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In this session of the Motorcycle Mentor Podcast, I explain the three major motorcycle helmet certifications. If you live in the United States, you should see a DOT on every motorcycle helmet. If it doesn’t show DOT, then it’s not a real helmet. Some helmets also have the SNELL symbol. I’ll explain the difference in these two markings.
Listen to the podcast by clicking on the play button at the top of the page.
More specifically, in this session you’ll find out about:
- What are the three most common certifications: DOT, SNELL and ECE.
- Why all real helmets in the US must show the DOT symbol to be legal helmets.
- What is the difference between DOT and SNELL?
- Which is better, DOT or SNELL?
- Who uses the ECE rating?
Resources and Links
Comparison of SNELL vs. DOT testing from SNELL website.
Special thanks for rating the podcast on iTunes…
I’d like to personally thank the following people for rating the podcast on iTunes:
Scott Foens, and Rob from Canada. Thanks guys. I appreciate it.
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Thank you in advance for doing this. And thank you for listening. I hope you enjoyed this episode. Please let us know what you think in the comment section below.
In the podcast I said that SNELL does not currently test/certify modular helmets. I contacted SNELL directly for clarification. This is their response:
Mr. Mixson
Thank you for your question. We do accept modular (flip-up) helmets for
certification and have even certified a few modular configurations.
Unfortunately, no manufacturer, as yet, has managed to qualify a complete
size range of modular helmets meeting the standard. And, so far, those
manufacturers with the most well-known modular helmet lines have chosen not
to seek Snell certification for any of their modular helmets.
Our requirements for modular helmets are the same as for standard full face
configurations with the added requirement that the chin bar closure be
reasonably secure so as not to open inadvertently during a crash impact.
Thanks for your interest.
Ed Becker
SNELL Foundation
very nice podcast enjoyed it
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