New rider looking for a helmet

[TCormier]

Awe, gotta love spammers

[bluspyder]

My icon is Snell rated.... Also do some research into the difference in dot, Snell, and ece standards. They test for different things.

It's not like an "a-, a, a+" scoring.

Sent from my DROIDX

[John wayno]

From my understanding ece is the most stringent testing followed by snell. Either way just because a helmet is dot doesn't mean it can't pass the snell test.

[SDkawi6]

Anything DOT certified will work. Which ever one you like most... None are really better then others. Basically you're paying for a brand if you want something more expensive. As long as its not one of those dumbass cup helmets harley guys wear will work...

Good luck.

[kevin_stevens]

Originally Posted by John wayno

From my understanding ece is the most stringent testing followed by snell. Either way just because a helmet is dot doesn't mean it can't pass the snell test.

It does mean it hasn't passed it, though.

DOT is what manufacturers claim to have tested themselves. Snell is an external certification group. Nobody passes Snell and doesn't label their product accordingly.

KeS

[pete6923]

Just go to Helmet Center talk with Dave, Tony or Nate they are all knowledgeable on helmets and how they show fit.

[John wayno]

Originally Posted by kevin_stevens

It does mean it hasn't passed it, though.

DOT is what manufacturers claim to have tested themselves. Snell is an external certification group. Nobody passes Snell and doesn't label their product accordingly.

KeS

Correct it does mean it hasn't passed, But doesn't mean it wouldn't.
Dot stands for department of transportation and means it has been approved by the us government to be used on our roads. It is not something the manufacturer just labels it if they seem fit. From my understanding in order to get the snell rating it is a very expensive and a lengthy process. For instance my reevu is ece approved and dot but doesn't have a snell rating yet.

[Deadsmiley]

I have a Scorpion EXO-400. For $130 it's the best helmet you can buy. Sure it's missing some features like nice air flow. I had an X-11 prior. It got destroyed at the track.

If you watch you can sometimes pick up an EXO-400 for under $50.00 when they sell of last year's graphics.

[kevin_stevens]

Originally Posted by John wayno

Correct it does mean it hasn't passed, But doesn't mean it wouldn't.
Dot stands for department of transportation and means it has been approved by the us government to be used on our roads. It is not something the manufacturer just labels it if they seem fit. From my understanding in order to get the snell rating it is a very expensive and a lengthy process. For instance my reevu is ece approved and dot but doesn't have a snell rating yet.

DOT is unvalidated. It IS left up to the manufacturer to self-certify. This is the primary reaon it is less trusted, not the spec itself. Saying that any random helmet with a DOT sticker on it could pass Snell or ECU is unfounded. If you want a helmet certified with that degree of rigor, buy one with a Snell or ECU sticker in it. Saying "this DOT helmet is just as good, but they didn't bother to have it certified" is bullshit.

KeS

[bluspyder]

Dot test for helmet cracks from drops.

Snell is puncture testing.

Unless I'm horribly mistaken.

Sent from my DROIDX

[SFbiker13]

Checked out a few local helmet shops near me to get fitted and ended up buying an Arai helmet (which was what I was leaning towards) @ The Helmet Harbor..also online @ The Helmet Harbor, LLC if anyone is looking for a good shop! Anyways, thanks again for the help fellas

[Transient]

Kinda crappy move of the year: using local dealers to find products, then ordering online. Always try giving them a chance to compete on price and, if they come close, keep it local. Otherwise, you might not have the same resources next time.

[SFbiker13]

The helmet harbor is a local shop to me which is where I bought the helmet...but for people not so local I posted their website link above if they wanted to check it out. The Helmet Harbor, LLC.

[F4sSprintST]

Originally Posted by SFbiker13

The Helmet Harbor..also online @ The Helmet Harbor, LLC

Not much selection. Arai, Scorpion, Speed & Strength

That's all I'm seeing


I'd do Motorcycle Gear | Sportbike Track Gear or Motorcycle Helmets, Motorcycle Jackets, Motorcycle Gear at Competition Accessories or Street & Sportbike Jackets, Gear & Helmets - RevZilla

[Lubedude]

Cycle gear has an excellent return policy on helmets, plus they carry several brands, from high dollar to afforadable.