[mitt]

I bought a Shoei Raid Zeal European Helmet this year in Europe, and I was planning on taking it back to the US next year. It is does NOT have a Snell sticker.
I saw the table of standards compared between Eruope and US, but what does it all mean? What could happen using a non-DOT non-Snell helmet in the US? I am sure a manufacturer like Shoei makes effective helmets regardless of where they sell them. Who is to say that one standard is supperior to another, other than the powers-that-be?

I would like to get more opinons from other riders.

mitt

 

[test-reg]

excellent question. in many states with helmet laws, DOT certification is required. other than that i don't have a clue.

the people who get to say one standard is superior to the other are a bunch of politicians and lawyers. that is how we get stuuck with wonderful devices like killer airbags in our cars.

 

[maxpower]

I believe that DOT is lower than SNELL and is probably lower than some of the European standards.

I would be pretty sure that the Shoei you have is DOT compliant, but since it wasn't meant for the US market - they wouldn't put the sticker on.

What kind of classification is on your helmet. I don't know how to go about it - but I would think that you might want to try to contact Shoei USA and ask them about the model you got. Someone has to be able to give you a sticker or certification that that helmet meets DOT.

I wouldn't be that worried about it - as long as you know you have a decent helmet on your head. I don't think too many cops are checking those stickers - but if you are doing track days you will probably need something official.

 

[ewolnosaj]

Given that it is a decent helmet I wouldn't worry about it too much. You should do your homework and make sure that it is not a lower standard there... I am sure someone makes "DOT" stickers given how many harley riders I have seen with tupperwear bowls filled with spray foam, they all say DOT! WIthout the DOT sticker a prick cop may try and use it as an excuse to give you a ticket.

 

[Fillmore]

I don't have DOT or Snell stickers on my OGK helmet. The Helmet is listed on the Snell site as meeting Snell requirements, but since they aren't marketed in the US, they don't pay Snell for the priviledge of putting the stickers on.

It is BSI (British) certified which is legal in both AMA and FIM, so most race and track day organizations don't have an issue with it.

If it's good enough for a crash master like Jamie Witham, it's good enough for me.

--Fillmore

 

[Guest]

DOT and Snell are standards used to regulate testing methods and parameters for (in this case) crash worthiness/impact survivability. CE is another test standard (European) for the same objective (I suspect your helmet will have a CE sticker). Regardless, I wouldn't worry about the Shoei. A cop with PMS could hassle you you (depending upon your states helmet laws) but, I would just wear it and enjoy it.

 

[CRASH!]

What kind of classification is on your helmet.