[anrfknm]

Originally Posted by A2rider

You can show him this.


"Although their testing process is very similar, SMF requires their certified helmets to withstand a greater impact and absorb more force than the DOT standards.


DOT certification, however, is less regulated. The manufacturer performs their own tests and determines whether their helmets are DOT approved. Even though the manufacturer doesn't have to report their findings, the government does occasionally conduct limited tests or spot checks. Nevertheless, allowing each company to test their own equipment and not make them report their results means that the DOT certification is done by the honor system.

In 2001, DOT performed one of their spots tests on 40 helmets. There was a 20 percent failure rate with the AFX, Fulmer, HJC, M2R, NEXL, and THH helmets. Again, after the data was published, it was up to the manufacturer to bring their products into compliance.

While there's no guarantee a DOT-approved helmet has actually been tested, the purchase of a Snell-approved lid ensures that the product has been evaluated under scrutiny. A Snell-certified helmet also meets and exceeds the DOT standards."

thanks for that bit of information tina. i've been riding 44 years and knew of the different test standards, but never knew DOT was voluntary.