Spend all your money on a motorcycle helmet then whatever you have left, buy the rest of your riding gear.
One adage to live by.
No, that doesn't mean you can cheap out on boots, jacket and gloves. Dress for the crash but consider your helmet the leading part of your gear. However, when it comes to the best motorcycle helmet, that really depends. On you. If a $1000 helmet doesn't feel right and you spend all your time on the road adjusting it or powering through the uncomfortable fit, that poses more a safety risk than a $200 helmet you forget about a minute after slipping over your head.
All states, except three, have some type of helmet safety law requiring riders to wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet to help prevent against serious injury or death in the event of a crash. DOT-approved helmets undergo specific testing guidelines showing the helmet offers a degree of protection upon impact.
But some helmet manufacturers submit their helmets to undergo even more rigorous testing by the Snell Foundation.
What is a Snell Rated Helmet?
The Snell Memorial Foundation was founded in 1957 in honor of race car driver William "Pete" Snell who died as a result of a crash when his helmet failed to protect him. This led to the Snell Foundation researching, testing and developing a higher standard of helmet safety. Government DOT-approved standards focus on minimum safety requirements whereas Snell ups the game with a more stringent and rigorous set of safety protocols and testing. Snell-certified helmets must withstand more severe impacts than those only meeting DOT approval.
Snell certification puts a helmet under a series of rigorous tests that evaluate performance under conditions simulating real-world impacts. These tests include dropping a helmet from various heights onto different surfaces to measure the shock-absorbing capabilities. Penetration tests evaluate a helmet's ability to withstand sharp objects and retention system tests evaluate a helmet's ability to stay fastened to the rider's head during a crash. Snell revises their standards every five years. The current standard of M2020D (D for DOT) maintains the M2015 standard using a peak acceleration of 275g and five different anvil shapes in testing. The new M2020R (R for Regulation 22) allows for a second separate impact test option to align with the current European or ECE Regulation 22 helmet requirements.
Manufacturers voluntarily submit their helmets for Snell testing, it is not a requirement. Therefore, a helmet without Snell approval does not necessarily imply a failed Snell test it may mean the helmet was not rendered for testing. However, as long as the helmet meets mandatory DOT standards, the manufacturer can sell the helmet if that helmet failed Snell testing standards.
Pros of a Snell Helmet
Clearly, the big benefit of a Snell-certified helmet comes from the proven high level of protection. The rigorous testing indicates Snell-approved helmets offer better protection in various crash scenarios and, arguably, offer the best available head protection for riding a motorcycle.
Snell helmets generally incorporate high-quality materials and components which can lead to better fitment and integrity. Testing also includes various weather conditions so cold, mild or hot, a Snell helmet should offer versatility regardless of environment.
Cons of a Snell Helmet
Conversely, riders might find a Snell helmet weighs more and/or bears an overall uncomfortable fit. This harkens back to if the helmet doesn't fit right or simply weighs you down, find a one that lets you ride without thinking about what's on your head. Snell helmets often cost more because manufacturers freely submit their product for testing and the required components and research that goes into creating a Snell helmet adds to the price tag. However, that doesn't mean you cannot find a moderately priced Snell-approved helmet that costs less than higher-end lids without Snell certification.
Also, though Snell helmets undergo rigorous standards some say these tests hardly replicate the real world resulting in too-high of protection that, ironically, can result in more trauma forces transmitted to a rider's head from more common lower-impact crashes.
Should I Get a Snell Approved Helmet?
Ultimately, we leave the choice up to you. Most riders narrow their search to a brand and model they like and stick with it for years, if not a lifetime of riding, whether or not the helmet holds Snell certification. Indeed, a Snell-certified helmet represents the gold standard in crash protection and if wearing one offers peace of mind, plenty of options exist. But if you find a helmet that fits right and sits right without Snell don't be concerned about compromising your safety. DOT-approved helmets make up the majority of motorcycle helmets and offer the necessary crash protection to make you a repeat customer.
Just remember the other adage: If you have a $10 head wear a $10 helmet.
MotoSport does not sell any motorcycle helmets without a minimum of DOT-approval. For more information, read Picking the Best Motorcycle Helmet - A Buying Guide to Helmets. See our collection of Snell Helmets as well as all of our Motorcycle Helmets.
