Motorcycle Helmet Safety Rating Certification Guide | DOT vs ECE vs Snell

Whether you're in the market for a new motocross, off-road, ADV/dual sport or street motorcycle helmet, you've come across the three main safety certifications. DOT, ECE and Snell safety ratings can be seen on all the top helmets in today's market. But, what do these certifications mean and which rating is best for me? In this motorcycle helmet safety rating certification guide, Chase aims to answer those questions as he goes over everything you need to know about DOT, ECE and Snell helmet safety ratings.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - What are the safety standards?
1:29 - DOT
2:50 - ECE
3:25 - Snell
5:04 - Testing

[@tinymotogarage]

FIM > ECE > SNELL > DOT - in that order. A large addition to ECE is rotational impact testing which is where things like MIPS come from and is real-world useful. FIM is crazy expensive and if you're not racing, I'm not sure it's doable until the tech comes down in price. ECE testing is (from my limited research) far more technically complete and useful in actual crashes (sure, a steel spheroid is nice, but how many pavements or fenders are shaped like that?). SNELL is a good standard but I think outdated and DOT is just a bare minimum. I won't ride in anything but ECE or SNELL. Some tracks require SNELL too I believe - worth checking if you're going to the track.

[@DmitriyAdv]

I agree. SNELL is originally an auto racing standard and you can see that in a lot of the testing methodologies. Hitting a round object very hard several times is exactly what happens when you hit the roll cage in a race car during a crash or a roll. Much less relevant on a motorcycle and especially on a dirt bike, where we crash more often but less hard. So you’re more worried about more frequent but less forceful concussion inducing impacts.

[@estebanod]

Exactly, I agree with your ranking I'd even add BIS and SHARP somewhere

[@adam346]

@@estebanod SHARP is just a categorization and not a standard so while useful I wouldn't call it a safety rating if no one is actually requiring it to buy/sell helmets. It to also has it's flaws... like the fact that cheap thermoplastic lids can do extremely well if they just bulk up and flare out the entry point of the helmet, making it heavy and under the wrong circumstances brake your collar bones. So I will stick with the ECE 22.05 or the new ECE 22.06 whenever it becomes widely available.

[@uncrunch398]

I recently looked at an ECE rated helmet. The same helmet with MIPS is ~$80-90 more expensive. How good does it need to be for a class 2 eBike though? I plan on eventually keeping up with most off thruway traffic, but that's not an option any time soon due to cost.

[@uncrunch398]

I'll go for one with ECE and DOT certification. Since I don't know if specifically targeting ECE's consistent testing puts someone in danger with that helmet. That's the best I can do if people who already did far more research than I could can't give a better one. No SNELL, because it's hard to find any. FIM, maybe someday if I could find an affordable one that fits.

[@fermitupoupon1754]

What this video couldn't mention is that FIM rated helmets exist today. Which are basically ECE 22.06 +++. But what they also neglect to mention is that Snell helmets are essentially made for cars. The double impact at the same location on a rounded anvil makes sense when you're strapped down with a 5 point harness and you hit your head on a roll cage. ECE 22.06 and FIM are the only standards that test for tumbling impacts, the type that you would actually have to deal with in motorcycle riding. Snell doesn't do this, because it doesn't occur in car racing. And well the DOT standards are 50 years out of date by now. If you're buying a new helmet today, in order of most safe for motorcyclists, it's FIM, ECE22.06, ECE22.05 (and their copies), then a whole bunch of nothing, then Snell, then a whole lot more nothing and somewhere in the far distance there's DOT, followed closely by a 1920s leather skull cap.

[@BANAXX]

Love the unbiased delivery of this video. No where was it stated that DOT has the most lenient standards but allowed us to understand it for ourselves.

[@finerbiner]

Thanks for the No CONCLUSION. That is super helpful. IMO- Snell and DOT are worthless for motorcycle helmets. Completely. ECE is much better.

[@CriscOnSmootH]

Honestly lol

[@94SexyStang]

Ece is a joke, it's government run....when was the last time you trusted the government for Anything beyond delivering mail.

[@slab6993]

Always look at the Rocky Mountain vids when choosing gear , they're brilliant. You get all the information you need to make an informed choice... Always been snell test, it's what I'm familiar with and very thorough... another great video, many thanks 👍

[@Heckman_Productions]

Had no clue about all of this, really cool to learn the intricacies of the certifications! Definitely sounds like Snell is the hardest to pass

[@Julian-dx5wp]

Wow, you guys produce such high quality videos👍

[@gctrails]

I'll be more informed in advance of my next helmet purchase 😀

[@ArizonaAdv]

Great info .Answers my questions . ""RIDE ON""

[@bojankovac5218]

Again, awesome review 👌🏻💪🏻✌🏻

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks ✌️

[@Choirboyjr11]

Great video! Snell or ECE for me.

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Thanks for bringing us the safety tips. Might not always be sexy, but it's better than brain damage. Cheers!

[@timturner4092]

Hey can you do a review on the 3.5 leatt body protector and what's the difference between it and the 6.0. Thanks and keep up the good work love the videos💯🔥

[@gunzforarmz]

Sedici Strada 2 has a version that has a drop down visor and one that does not. The one without got a Snell certificate and the one that has a drop down visor has an ECE. The helmets are 99.9% identical. I don't understand why so many of the comments are saying Snell ratings are worthless. Worthless is not having a rating at all or not wearing a helmet.

[@matthewsposato3715]

As a truck driver and an avid motorcycle rider, and enthusiast I’ve come across some horrific MC accidents. Don’t be stupid. Wear a helmet and when you buy a helmet, don’t cheap out. Do your research, and buy the best. Cheers.

[@allenhuling598]

Really valuable info, Chase, thanks for doing this video! Recently bought an HJC helmet, and most parts of it are great value for money! The one thing that would cost nothing to improve is the sizing charts....not even close! Had to go up a size, and even then I've been trying to buy less restrictive cheek pieces for months now, but they are immediately sold out as soon as posted....further proof of the incorrect sizing charts! My two cents.....

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you liked the video, Allen! It was interesting putting this script together. Learned a lot. Sorry to hear about your helmet sizing. But that's exactly why we have our fit guarantee. - Chase

[@allenhuling598]

@@rmatvmc Thanks for the reply, Chase! My comment about HJC's sizing charts was not directed at RM ATV MC, but rather at HJC themselves, as the problem seems to be with their own sizing charts. Doesn't make sense that it would be that complicated to do sizing right.....meanwhile, there is apparently a line of folks waiting to buy aftermarket parts to make their otherwise nice helmet fit correctly! Cheers!

[@gunzforarmz]

​@@allenhuling598 do more research. Most manufacturers don't run true to size. I have an HJC large and after breaking it in, it's a great fit. No need to trash HJC because you have an awkward head

[@brown_note4710]

Dude, the arai rep just visited us at Bellevue Cycle Gear and it was awesome!

[@brown_note4710]

Never getting another brand

[@WindyPine1131]

An Arai helmet saved me over a 75ft cliff in 2018 so when I got a new helmet I had to stay loyal. I’d like to try something else but I’m scared to put my trust in anything else

[@korbinstudnicki3510]

Question I got a xy500eu side by side. I’m getting no spark. The ignition coil has 3 prongs. On the ignition coil I put my multimeter on ohms and only got .7 when touching 2 certain prongs. I also got 13.07 when I used black wire on a prong and the red wire onto the actual tip where the spark plug wire plugs into. That’s the only readings I could get?

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

Snell is a joke and they know it. If you are driving a car then fine. Snell is good enough. But I only wear either ECE or FIM helmets. DOT is worst than Snell. It seems like the DOT lives in a some fantasy land. I think that Brian from FortNine has it right when he explains Snell standards and how they added a standards (M2020R) only to be able to sell helmets in Europe. First they trashed the ECE standards saying they were unsafe and later adopted similar standards. Snell doesn’t even have a rotational standard like ECE and FIM helmets must meet. It seems that Snell cares more about putting their certificate in every helmet possible to help their bank account, rather than saving lives. You said that Snell testing is the hardest to past, actually not, FIM standards are the hardest and most expensive to pass. The reason those helmets sell for about 700-800 for one of the cheapest models and even over 2 grand for some top of the line. Here is a link to someone who had done his homework and actually explains the standards. And a video about the absolute joke the DOT standards are. Very good videos that if they don’t convince you of wearing ECE or FIM helmets, then nothing will. Some gave said that living in ignorance is a bliss. Smell BS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWfcpmRoac5meNE DOT BS and how manufactures regulate themselves: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnO4qqNpfb1rmbs

[@adam346]

I think this video actually "addresses" it by saying "some people say that SNELL causes shells to be too rigid... it was a direct shot at FortNine

[@ovo-np5cs]

What about sharp rating??

[@oOtazzaOo]

I bought a TÜV Rheinland certified helmet from Europe. Can I wear that here in us?

[@stephenmett3929]

SNELL, ECE, DOT, FIM, SHARP , tested helmets are ALL better than a baseball cap or Do-rag !!! From what I can tell, FIM or Sharp are more specific to helmets used in racing or riding in the UK. Another factor is the style of helmet (half helmet, open face, or full face) which may dictate what test standard could apply. I own many helmets, some from each category in this video. The ones I have the most confidence in are SNELL certified.

[@RocksNRuts4]

true but im not that dumb, i do wana kno how good my HELMET is

[@alphonsbretagne8468]

SNELL's are designed based on car crashes. That's why they required to withstand two impacts at the same spot, which is more likely beeing strapped to a seat bouncing against the metal cage you're in. ECE is based on motorcycle crashes. You may check channel @FortNine

[@trapskilla]

lol DOT is such a joke. I only pay attention to ECE rating, If a cop ever tries to give me a ticket for not having a DOT helmet I’ll take the county to court for endangering my life.

[@joams9316]

How about sharp?

[@zbfire1389]

What about SHARP?

[@risrider]

Since you are now selling the FIM FRHPhe-01 approved helmets you should have included a description of that standard in this video. Personally I will not buy another helmet that is not FIM approved.

[@Lanolin410]

Look at FortNine’s video on Snell, then form your own opinion….

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

you just gave me a headache with those criteria's, now what helmet should I have now?!? LOL

[@talf1127]

What about ccc?

[@genesismencias5374]

The puncture test bugs me, whybis this needed?

[@collinwall5169]

idk, the answer seems to be that snell is the best. 400gs is a lot more than 275 and although ece has those two extra tests it does not make up for its other shortcomings

[@adam346]

ece is closest to real world. You want your helmet to crumple, that is how it absorbs the impact but if the impact is not enough to penetrate the shell, it goes directly into decelerating your skull which is far more likely to cause a concussion. Think of it like a car... they are not built to be strong, they are built to absorb impacts by crumpling increasing the time it has to decelerate everything inside the car... if the cars outer shell was rigid, it would ricochet off, transferring all of the energy into the occupant. It would be like a spike of 100g for 1ms or 25g for 4ms... harder shells are not necessarily good, especially in low and medium speed crashes. At speeds in which regular riders hit... SNELL is just a concussion waiting to happen... for racing it makes sense but not on the road.

[@LewisR7]

@@adam346 this makes a load of sense and sells me on to ECE

[@quikboarder93]

@@adam346yes and no. Depends on the helmet. Arai for example uses a multi density impact liner (as opposed to the standard single density), so they are able to use softer materials on the inside in more common small impact areas to make up for the hard shell. In extreme wrecks, a fiberglass helmet will crack to disperse the energy even more in situations where a polycarbonate helmet probably would have shattered or split open. So assuming the EPS liners are the same, your theory is correct. Not all EPS liners are built the same though. For the hits that are hard enough to potentially be fatal, you’re better off with a fiberglass shell. Arai is one of the few SNELL rated helmets that also can pass ECE though. Idk about Shoei or carbon alternatives like Scorpion, HJC, Bell, etc… Check out Johnny Rea’s high side crash. It’s an older video, but medical staff examined him and found no signs of a concussion at the time. He was in an Arai.

[@94SexyStang]

Snell is NEEDED for track days, or most ride events in America.....ECE wont cut it.....unless you're doing a beginner event or something, then dot is fine.

[@fermitupoupon1754]

If a motorcycle race organiser requires that you wear a Snell rated lid, back away quickly. Snell isn't a bad helmet, if you're racing a car. FIM and ECE 22.06 are much, much better for motorcyclists. Snell tests and certifies helmets for hitting your head on a roll cage, hence the double impact test. FIM and ECE actually test for tumbling impacts, like you'd experience in a highside accident. I mean it's your choice, but if you're spending the kind of money to get a Snell rating, you're already close to an FIM rating. Just spend the extra few bucks and get an FIM rated lid. If you can't get an ECE 22.06 lid. Snell is a distant third, DOT might as well be irrelevant given that it's 50 years out of date.

[@simemo75]

How does SHARP Rating compare to the other standards?

[@estebanod]

SHARP is considered useless by many Because we don't know how they rate each helmets Before passing for SHARP, a helmet has to be ECE certified first

[@njohnson3331]

I am astonished when people don't wear helmets. Okay, it's their choice, but I just think about Gary Busey, and other famous and less famous victims of their own choices. Just buy a decent helmet, and make sure it fits and it's comfortable enough. You'll get used to it, and even prefer it. I like the anonymity my helmet gives me too, since I'm ostensibly a tough guy. Just think of the the potential savings a a few hundred dollars spent on quality gear can render.

[@planetphatness]

I live in Missouri and a majority of people here don't wear gear of any kind besides sunglasses. I can't ride without at least pants, boots, gloves and a full face helmet.

[@njohnson3331]

Random story. My brother and I went to Hanoi a few years ago, and our tour guides agreed to give us a scooter tour. They provided us with Star Wars helmets which were basically dressed up industrial hard hats. Very sketchy, but very fun. Just imagine two overweight Americans riding pillion to 2 very petite Vietnamese women on 125 cc scooters.

[@DADSGETNDOWN]

Why would you dislike this video ?

[@matiaswagner9810]

Because until 1:05 they said nothing, and after that they said what RyanF9 said.

[@DADSGETNDOWN]

Your sound must have been off. I don't see a ryanf9 here.

[@matiaswagner9810]

@@DADSGETNDOWN And that is the difference between a collaboration and a plagiarism.

[@DADSGETNDOWN]

@@matiaswagner9810 Where is this Plagiarism?

[@leep814]

Non-Helmet wearing commies. That's who

[@DarkIzo]

FIM ?

[@johnanderson9735]

It is a money grab in the US to make DOT a legal standard and say ECE is illegal. Prices for vary widely (higher) for DOT helmets in the US and similar helmets sold in Europe.

[@rmatvmc]

ECE isn't "illegal" and you can get helmets that are both DOT and ECE rated.

[@iritian]

@@rmatvmc Not only that, but you can get a helmet that has both certifications and still be affordable. For example Westt offers helmets that start at around $60 with both ECE and DOT

[@coygerten6802]

Watches video to research what rating i should buy "go do your own research "

[@rmatvmc]

Haha! Look, I get what you're saying, but I can't tell you what helmet rating is the best because I don't have a definite answer to that. Every rider and helmet maker have different opinions about what standard is best. Some companies think that a SNELL helmet is too stiff and forces you to make the helmet too heavy, and the companies that do have a SNELL helmet believe that a SNELL certified helmet is the safest. That's why we say, do some research and come to a conclusion that you feel will put you in the safest helmet. - Chase

[@nadesmond6029]

The hell is everyone in the comments talking about?! Crash helmets should not break! The hard shell of a helmet is usually made of polycarbonate. And it's treated basically to be like a hardened non-newtonian material. It bends and wobbles so that the energy dissipates throughout the surface. Just like any building. Or bridge. If the material is stiff it will break and break your skull with it. Not to mention the debris from the breakage would make things a million times worse even at normal speeds. Just google helmet standards.

[@markkus1134]

Only Arai for me one of the best fitting built helmets made

[@RocksNRuts4]

i dont see how ppl below are choosing ece, seemed the worst to me....DOT 400 G's over 275 seems grt, plus the anvil, ece seemed less at testing....

[@collinwall5169]

fairly certain the goal is to have as low of Gs as possible

[@Daschickenify]

That is a max allowed g limit to pass the rating. So if you think your head will hold up better at 400 g than 275 or below, you do you. Lower is less likely to kill you.

[@estebanod]

Hum.. the point is having low Gs...

[@jamesmartinez2389]

@@Daschickenify why even compare dot to ece? you can’t have the latter without the former. useless comparison. only real comparison is ece vs snell… testing from the 50’s that hasn’t been updated vs testing that constantly updates.

[@B1ack1c311]

This comment comes across like you've been in an accident while wearing a DOT helmet 🤣

[@gonzalo9782]

Shoei+ Snell for me.✌️

[@delzotto777]

so basically ECE is just china quality...?

[@estebanod]

No? China's IS would be similar to DOT

[@B1ack1c311]

Lol not quite, ECE is the safer standard of the 3 mentioned in this video for motorbike riding, SNELL is designed for car racing as isn't particularly safe for someone on a motorbike. DOT is just a joke

[@matiaswagner9810]

Oh come on Revzilla. This is a RyanF9 video. Stick to your niche

[@spaghettijedi2607]

And Ryan F9 did it better...

[@edwardlawson9200]

LOL, I don't know the exact timing of either but my money is going on the nose of F9 and this is more a response video, perhaps even requested by Snell as he's far kinder, leaving out a number of things about snell that doesn't come across well to a motorcyclist.

[@DavidHain-TX]

Snell is for roll cages, ECE is for motorcyclists. Snell is very behind with mixed standards, ECE is focused on motorcyclists, updated regularly. I am disappointed to hear what seems like you boosting Snell as a motorcycle standard. Motorcyclists are FAR more likely to have impacts in different locations, than to have repeat impacts in the same location. Snell is for a roll cage where you have repeated hits in the same location. You should have spent more time on the ECE benefits for motorcyclists.

[@94SexyStang]

Ece is a goverment run Joke...the quality standards on snell are MILES better, and standards have been updated.

[@kornaros96]

@@94SexyStang and why the M2020D and M2020R?

[@tim17371]

Guarantee this company is in bed with snell. ECE does a much better job at testing helmets which is why the biggest markets in the world require ECE and not snell or DOT. not once does he mention that ECE does testing on rotational forces which causes a lot more damage and absorbing energy during an impact like ECE requires is much safer then a hard helmet like snell that causes an concussion