LS2 The worlds first Snell approved modular helmet

[Rhino]

Ran across an add for this: http://ls2helmets.us/_live/ff394-epic in Cycle World magazine. They claim the worlds first Snell approved modular. I didn't think Snell would ever approve a modular. At $300 http://www.amazon.com/LS2-Helmets-FF394-Modular-Helmet/dp/B00AO6FPSM I might have to look into these.

[sherob]

One word.... Zeus.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/ls2-ff394/

[Rhino]

Well ok then! 2 Snell approved modular helmets on the market. Who knew? I thought Snell refused to approve any modular helmet.

[maxtog]

Well ok then! 2 Snell approved modular helmets on the market. Who knew? I thought Snell refused to approve any modular helmet.

Up until a few years ago, you are correct.  But things can and do change.  I don't believe Snell specifically refused modulars, it was just that no modular could pass the Snell 2000 tests.  (Note I said "believe", I am by no means sure).

[Rhino]

I just looked them both up at www.smf.org apparently they both passed the M2010 tests.

[gPink]

I'm not sold on Snell approval being the best for everybody. Their standards required a stiffer design and the argument that that can transfer sharper impacts detrimental to older brains makes sense to me.

[maxtog]

I'm not sold on Snell approval being the best for everybody. Their standards required a stiffer design and the argument that that can transfer sharper impacts detrimental to older brains makes sense to me.

Yep, I have read that too.  There is no "perfect" approval system, since everything is always a compromise.

[Rhino]

The reason I tend to look for Snell approval is that DOT is meaningless. To get DOT approval all you need is 3 components, impact shell, some sort of shock absorption liner and a chin strap. At least Snell scientifically tests to a published standard. Not saying it is the end all be all but everything else being equal, I will pick a Snell helmet over one with no rating.

[maxtog]

The reason I tend to look for Snell approval is that DOT is meaningless.

DOT approval is, indeed, pretty much meaningless.  But there is also ESE.  There is no way I would ever have/use a helmet that is not either SNELL or ESE certified.

[gPink]

The reason I tend to look for Snell approval is that DOT is meaningless. To get DOT approval all you need is 3 components, impact shell, some sort of shock absorption liner and a chin strap. At least Snell scientifically tests to a published standard. Not saying it is the end all be all but everything else being equal, I will pick a Snell helmet over one with no rating.

of course

[Conrad]

"Note that the FF394 in size large is not listed on the Snell Memorial Foundation website as certified, only the size XL and XXL are Snell certified, this is an important point that buyers should be aware of."

[Rhino]

"Note that the FF394 in size large is not listed on the Snell Memorial Foundation website as certified, only the size XL and XXL are Snell certified, this is an important point that buyers should be aware of."

I wondered about that. I'm XL but still, does this mean that L or M or S didn't pass or does it mean they only tested XL and XXL? I think the Zeus said only S. Makes me think that to save money that's all Zeus sent them and paid to test with the assumption that if it passes the other sizes will too.

[BruceR]

Well ok then! 2 Snell approved modular helmets on the market. Who knew? I thought Snell refused to approve any modular helmet.

Snell does not choose helmets to test.  The manufacturers send their helmets to Snell.  My understanding was that none had done so (until now, apparently)

[RUFFSTUFF]

This may help some...

http://silodrome.com/snell-vs-dot-vs-ece-r22-05-helmet-standards-throwdown/

[gPink]

Good read, thanks.

[tonedeaf]

Good to hear. Years ago (when it still thought Snell for some sort of shell fish) I owned a Nolan modular and it has always been my favorite helmet.

[Rhino]

This may help some...

http://silodrome.com/snell-vs-dot-vs-ece-r22-05-helmet-standards-throwdown/

I'm surprised by this. If this is true, DOT is not meaningless. But since DOT approves half helmets and Snell will not, there is more to it then impact testing.

[maxtog]

I'm surprised by this. If this is true, DOT is not meaningless. But since DOT approves half helmets and Snell will not, there is more to it then impact testing.

I was surprised too, it contradicted some of what I thought I knew, so I don't know if the article is accurate or what I knew was or perhaps neither.

In any case, any standard that approves a "half" helmet loses all respect/credibility from me.

[booger]

I have never adhered to Snell approval.  But there again, my ATGATT until 4 years ago was a doo rag, shorts and a pair of sneakers.  I've come a long way.