When choosing a motorcycle helmet online, many customers will be bound to check the certification information. There are many certifications of helmets, which one should I choose? This passage is going to help you find the difference between two most common certification-DOT and ECE, so you can choose your perfect motorcycle helmet easily.
DOT-American certification and ECE-European certification. This is the simplest way to clarify them and find a helmet suit and legal according to your country. Now following us and find the more information of DOT and ECE.
DOT Certification FMVSS 218
The Department of Transportation (DOT) standard is enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.) In order for a motorcycle helmet to be DOT certified, it must conform to a few minimum requirements, and be able to pass a series of impact tests.
The impact tests are administered by placing a headform (basically a dummy head equipped with measuring instruments) inside it to measure speed and g-forces as the helmet is dropped onto different surfaces from a pre-determined height. Based on the energy that gets transmitted to the head, the helmet is given a grade of pass or fail. Tests are done twice, to make sure the helmet can withstand multiple impacts in one crash.
Other tests are also done, such as a penetration test to make sure the head isn’t impacted, and the retention system is also tested to make sure the helmet doesn’t slide off in an accident.
DOT Helmet Tests
· Helmet is dropped onto a spherical anvil from a height of 1.83m
· Helmet is dropped onto a flat anvil from a height of 1.83m
· Pointed striker is dropped onto helmet
· Weight is applied to retention system (up to 300 pounds of force for 120 seconds)
ECE Certification R22.05
Even though it doesn’t get a lot of attention here in the U.S., the ECE standard motorcycle helmet certification, R22.05, is actually the most widely used in the world; it is recognized by over 50 countries and every major racing organization you can think of.
ECE testing is the most rigorous and most up-to-date. It is in many ways a combination of elements of both DOT and Snell procedures, with a few extras added in.
ECE Helmets Tests
· Impact absorption by dropping helmet onto a flat anvil
· Testing chin strap buckle for slippage
· Chin strap material is tested for tension failure at over 670 lbs. of force
· Testing for abrasion resistance
· Shell is tested for deformation under weight of nearly 150 lbs.
· Visor is tested as an integral part of the helmet
The ECE standard requires that helmets be tested before the model can hit the market.
To gain ECE certification, a manufacturer must send a batch of 50 production versions of the helmet for independent testing. The testing is done in a third party lab with witnesses from both the manufacturer and the ECE in order to grant certification.
Nenki motorcycle helmets with DOT certification or ECE certification have passed these tests, so you can rest assured when shopping on our website.
Which Standard Should I Go With?
This is actually a hot question.
In the U.S., you should go with a helmet that is, at a minimum, DOT approved that will ensure that your helmet is street legal. You’ll not only have a significant level of protection, but your helmet won’t attract any unwanted attention from the law (which you probably get enough of already!)
ECE certification is the most up to date, and the most recognized worldwide. It is more rigorous than DOT testing, and tests additional aspects of a helmets overall robustness (e.g. an abrasion test.)
Because every test is slightly different, and recognized by different governments and racing organizations, there is always some controversy around wich one is best.
Remember, no matter what kind of helmet you buy, wearing one is infinitely better than not, if a mishap should happen on a ride. We urge you to always wear a certified helmet every time you throw a leg over a bike!
And Nenki is a good choice for you to get DOT or ECE certificated motorcycle helmets.