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Snell vs. Modular: The Motorcycle Helmet Safety Debate
Even with modular helmets and all their complexity, the question of whether or not a helmet can be called full-face is still valid. What’s interesting is that most of these flip-up wonders are never Snell certified. And what could be the reason behind this? Let’s get into the world of modularity.
The Snell Seal: More Than Just a Sticker
Snell Memorial Foundation is like a strict parent who has set a high bar in motorbike safety matters. It is their gold standard of certification that goes beyond DOT’s basic requirements. Many racing organizations rely on it due to one simple reason: they are usually the people who beat up their helmets more than any other riders.
But when it comes to modular helmets, Snell’s approval is as rare as a quiet Harley. To better understand this, I reached out to Edward B Becker, who is the Executive Director of Snell Memorial Foundation. His insights shine light on helmet certification complexities.
Read More: HelmetGurus- A Blog Reviews and Buying Guide
The Modular Challenge: Safety vs. Convenience
“We have tested modular helmets before and actually certified some,” explained Becker adding “But we would not compromise any protective performance at all for this.”
The statement captures the essence of this debate well enough since there are no exceptions for modular helmets when it comes to tough standards just like full face ones by Snell. To pass its tests, during first three impacts at least, the chin bar must remain locked as it can fold up too! Like being asked to create transformers which look like solid steel blocks.
Becker argues convincingly: “When riders choose modular instead of open-face helmet, they want protection for lower face, jaw and teeth; thus we expect them to receive such protection.”
This may appear to be asking too much from any designer or engineer responsible for manufacturing an open face helmet with strength similar to that of a completely closed type; but then again it would take massive engineering skills.
The Certification Conundrum
Snell has been inviting manufacturers to submit their modular helmets for certification since 1996. However, there is very little to write home about concerning this. The LS2 FF394 Epic became the first modular helmet approved under M2010 and it didn’t recertify for M2015 and has vanished from sight since.
This raises an interesting question: How does Snell justify certifying open-face helmets, which offer no chin protection at all, while rejecting many modular designs? But it all boils down to what Snell’s original mission was – brain protection.
A Brief History Lesson
Becker took us on a quick trip down memory lane: “In the 1960s, there were hardly any full face models available. When they did come about, there was a lot of concern about neck injury.”
It wasn’t until Professor Harry Hurt’s late 70s study when those fears were finally allayed and it was conclusively proved that lower face and jaw protection had several benefits. Even then, till their standard of full face helmets in 1980 no specific testing for chin bar performance.
The bottom line? Mind protection has been Snell’s main concern ever since inception. Full-face helmet chinning bar test added something extra besides being a core requirement in its certifications.
The Reality Check
So, what about those modular helmets that seem to work well in real-world crashes? “If a manufacturer of helmets doesn't want his helmet to be Snell certified, it is highly unlikely that it would meet our specifications. It is not by mistake that we have Snell helmets.” This should not be interpreted as saying non-Snell certified modular helmets are dangerous. They still got to meet the DOT standards with Becker comparing them to where Snell was in the 1968. “A good DOT helmet can still save your friends and family much pain,” he says.
Read More: Top rated modular motorcycle helmet review guide on helmetgurus
The Road Ahead
What’s the answer for riders who like modular helmets for their adaptability but yearn for more security provided by certification? Becker recommends this: try getting in touch with the manufacturers of your preferred helmets. Encourage them to make a Snell approved modular helmet.
Meanwhile, if you’re wearing a module one take heart. It may not have received the seal of approval from Snell but it is still offering some protective value. Always remember this golden rule of helmet safety – if you have had an accident no matter how slight or unnoticeable, replace it. You will thank your brain later.
The modular helmet paradox is an intriguing confluence of safety, engineering and personal preference for riders. As technology advances and these versatile helmets become more popular, we might see a day when every motorcycle rider will use a Snell-certified modular helmet rather than just some people using such items. Until then, ride safe, stay informed, and never underestimate the importance of quality head protection.
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