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U.S. vs European versions of the same helmet
#1
So, interesting situation. I find Scorpion to be my best fitting helmet brand. They're well made but not too expensive. Since I like variety, I like having four different Scorpion helmets in my fleet that I can rotate through.

A few of them are getting older, and I want to rotate them out of daily use. Tried on a Scorpion HX1 at the local shop and it was really comfortable, but it's only available in black and a textured grey that looks like cement. Problem is, I like bright or white colored helmets for visibility and don't buy dark helmets.

Looking online, the European version of the same helmet is available in white with a red stripe in a "nostalgia" pattern. It's on a website in the Netherlands, http://www.chromeburner.com for a clearance price that's low enough that even with shipping to the U.S., it's cheaper than buying a U.S. version in black.

Rather than a standard D-ring, it has a ratcheting strap, and interesingly, the Euro version of the helmet has a drop-down sun visor while the U.S. version does not.
It's ECE rated, but not being a U.S. market helmet, it's probably not DOT rated. I'm not really concerned about that, as I'm sure if it's safe and legal for riding in Europe, it will be fine here in the U.S., and I doubt it would ever be questioned.
I pulled the trigger and bought one, and look forward to getting it.

Anyone else bought a European version helmet that's also available in the U.S.? If all is good, I'll probably buy another one from them. They have some other models that I'm familiar with at great prices.
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#2
Hoping that I can thread a helmet lock extender through the ratchet mechanism to still use my helmet lock.

My most comfortable helmet is my Exo T510. I regret not buying another when I could have, as it’s long discontinued. It appears to have continued in Europe as the Exo 491, which Chromeburner is now discounting in white with black pinstripes. Again at a great price, even with shipping to the U.S.
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#3
ECE ratings are respectable, and some of mine have that designation.

We have a Scorpion helmet here and there has been no complaints in regards to comfort.
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#4
The U.S. ratings are starting to move towards the Euro style test requirements.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BUyp3HX8cY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76yu124i3Bo
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#5
(01-08-2024, 07:33 AM)m in sc_imp Wrote: id be way more inclined to accept an EU safety cert than the DOT one as being safer.

Exactly. Our DOT ratings are so far behind the curve it's silly. Fort Nine did a nice video on this specific subject a few years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BUyp3HX8cY

*Edit*
Oops, didn't notice that PowerDubs posted the same Fort Nine video. Can't delete my post.
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#6
I have never been stopped and asked to show any LEO my helmet, but why do I have an image of a helmet sitting on a table in a coffee shop, and having someone glance at it. I tend to frequent the same coffee shops as the local constabulary. For a few bucks, I ordered a few "DOT" stickers, and will put them on my new Dutch Scorpions. Does that make me a bad person?

Also, researching helmet ratings, I stumbled on the California state webpage that gives the state helmet laws. Turns out that I've already been illegal. There's a law that says that anything that protrudes 5mm from the helmet surface is illegal. Must not be enforced much, as I've gotten a few LEOs commenting on how smart my BrakeFree LED helmet brake light is.
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#7
(01-09-2024, 03:54 AM)Gone in 60_imp Wrote: I have never been stopped and asked to show any LEO my helmet, but why do I have an image of a helmet sitting on a table in a coffee shop, and having someone glance at it. I tend to frequent the same coffee shops as the local constabulary. For a few bucks, I ordered a few "DOT" stickers, and will put them on my new Dutch Scorpions. Does that make me a bad person?

Also, researching helmet ratings, I stumbled on the California state webpage that gives the state helmet laws. Turns out that I've already been illegal. There's a law that says that anything that protrudes 5mm from the helmet surface is illegal. Must not be enforced much, as I've gotten a few LEOs commenting on how smart my BrakeFree LED helmet brake light is.

I also have one that can be moved between two of my helmets.
Excellent safety product!
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#8
Yes, Peter, but it might be.... illegal!
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#9
Don't care, will argue when I get stopped
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#10
(01-09-2024, 04:18 AM)Gone in 60_imp Wrote: Yes, Peter, but it might be.... illegal!

... all those helmet cams ...
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