02-01-2014, 11:50 AM
In the U.S., the Snell Foundation does independent testing of motorcycle helmets. Their current standard is M2010 and helmets must pass their testing before earning the Snell rating.
DOT requires manufacturers to meet their standard, but doesn't actually test them before they hit the shelves. They test random samples of DOT rated helmets that are already in the market.
The Euro standard for motorcycle helmets is ECE.22.05. Those helmets are tested before getting the ECE.22.05 stamp.
All three of those have slightly different standards, with none being generally considered significantly superior to the others. You can review the standards and take your pick.
In my racing days, all AMA sanctioned events required a Snell rated helmet. Nowadays I hear that both Snell and ECE.22.05 are acceptable for AMA racing, but not DOT.
DOT requires manufacturers to meet their standard, but doesn't actually test them before they hit the shelves. They test random samples of DOT rated helmets that are already in the market.
The Euro standard for motorcycle helmets is ECE.22.05. Those helmets are tested before getting the ECE.22.05 stamp.
All three of those have slightly different standards, with none being generally considered significantly superior to the others. You can review the standards and take your pick.
In my racing days, all AMA sanctioned events required a Snell rated helmet. Nowadays I hear that both Snell and ECE.22.05 are acceptable for AMA racing, but not DOT.