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ECE and SNELL

Bumpty

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Location
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I'm looking to make a purchase of my first helmet. I really just want a comfortable and safe helmet.

What are your opinions on snell and ece? Are they the most important factors if safety is my main concern?

I'd like a dual sport helmet, but the pickings are slim with snell ratings. ECE has more options.

Any input appreciated.
 
Just google

blowing the lid off motorcyclist magazine june 2005

and you will find a great bit of info.
 
Proper fit is primary concern. Visiting a good local shop with expertise with fitting the various types/shapes/brands is quite important. Read the various info available from the google search recommended by P-Ratt and make your own choice re: DOT, ECE & SNELL. For short reading, here's a brief summary: http://silodrome.com/snell-vs-dot-vs-ece-r22-05-helmet-standards-throwdown/, but there's more info/opinions out there.

I have "read" that more $$$ does not necessarily mean greater protection, but generally gives better finish, comfort, quiet, ventilation and/or service life. FWIW, I've crash tested 2 SNELL full-face helmets (including 1 very hard impact w/no concussion) and currently use 1 SNELL and 2 ECE helmets.
 
Proper fit is primary concern. Visiting a good local shop with expertise with fitting the various types/shapes/brands is quite important.

+1 on the fit. Expect a proper fit to feel too tight. You might try Lone Star since you're in Austin.

When it comes to DS helmets, there is significant difference between a Joe Rocket and an Arai XD4 (and I suspect the Shoei Hornet.) Some DS helmets have problems with aerodynamics and shield clarity. It's up to you to decide what you can put up with and what you can't.

More research:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovd3KGu6BgU"]Jay's Garage - The Arai Rep on Helmets[/ame]

Good luck.

m
 
That was the best public safety message I have heard about helmets, ever.:clap:


+1 on the fit. Expect a proper fit to feel too tight. You might try Lone Star since you're in Austin.

When it comes to DS helmets, there is significant difference between a Joe Rocket and an Arai XD4 (and I suspect the Shoei Hornet.) Some DS helmets have problems with aerodynamics and shield clarity. It's up to you to decide what you can put up with and what you can't.

More research:

Jay's Garage - The Arai Rep on Helmets

Good luck.

m
 
I'm definitely going to read through that article. I skimmed through it, really interesting.

I've been doing some other research and looks like SNELL 2010 standards have really improved.

I went by cycle gear in austin to try on an arai xd4 and it was really nice. i need to try to find a place in austin that has a shoei hornet. I don't know if I have a shoei head or an arai head.
 
I'll through my $.20 in.

Having read all the Technical documents for SNELL M2010, the near future SNELL M2015 and the DOT and ERC R22-05 standards... My personal unscientific opinion based on personal crashing experiences, accident reviews for a lot of crashes I believe a helmet that meets BOTH the DOT AND SNELL M2010 standard is the better choice.

DOT and SNELL do not test for teh same things.
DOT has a lower limit on allowable shock transmitted to the head then M2010.. I like that.

SNELL tests are present or more stringent for side impact, penetration of the shell and face shield than DOT. I like that.
ERC R22-05 is a bit of both... but not currently approved as a US standard.

So I think a helmet that meets BOTH SNELL M2010 and DOT standards is a better choice.

After the Certs... and the buy in cost of that...I believe you pay more for features; like comfort (size, shape of head, pressure points, wind noise, ventilation), fit, removable/washable components, service replaceable components, add on features (communication equipment ready, built in drop down sun screen and clear shield..ect) and lastly looks.

You can get a good fitting helmet that meets DOT and SNELL M2010 for about $125 or so... after that your paying for things you want, but the helmet is no safer(assuming correct fit on the cheaper one)

http://silodrome.com/snell-vs-dot-vs-ece-r22-05-helmet-standards-throwdown/

http://www.smf.org/standards/m/2010/m2010_final
http://www.smf.org/standards/m/2015/M2015FinalFinal

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=571.218

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

http://www.smf.org/docs/articles/hic/Various_helmets_stds.pdf
 
There are some who believe that Snell's very strict standards about stiffness can actually make a helmet MORE dangerous in some ways. I can't speak to the science of it - it's an opinion I've read from some safety groups.

DOT standards are light years better than they were a few decades ago when I started riding. Most safety journals and articles I read feel that DOT is plenty good enough on modern helmets for non-racing purposes. On my last helmet, I went from a Snell-rated Schoei to a DOT rating (still Shoei), and I'm very comfortable with the decision.
 
This guy fit me for an Arai a few years back at one of the bike shows. Honest and straight forward.

After fitting me with the one and only model helmet in their lineup that would fit me, he told me not to worry about trying to change to an Arai. When I told him about my ventilation concerns compared to what I was then using (Shoei X11) he said it was inferior in that respect and he would rather not sell me a helmet than sell me one and have me tell the world that it wasn't great. We had a great discussion.

I appreciate the honesty.

 
FWIW, i have found the FLY TREKKER DUAL SPORT HELMET to fit well, have quite acceptable quality and it comes apart for cleaning in a simple straight forward manner

they can be had, on your doorstep for about a buck n a quarter

here is just one option

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Fly-Tr..._Merchandise&var=&hash=item4611e7e097&vxp=mtr

which ever way you go, make sure it doesn't have any hard pressure points(result of shape of head vs shape of bucket differences)

a good snugg fit is imperative

a helmet that isn't comfortable & reassuring wont be used correctly

the ECE vs DOT vs SNELL argument is one you will have to resolve within your own mind, in a way only you can, for yourself

as for me, i have some of them all, butt, the TREKKER is my normal goto hat

& IMHO, price doesn't necessarily always equate w/ quality, just the finish of the product

shiny side up

sw
 
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I think I'm just going to try on some helmets and see what really feels like a good fit and go with that.
 
Sounds like a great starting point to me. Just be sure to wear it for more than a couple of minutes in the shop. Take your time.
 
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