Helmets... let's see em

[97nismo]

After that EXTENSIVE test that Motorcyclist did on helmets. I doubt I'll EVER own ANY of the $600ish helmets. Especially when a a few sub $200 helmets out performed them. Only downside is, it's hard to find a KBC/HJC/Icon or whatever that isn't Snell approved (yet is still ECE). Which is the standard I'm trying to get away from.

KBC has a helmet that is an older design that they brought back for 07' and it isn't Snell aproved but it is DOT aproved.

[hapster]

What's the reason for staying away from the Snell approval?

[Hoosier]

Whew. . .ok, I'll take a stab at it. Hopefully I won't go on too long here. . .

The Snell is an unrealistic standard to put it simply. It requires a helmet to withstand not one, but TWO high impact hits, in the exact same location. Which is why it's unrealistic. Having a severe accident where your helmet takes two high impact blows to the exact same spot is ULTRA rare to say the least. So to pass this standard, manufacturers have to make the shells, and expandable foam so friggen stiff that in an actual single, high force, impact. The G's transferred to the users skull are WAY higher than your usual $150 DOT only helmet. As it turns out, the companies that make Snell lids, make those exact helmets for the US market ONLY. As the Euro standards like the BSI and ECE don't require the helmets to pass this fantasy land scenario.

Obviously, this is just the jist of it all. What started this whole train of thinking was a BRILLIANT article written by the GREAT Dexter Ford over at MotorCyclist. It is a super long read, but trust me, it's ultra informative, extremely well written, very well researched, and a must read. Anybody who hasn't seen it, should set aside time to do so sometime. . .really.

Blowing the Lid Off

[97nismo]

KBC Helmets

This is the helmet that KBC has that is only DOT approved. They are cheap because they don't have the SNELL rating that cost them more money to get.

[Hoosier]

I'm pretty certain that while my next helmet WON'T be Snell. It will be one of the Euro Standards. While the DOT only helmets have proven to be great, I'm not big on the rules of the standard itself. That's just my .02 though and not really backed up by any hard evidence like the whole Snell thing.

[93civic_sedan]

This is what I have, its my first helmet, very basic, I have a tinted visor also.

[97nismo]

Welcome to the board. Did you get a bike yet?

[93civic_sedan]

Welcome to the board. Did you get a bike yet?

Thanks, I haven't made an into yet b/c I don't have the bike yet. He is dropping it off this sunday. Its going to be damn cold but reguardless I am gearing up and going for a short ride in the neighborhood!

[97nismo]

Thanks, I haven't made an into yet b/c I don't have the bike yet. He is dropping it off this sunday. Its going to be damn cold but reguardless I am gearing up and going for a short ride in the neighborhood!

I hear ya. Just watch out for piles of salt!

[hapster]

If you get out riding this weekend, you may find yourself doing this. Be careful, regardless. Cold tires and cold pavement don't mix.