ya go, its the proof

http://www.smf.org/articles/dot.html

Manufactures can even make their own DOT stickers

Here is a list of "all" the helmets tested by DOT in 2006-all 3 pages worth. Some failed too, despie being labeled DOT approved.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testin...8/2006s218.pdf