Snell Motorcycle Helmets

Buying a Snell Certified motorcycle helmet is essential, when you are looking to buy safety gear.  Uncertified helmets are also known as novelty helmets.  These can sometimes be the low cost helmets you see on Ebay which are imported from other countries.  The biggest difference between Snell and DOT helmets is that DOT helmets are self-certified by the manufacturer.  This can be a conflict of interest, when the helmet maker is allowed to self-certify that a helmet meets standards. 

Snell was established in 1957 as an independent body for testing and certifying helmets.  You can find more information on Snell directly at their website: http://www.smf.org/.  Helmets go through a variety of tests for impact (measuring factors such as Peak G force load), Penetration (whether an object can pierce through the exterior shell of your motorcycle helmet), Flame Resistance, Face Shield Penetration, etc.  These published standards ensure that all helmets which have a Snell label have been manufactured to certain standards.  During a crash, the only thing which protects your head from accidents is your helmet.  You should purchase the best helmet that you can afford, as that can mean the difference between life and death.

There are 3 helmet test types-

Certification test- this is done before the helmet is released to the general public.

Random Sample Test- helmets are tested by Snell, which acquires helmets from the general distribution stock. This ensures that helmets which are released to end users are manufactured to the same standards as the test versions.

Prototype Test- This is an unofficial test for motorcycle helmets. These tests are used for research and development purposes.

There are many different style motorcycle helmets. The most protective helmets are full faced helmets. Full faced models protect your head from impact from all angles. Some riders prefer half shell (i.e. old school) variety helmets. These allow for greater airflow, however they are riskier. These helmets do not fully enclose your head, and are more likely to come off during an accident or fall from your motorcycle.

You should always take care of your helmet, especially from physical trauma. Even the slightest drop (such as having your helmet drop from your motorcycle onto the pavement) can affect the ability for your helmet to properly protect you. If you have any doubt with regards to the physical helmet integrity, you should purchase a new helmet. The polystyrene liner is not mean to handle multiple crashes. Some of the more well-known brands of motorcycle helmets include Bell, Shoei, Arai, and Davida. You can buy helmets online, or from your local motorcycle dealer. You should always replace your helmet every five years due to general degradation.