Safety Standards...

I can remember 10 years ago when there were just two (2) helmet safety standards to concern yourself with in the US. DOT and SNELL. Everyone I spoke too had generally the same opinion; DOT was what made a helmet legal to wear on the street, and SNELL was what you looked for to ensure you were protected. Oh how times have changed...

SNELL has taken a beating over the last 2 years. Motorcyclist came out with a article proclaiming SNELL was "too hard" to protect a rider in a "average" motorcycle crash, and DOT topped their list in regard to protection. By the way, ECE 2205 (European Standard) also proved to be superior to SNELL. Since, SNELL has anounced plans to change their standard for 2010, making it very simular to ECE 2205.

Now I've read online those who support SNELL, and see the change as nothing more than a "change". SNELL does this every 5 years, so why should this "change" be any different? I see it very simply. In the past, while the standards changed, prior cerified SNELL helmets could still pass. In a nutshell, SNELL 2000 and even most SNELL 1995 helmets could still meet the SNELL 2005 standard. With this change, according to SNELL itself, only about 20% for the SNELL 2005 helmets will pass the 2010 revision.

Since 2002, when Suomy entered the US market with the DOT, European standard Gunwind model, I've been a supporter. Dealers often used SNELL as a selling point. Typically SNELL helmets were more expensive, which made for larger margins. Slogans such as, "Do you really want to put a cheap helmet on a priceless head?" were also used to motivate buyers to spend more money, and increase profits. DOT took a beating, and was reduced to a joke.

Here are a few facts that many don't know.

• Shoei and Arai both make an European standard version, and a SNELL, US version of their models. While I like thinking we as Americans are special, this makes little sense. It drives up manufacturing costs, and those costs get passed onto us.
• While DOT has always been looked down on, it has always been a GREAT (not OK) standard. Nothing is perfect, but for motorcycling it makes sense. Also, did you know that the AMA states, "SNELL M 2005 or DOT FMVSS 218". Notice the "or". It's also recognized around the World as a standard good enough to wear on the race track.

More and more companies are bringing in ECE 2205/DOT versions of their helmets. This is a great thing, and I think you will see more of it in the future. Is SNELL dead? I don't think so, but as the change for 2010 shows, they will have to rethink a few things to keep their heads above water.

Buy a helmet based on what you "require" from it, not by price. If you want a helmet that vents great, has a high end liner, or is super light, then expect to spend more. If you need a helmet that is only above average in these areas, you can find a helmet under $200.00 that will be both safe and comfortable.