What do Snell approved helmets mean? What are Snell standards? Is Snell the same as dot? Are Snell helmets DOT approved? Is Snell Better Than Mips? Are Shoei helmets Snell rated? How to tell if a helmet is Snell approved? How long is a Snell rating good for? Here you can learn more about the Snell certification for the motorcycle helmets. Find the safety standards, comparison with other certifications, and more.
What is a Snell Certified Helmet?
Snell-approved helmets mean the helmets have passed the testing conducted by Snell and is able to provide adequate safety to their users while riding. The SNELL Memorial Foundation is indeed a non-profit organization. Snell conducts rigorous testing of motorbike helmets. The testing makes sure that helmets meet the criteria to maintain higher safety. It is among the most stringent and rigorous helmet certifications.
How to tell if a Helmet is Snell-certified?
There are actually 2 ways to label the snell certification of the helmet. The adhesive label is the most common one. A cloth type for the M, SA, and RS standards is also there as well. The aforementioned labeling is affixed on the inside of the headwear. One can notice it quite easily. However, if you haven’t found it yet, check beneath the flaps of the comfort padding. The other labeling type we mentioned is sewn onto the chin strap and folded over. Make sure the labeling is there to understand the helmet has got certification from Snell. Otherwise, if there is the absence of that labeling, your helmet is not certified by Snell.
How Long Do Snell Helmets Last?
The certification actually allows you to use it for around 10 years without any major issues. However, the organization still recommends the users change their helmets after 5 years. Every 5 years, SNELL produces helmets with newly-set standards. The updating is done through new manufacturing technology, material technology, as well as rigorous testing. However, the following causes can force you to change your helmet immediately:
- If your helmet has gone through a major accident, you must not use it further. Same case for a serious collision or a heavy impact.
- Any signs of wear or damage mean you need to change it with immediate effect.
- The materials may degrade over time despite proper storage. In those cases, you should change your headwear.
- Intense using also causes your helmet to require a change.
Are Snell Helmets Better?
The SNELL test is considered one of the very safest on the current market. The testing actually ensures:
- Adequate penetration resistance,
- Proper retention system strength, and
- Enough impact absorption.
Which is Better, Dot or Snell?
Both of these are well-established and renowned certification systems for helmets. Snell conducts dynamic retention and roll-off tests. Utilizing falling weights to test whether the helmet can adequately protect the rider’s head. Their process also includes dropping 11 pounds of weight onto the chin bar to do a chin bar test for full-face helmets. Shooting lead pellets from an air rifle tests out the face shield. Both certifications also assess an impact test estimating how fast the headwear stops moving.
If you are using a DOT-certified helmet it will allow you up to 400Gs of peak acceleration. While Snell lets you have up to 275Gs. On the other hand, according to smf.org Snell M2020 helmets offer almost double the protection of DOT/ECE-approved helmets.
Is AGV Snell Approved?
AGV helmets are not approved by Snell. However, it doesn’t mean that this helmets are not safe enough. Indeed, the AGV helmets are mostly certified by DOT, ECE, and SHARP including the K1, K3, and K6 models. AGV Pista has also FIM certification as well. Meanwhile, AGV AX9 has certifications from DOT and FMVSS 218.
