Certified head
In most countries around the world it is legally mandated that a motorcyclist must wear a helmet and many countries require that those helmets be recognised safety devices with a test rating. What this means is that there are a multitude of helmets on sale globally that do not have a safety rating and many that do. What does this mean for the bike rider? Is there a difference between a helmet that has a rating and one that doesn't? The answer goes a lot deeper than one may think.
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There are many different types of bike helmets, including open-face, full-face, MX, and road touring helmets, and their prices reflect the level of engineering that has gone into them. Each helmet should have a testing certification proving that it has undergone sufficient impact tests to make it safe for sale. Most countries that have mandated helmet laws will also have a rating requirement allowing that helmet to be sold in their region.
So how do you know that the helmet you are buying is rated and good to go? It isnt all just about price!
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Tested
There are a number of testing certifications that are recognised globally. If your helmet bears these certifications, you can rest assured that it has been thoroughly tested to meet the minimum standards required. Let's take a look at each certification:
ECE 22.05
Economic Commission for Europe standard, guideline line 22 version 5 refers to the minimum engineering standard that any motorcycle helmet must meet in order to be sold in the EU. The test will cover impacts, straps, buckles and field of vision. Helmets bearing this code have been approved for sale in EU regions and will bear an E rating on the chin strap. The number attached to the E indicates the region in Europe the testing was done for.
E1 is Germany
E2 is France
E3 is Italy
E4 is The Netherlands
E6 is Belgium
E11 is Great Britain
DOT
For a helmet to be sold in the USA, it must pass the Department Of Transport testing. This testing is very similar to the ECE ones, but not as strict. This is why, in some countries, helmets that bear the DOT marking and not the ECE marking are not allowed to be sold.
SNELL
The SNELL Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to making higher safety standards for helmets; SNELL is famous for having high demands regarding the safety of tested helmets. A SNELL certification can be seen as an indicator of safety, but it is not a requirement for the helmet to be sold; it is more of a guarantee of safety. The SNELL Foundation tests dozens of types of helmets based on their designated use. It has categories such as Motorcycling, Elite Automotive Sports, Kart, SA Automotive Sports as well as Equestrian, Skiing and Cycling. Some helmets can look similar but are designed and tested for different applications
SHARP
SHARP is a British government program that tests motorcycle helmets and classifies them with a rating of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest score. Much like SNELL, it is not a requirement yet for a helmet to be sold, but the agency is working toward the requirement for British roads.
If you ever want to get into a neverending argument, bring up the subject of helmets and whether an expensive model is better than a cheaper version. Whether you spend R2000 or R20 000, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement. - Essential gear
It would seem that manufacturers will design and build their helmets according to the ECE standard, as it is the most widely accepted litmus test globally and is used in over 50 countries as the standard for their traffic legislation. However, many safety advocates are no longer happy with the ECE standard, saying that it only measures for bare minimums and no longer contains a puncture test. It is also very important to remember that motorcycle helmets do not have the proper safety requirements for car use, specifically a rollbar multi-impact test and helmets with an M-rating or DOT-ratings are not acceptable for automotive motorsports with the same in reverse, Automotive helmets are not suitable for motorcycles as the field of vision and weights are very different.
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Verdict
As a consumer looking to buy a helmet, you should only purchase a model that has the ECE and DOT ratings as a minimum. If the helmet carries these markings, you can be assured that it has passed the test and will offer you the appropriate protection.
That said, do not expect the same protection from a R1500 helmet as you would from a R20 000 model. Both helmets carry the ECE and DOT ratings, but the more expensive model will naturally offer better features and protection than the cheaper model.
The important factors when purchasing your new helmet are that the model must have the right certification, fit you correctly, and, above all, be comfortable.
