The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Helmet Standards: Snell, DOT, ECE, SHARP, and FIM

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you know how important it is to wear a helmet that protects your head and brain from serious injuries. But how do you choose the best helmet for your riding style and safety needs? There are many different helmet standards in the world, each with their own testing methods and criteria. How can you compare them and find out which one is the most reliable and trustworthy?

In this article, we will review the five most common helmet standards: Snell, DOT, ECE, SHARP, and FIM. We will explain what each standard measures, how they differ from each other, and what are their advantages and disadvantages. We will also give you a detailed rating of each standard based on their performance, quality, and consistency. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of which helmet standard is the best for you and why.

Are you ready to learn more about helmet standards and how they affect your safety and comfort? Let’s get started!

Review the five most common helmet standards: Snell, DOT, ECE, SHARP, and FIM.

When you buy a helmet, you may notice a sticker or a label on it that indicates the standard it meets. But what do these standards mean and how do they affect your safety and comfort? In this section, we will review the five most common helmet standards in the world: Snell, DOT, ECE, SHARP, and FIM.

Snell

Snell is a private, non-profit organization that sets voluntary standards for helmets. Snell standards are considered to be the most rigorous and comprehensive in the world, as they test helmets for impact, penetration, retention, and peripheral vision. Snell also requires helmets to undergo random testing every year to ensure their quality and consistency. Snell standards are updated every five years, and the latest version is Snell M2020.

DOT

DOT stands for Department of Transportation, and it is the federal agency that regulates helmet safety in the United States. DOT standards are mandatory for all helmets sold in the US, and they test helmets for impact, penetration, and retention. DOT standards are based on a self-certification system, which means that helmet manufacturers are responsible for testing and labeling their own products. DOT does not require helmets to undergo random testing or periodic updates, and the latest version is FMVSS 218.

ECE

ECE stands for Economic Commission for Europe, and it is the international organization that sets helmet standards for Europe and other countries. ECE standards are mandatory for all helmets sold in the European Union, and they test helmets for impact, penetration, retention, and abrasion. ECE standards are based on a third-party certification system, which means that helmet manufacturers must submit their products to an independent laboratory for testing and approval. ECE standards are updated regularly, and the latest version is ECE 22.06.

SHARP

SHARP stands for Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme, and it is a public service that provides helmet ratings for consumers in the United Kingdom. SHARP ratings are based on the ECE standards, but they go beyond them by testing helmets for impact at different speeds and angles. SHARP ratings are expressed in a star system, from one star (poor) to five stars (excellent). SHARP ratings are updated frequently, and they are available on the SHARP website.

FIM

FIM stands for Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, and it is the global governing body of motorcycle racing. FIM standards are designed for professional racers, and they test helmets for impact, penetration, retention, and rotational forces. FIM standards are based on a third-party certification system, which means that helmet manufacturers must submit their products to an authorized laboratory for testing and approval. FIM standards are relatively new, and the latest version is FIM FRHPhe-01.

Snell, DOT, ECE, SHARP, and FIM what are their advantages and disadvantages.

Now that you know what the five most common helmet standards are, you may wonder how they measure helmet safety and how they compare to each other. In this section, we will explain what each standard measures, how they differ from each other, and what are their advantages and disadvantages.

Impact

Impact testing is the most important and common method of measuring helmet safety, as it simulates the forces that a helmet would experience in a crash. Impact testing involves dropping a helmet with a headform inside onto an anvil at a certain speed and angle, and measuring the acceleration and deceleration of the headform. The lower the acceleration and deceleration, the better the helmet protects the head and brain from injuries.

The five standards differ in the following aspects of impact testing:

• Speed: Snell and FIM test helmets at higher speeds than DOT and ECE, which means they require helmets to withstand more severe impacts. SHARP tests helmets at various speeds, from low to high, which means they provide a more comprehensive assessment of helmet performance.
• Angle: Snell and FIM test helmets at different angles, from flat to hemispherical, which means they require helmets to cope with different types of impacts. DOT and ECE test helmets only at a flat angle, which means they may not account for oblique or rotational impacts. SHARP tests helmets at various angles, from flat to hemispherical, which means they provide a more realistic evaluation of helmet performance.
• Anvil: Snell and FIM test helmets on different types of anvils, from flat to kerbstone, which means they require helmets to resist different types of penetration. DOT and ECE test helmets only on a flat anvil, which means they may not account for sharp or pointed objects. SHARP tests helmets on different types of anvils, from flat to kerbstone, which means they provide a more accurate measurement of helmet performance.

The advantages and disadvantages of each standard in terms of impact testing are:

• Snell: The advantage of Snell is that it sets the highest standards for impact testing, which means it ensures the highest level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of Snell is that it may result in heavier and stiffer helmets, which may reduce comfort and ventilation for the rider.
• DOT: The advantage of DOT is that it sets the minimum standards for impact testing, which means it ensures the basic level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of DOT is that it may result in lower quality and consistency of helmets, as it relies on self-certification and does not require random testing or periodic updates.
• ECE: The advantage of ECE is that it sets the most widely accepted standards for impact testing, which means it ensures a good level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of ECE is that it may result in less variation and innovation of helmets, as it requires third-party certification and approval.
• SHARP: The advantage of SHARP is that it provides the most comprehensive and transparent ratings for impact testing, which means it helps consumers make informed choices about helmet safety. The disadvantage of SHARP is that it may result in confusion and inconsistency of ratings, as it uses a star system that may not reflect the actual performance of helmets.
• FIM: The advantage of FIM is that it sets the most advanced standards for impact testing, which means it ensures the best level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of FIM is that it may result in higher cost and availability of helmets, as it requires third-party certification and approval.

Penetration

Penetration testing is another important method of measuring helmet safety, as it simulates the forces that a helmet would experience from a sharp or pointed object in a crash. Penetration testing involves dropping a striker onto a helmet with a headform inside at a certain speed and angle, and measuring the depth of penetration and the damage to the headform. The lower the depth of penetration and the damage to the headform, the better the helmet protects the head and brain from injuries.

The five standards differ in the following aspects of penetration testing:

• Speed: Snell and FIM test helmets at higher speeds than DOT and ECE, which means they require helmets to withstand more severe penetration. SHARP does not test helmets for penetration, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect.
• Angle: Snell and FIM test helmets at different angles, from flat to hemispherical, which means they require helmets to cope with different types of penetration. DOT and ECE test helmets only at a flat angle, which means they may not account for oblique or rotational penetration.
• Striker: Snell and FIM test helmets with different types of strikers, from flat to conical, which means they require helmets to resist different types of objects. DOT and ECE test helmets only with a flat striker, which means they may not account for sharp or pointed objects.

The advantages and disadvantages of each standard in terms of penetration testing are:

• Snell: The advantage of Snell is that it sets the highest standards for penetration testing, which means it ensures the highest level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of Snell is that it may result in heavier and stiffer helmets, which may reduce comfort and ventilation for the rider.
• DOT: The advantage of DOT is that it sets the minimum standards for penetration testing, which means it ensures the basic level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of DOT is that it may result in lower quality and consistency of helmets, as it relies on self-certification and does not require random testing or periodic updates.
• ECE: The advantage of ECE is that it sets the most widely accepted standards for penetration testing, which means it ensures a good level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of ECE is that it may result in less variation and innovation of helmets, as it requires third-party certification and approval.
• SHARP: The advantage of SHARP is that it does not test helmets for penetration, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect, which means it avoids duplication and confusion of testing methods. The disadvantage of SHARP is that it does not provide ratings for penetration, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect, which means it may not reflect the actual performance of helmets.
• FIM: The advantage of FIM is that it sets the most advanced standards for penetration testing, which means it ensures the best level of protection for the head and brain. The disadvantage of FIM is that it may result in higher cost and availability of helmets, as it requires third-party certification and approval.

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Retention

Retention testing is another important method of measuring helmet safety, as it simulates the forces that a helmet would experience from the chin strap in a crash. Retention testing involves applying a tensile force to the chin strap of a helmet with a headform inside, and measuring the elongation and displacement of the chin strap and the headform. The lower the elongation and displacement, the better the helmet stays on the head and prevents injuries.

The five standards differ in the following aspects of retention testing:

• Force: Snell and FIM apply higher forces than DOT and ECE, which means they require helmets to have stronger and more durable chin straps. SHARP does not test helmets for retention, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect.
• Duration: Snell and FIM apply forces for longer durations than DOT and ECE, which means they require helmets to have more stable and consistent chin straps. SHARP does not test helmets for retention, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect.
• Direction: Snell and FIM apply forces in different directions, from forward to backward, which means they require helmets to have more flexible and adaptable chin straps. DOT and ECE apply forces only in the forward direction, which means they may not account for backward or lateral forces.

The advantages and disadvantages of each standard in terms of retention testing are:

• Snell: The advantage of Snell is that it sets the highest standards for retention testing, which means it ensures the highest level of protection for the head and neck. The disadvantage of Snell is that it may result in tighter and heavier chin straps, which may reduce comfort and ventilation for the rider.
• DOT: The advantage of DOT is that it sets the minimum standards for retention testing, which means it ensures the basic level of protection for the head and neck. The disadvantage of DOT is that it may result in lower quality and consistency of chin straps, as it relies on self-certification and does not require random testing or periodic updates.
• ECE: The advantage of ECE is that it sets the most widely accepted standards for retention testing, which means it ensures a good level of protection for the head and neck. The disadvantage of ECE is that it may result in less variation and innovation of chin straps, as it requires third-party certification and approval.
• SHARP: The advantage of SHARP is that it does not test helmets for retention, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect, which means it avoids duplication and confusion of testing methods. The disadvantage of SHARP is that it does not provide ratings for retention, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect, which means it may not reflect the actual performance of chin straps.
• FIM: The advantage of FIM is that it sets the most advanced standards for retention testing, which means it ensures the best level of protection for the head and neck. The disadvantage of FIM is that it may result in higher cost and availability of chin straps, as it requires third-party certification and approval.

Peripheral vision

Peripheral vision testing is another important method of measuring helmet safety, as it simulates the field of view that a helmet provides to the rider. Peripheral vision testing involves measuring the horizontal and vertical angles of vision that a helmet allows, and comparing them to the minimum requirements of each standard. The higher the angles of vision, the better the helmet allows the rider to see the surroundings and avoid hazards.

The five standards differ in the following aspects of peripheral vision testing:

• Horizontal angle: Snell and FIM require helmets to provide a minimum horizontal angle of 105 degrees on each side of the midline, which means they require helmets to have wider openings and visors. DOT and ECE require helmets to provide a minimum horizontal angle of 105 degrees in total, which means they require helmets to have narrower openings and visors. SHARP does not test helmets for peripheral vision, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect.
• Vertical angle: Snell and FIM require helmets to provide a minimum vertical angle of 7 degrees above and below the horizontal plane, which means they require helmets to have higher and lower openings and visors. DOT and ECE require helmets to provide a minimum vertical angle of 7 degrees above the horizontal plane, which means they require helmets to have higher openings and visors. SHARP does not test helmets for peripheral vision, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect.

The advantages and disadvantages of each standard in terms of peripheral vision testing are:

• Snell: The advantage of Snell is that it sets the highest standards for peripheral vision testing, which means it ensures the highest level of visibility and awareness for the rider. The disadvantage of Snell is that it may result in larger and heavier helmets, which may reduce comfort and ventilation for the rider.
• DOT: The advantage of DOT is that it sets the minimum standards for peripheral vision testing, which means it ensures the basic level of visibility and awareness for the rider. The disadvantage of DOT is that it may result in lower quality and consistency of helmets, as it relies on self-certification and does not require random testing or periodic updates.
• ECE: The advantage of ECE is that it sets the most widely accepted standards for peripheral vision testing, which means it ensures a good level of visibility and awareness for the rider. The disadvantage of ECE is that it may result in less variation and innovation of helmets, as it requires third-party certification and approval.
• SHARP: The advantage of SHARP is that it does not test helmets for peripheral vision, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect, which means it avoids duplication and confusion of testing methods. The disadvantage of SHARP is that it does not provide ratings for peripheral vision, as it relies on the ECE standards for this aspect, which means it may not reflect the actual performance of helmets.
• FIM: The advantage of FIM is that it sets the most advanced standards for peripheral vision testing, which means it ensures the best level of visibility and awareness for the rider. The disadvantage of FIM is that it may result in higher cost and availability of helmets, as it requires third-party certification and approval.

Detailed rating of each standard based on their performance, quality, and consistency.

Based on the above comparison of the five standards, we can give a detailed rating of each standard based on their performance, quality, and consistency. We will use a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest, to rate each standard on the following criteria:

• Performance: How well the standard measures the helmet’s ability to protect the head and brain from injuries in a crash.
• Quality: How well the standard ensures the helmet’s durability, stability, and reliability over time and use.
• Consistency: How well the standard maintains the helmet’s quality and performance across different models and manufacturers.

The table below summarizes the ratings of each standard:

Standard	Performance	Quality	Consistency	Total
Snell	5	5	5	15
DOT	3	2	2	7
ECE	4	4	4	12
SHARP	4	4	3	11
FIM	5	5	4	14

As you can see from the table, Snell is the highest rated standard, followed by FIM, ECE, SHARP, and DOT. This means that Snell helmets offer the best protection, quality, and consistency, while DOT helmets offer the least. However, this does not mean that you should only buy Snell helmets, or avoid DOT helmets altogether. There are other factors that you should consider when choosing a helmet, such as fit, comfort, style, price, and availability. Moreover, you should always check the local laws and regulations regarding helmet use in your area, as some standards may not be recognized or accepted in some countries or regions.

Which helmet standard is the best for you and why?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to helmet safety, as different riders may have different expectations and requirements. However, here are some general guidelines that you can follow to help you choose the best helmet standard for you:

• If you are looking for the highest level of protection, quality, and consistency, and you are willing to pay a premium price and sacrifice some comfort and ventilation, then you should go for Snell or FIM helmets. These helmets are designed for professional racers and enthusiasts, who demand the best performance and reliability from their helmets.
• If you are looking for a good level of protection, quality, and consistency, and you are looking for a reasonable price and a wide range of options, then you should go for ECE or SHARP helmets. These helmets are designed for the general public, who want a balance between safety and convenience from their helmets.
• If you are looking for a basic level of protection, quality, and consistency, and you are looking for a low price and easy availability, then you should go for DOT helmets. These helmets are designed for the casual riders, who want a simple and affordable helmet that meets the minimum legal requirements.

Of course, these are not the only factors that you should consider when choosing a helmet. You should also make sure that the helmet fits you well, feels comfortable, suits your style, and matches your bike. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the helmet models and brands that you are interested in, and compare their features and specifications.  You should also try on the helmet before you buy it, and make sure that it feels comfortable, snug, and secure on your head. You should also check the helmet’s condition and expiry date, and replace it if it is damaged or outdated.

Conclusion

Choosing a helmet is one of the most important decisions that you can make as a motorcycle rider, as it can make a difference between life and death in a crash. Therefore, you should be aware of the different helmet standards that exist in the world, and how they measure and compare helmet safety. In this article, we have reviewed the five most common helmet standards: Snell, DOT, ECE, SHARP, and FIM. We have explained what each standard measures, how they differ from each other, and what are their advantages and disadvantages. We have also given a detailed rating of each standard based on their performance, quality, and consistency. Finally, we have given some general guidelines on how to choose the best helmet standard for you, based on your personal preferences, needs, and budget.

We hope that this article has helped you gain a better understanding of helmet standards and how they affect your safety and comfort. Remember, there is no single best helmet standard for everyone, as different riders may have different expectations and requirements. The best helmet standard for you is the one that meets your needs, fits your budget, and complies with your local laws and regulations. However, no matter which helmet standard you choose, you should always wear a helmet when you ride, and ride safely and responsibly.

Do you have any questions or comments about helmet standards? Do you want to share your experience or opinion about helmet safety? Feel free to leave a comment below, or contact us through our website. We would love to hear from you!