There are two recognized standards which approve motorcycle helmets. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 218) more commonly known as DOT is the standard which all helmets must meet to pass individual State helmet laws. DOT helmets may come in the form of half helmets, open face helmets, and full face helmets. Many states require eye protection in addition to helmets. Since the half helmet and open face helmet do not provide this it is up to the rider to provide such separate from the helmet. The DOT helmet is usually economically advantageous as well as offering a wide variety of appearance designs.
The second standard is the Snell approved helmet. The Snell Memorial Foundation for the 1957 to establish a standard more stringent than DOT. There are three Snell standards; SA, K and M. SA flammability test while M and K did not. SA & K standards allow for narrow visual field than M and certified SA & K may not be street legal. Therefore make certain your helmet is M certified for motorcycle.
Snell certification may be the best assurance your helmet will perform its most important function. That is of course to save your life and all of your skill and judgment and luck failed to keep you from danger. Because of the higher standard to manufacture a Snell certified helmet the purchase price is higher than a DOT helmet However, the old adage in $45 to $45 head and a $100 helmet for a $1 million head. The most important function of your helmet is to save
your life when all your skill, judgment and luck fail to keep you from harm.
Dan Meusen is founder and President of Jatex, Inc. Jatex was incorporated in 1992 as a sales company. Over the years Jatex developed into a multimillion dollar organization with great integrity.
Presently Jatex operates three successful websites. One of the sites, http://www.BikersBestGear.com is dedicated to offering deeply discounted top-quality safety equipment and apparel for the motorcyclist. The site offers only DOT and the Snell approved helmets as well as a full line of leathers.
Dan has written and published several articles on the subject of motorcycle safety and travel. Dan has also written articles regarding motorcycle helmet construction.