this is a subject that comes up again every once in a while. surely, the reason why is because the rating system is not easily understood by the casual observer, and it takes a little bit of research to understand the ratings, and the differences between them.
DOT rating: The Department of Transportation (DOT) rates motorcycle helmets. The rating is based on dropping the helmet containing a simulated head from a height of 10 feet. The "head" must receive no more than 400 Gs over a prescribed dwell time.
Snell rating: The Snell Memorial Foundation rates motorcycle helmets. The rating is based on dropping the helmet containing a simulated head from a height of 10 feet. The "head" must receive no more than 285 Gs. A second drop is done from a lower height.
The Difference Between SNELL & DOT Ratings:
Snell Standards: The Snell rating is a more stringent rating, and is completely voluntary, meaning that helmet manufacturers can choose whether or not they wish to meet Snell's advanced safety guidelines. Snell standards are set to levels that only the best, most protective headgear will meet. Moreover, Snell certification is more than simply high "standards", it is based on actual testing of actual helmets.
DOT Standards: The DOT rating simply indicates that a manufacturer believes that its helmet meets the basic DOT standards, without any actual testing on the helmets themselves. In that sense, DOT ratings are fairly easy to come by, and virtually anybody can make and sell a helmet with a DOT sticker.
Fortunately, DOT personnel periodically buy helmets and send them to independent labs for testing to assure that they actually do meet the standard. The results are posted on the
NHTSA website in a pass/fail form. You might be surprised to learn that more than half of all helmets recently tested with the DOT sticker on them actually failed DOT's lab tests.
Keep in mind, if you purchase a "novelty" helmet without either of these safety ratings (Snell or DOT), you may look the coolest, however the degree of protection you'll receive in the event of a crash will be minimal. How cool will you look then?
the rest of that
website, which goes into greater detail and may or may not be necessary for you to make a decision whether the track will accept the helmet.
now, of course, the NHRA is the rulebook that most tracks use, especially if they want NHRA events at their track
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NHRA FAQ: Do I need a helmet, and if so, what kind?
A helmet is required for the driver of any car or truck running 13.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile, and for the rider of any motorcycle. Most drivers can use a helmet meeting SNELL M85, M90, M95, SA85, SA90, SA95 or K98 specifications. Professional category and some alcohol burning vehicles require an SA rated helmet. It is important to note that the helmet rating must be designated on a tag INSIDE the helmet, or sewn to one of the helmet straps. The designation stenciled on the exterior of the helmet is insufficient for NHRA technical inspection. Also, some tracks require a helmet on ALL drivers, so check in advance.
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