OP
@vespizzare avatar
UTC

Addicted
Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937
Location: Santa Monica, CA
 
Addicted
@vespizzare avatar
Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937
Location: Santa Monica, CA
UTC quote
Way back when, after I knew I was going to get a Vespa and have a motorbike again, I figured I'd get a helmet like a vintage one I had in the 1960's, albeit fiberglass instead of metal like the old one. However, I soon learned (from the US website that sells them) that they weren't legal and got something more modern.

The thing is: Once in a while I see someone on a motorcycle with this kind of old-fashioned design. Obviously, they haven't been cited, so what gives??
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
⚠️ Last edited by Vespizzare on UTC; edited 1 time
@lone_airedale avatar
UTC

Addicted
GT200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 554
Location: Oregon
 
Addicted
@lone_airedale avatar
GT200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 554
Location: Oregon
UTC quote
Around here it seems to be enforced about as rigorously as the cell phone while driving law. Which is to say seldom to never.
@ckaiserca avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2013 GTV 300 ie "Victoria" Concept 2 Model D "River of Pain"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1383
Location: Aurora, Ontario Canada
 
Molto Verboso
@ckaiserca avatar
2013 GTV 300 ie "Victoria" Concept 2 Model D "River of Pain"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1383
Location: Aurora, Ontario Canada
UTC quote
I think that in most cases if you are going to be cited with a helmet violation it would be as part of a stop for some other reason. The DOT label is not easily seen by a trooper in a car, so they probably wouldn't pull you over just for that. However if you get popped for speeding or some other infraction, they might check your helmet.

That's what my police officer friends have told me at any rate. YMMV.
@kdude avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
BV 400 (21) , BV 350 (16) SOLD :( , Sprint 150 2015(SOLD), Liberty S150 2018
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2956
Location: Florida
 
Ossessionato
@kdude avatar
BV 400 (21) , BV 350 (16) SOLD :( , Sprint 150 2015(SOLD), Liberty S150 2018
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2956
Location: Florida
UTC quote
I've been wearing non dot approved helmets imported from Italy. I have never been pulled over for this and many a time i've had petrol cars behind me. Having said that I get really nervous when i see police bmw motorcycle police... these guys have huge attitude and i'm sure if one came up behind me it maybe an issue. All my helmets look pretty conventional but that big DOT 5 sticker isn't on the back...

I say wing it until it becomes an issue.. but that's me.
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
 
Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year.
OP
@vespizzare avatar
UTC

Addicted
Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937
Location: Santa Monica, CA
 
Addicted
@vespizzare avatar
Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937
Location: Santa Monica, CA
UTC quote
lone_airedale wrote:
Around here it seems to be enforced about as rigorously as the cell phone while driving law. Which is to say seldom to never.
I do suppose that if you got hurt in an accident and were found to be wearing one you'd really have compromised your legal position a lot.
UTC

Molto Verboso
07 LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1977
 
Molto Verboso
07 LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1977
UTC quote
tomjasz wrote:
What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year.
I'm seeing 50/50 in Fl.Are you still snowed in Tom?
@big_boys_mother avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2010 GTV250ie - Sienna Ivory, BMW F650CS, HD 883 Sportster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1013
Location: North Coast - Rural
 
Molto Verboso
@big_boys_mother avatar
2010 GTV250ie - Sienna Ivory, BMW F650CS, HD 883 Sportster
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1013
Location: North Coast - Rural
UTC quote
Also, depends on state helmet laws. In Ohio, helmet is only required for age 18 and under and when you are still a newbie (1 year or less endorsement). Every one else is helmet optional. I also do not see that all police officers on the streets in the USA being aware of helmets having to be approved by DOT. They have too many other issues with which to deal.
@scotty_j avatar
UTC

Banned
GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 199
Location: Ashe County, N.C.
 
Banned
@scotty_j avatar
GTS 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 199
Location: Ashe County, N.C.
UTC quote
tomjasz wrote:
What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year.
I would feel naked w/out mine. I've cruised at the beach once w/out my helmet but not for long. Cool looking dog BTW.
OP
@vespizzare avatar
UTC

Addicted
Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937
Location: Santa Monica, CA
 
Addicted
@vespizzare avatar
Customized 2006 LX150 Thunderbolt the Wondercolt
Joined: UTC
Posts: 937
Location: Santa Monica, CA
UTC quote
tomjasz wrote:
What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year.
To each his own. I used to ride without a helmet, before one was required; but would NEVER do that now. I figure, how many stories do you have to read about bare-headed bikers on a helmet protest ride getting into an accident and dying of head injuries? There's a message in there somewhere.
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
Mudnman wrote:
tomjasz wrote:
What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year.
I'm seeing 50/50 in Fl.Are you still snowed in Tom?
50/50???? more like 20 with and 80 without.
UTC

Molto Verboso
07 LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1977
 
Molto Verboso
07 LX50
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1977
UTC quote
stickyfrog wrote:
Mudnman wrote:
tomjasz wrote:
What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year.
I'm seeing 50/50 in Fl.Are you still snowed in Tom?
50/50???? more like 20 with and 80 without.
I was only saying 50/50 of Vespa's.Seen 1 this year with a helmet .I wasn't wearing one.hehe
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
 
Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
UTC quote
Most of the guys I know won't specifically cite for non-DOT compliance unless they are really pissed at the operator, and even then it will be just one more layer on a rather thick cake. Some of the guys I know are not really aware of the requirement for a helmet to be DOT compliant and are only concerned with observing that the operators are wearing anything resembling a helmet, if one is required. ALL of the guys I know, that ride bikes, are aware of the requirement.

I really like those Davida helmets and have considered getting one of the "racing" themed ones, but can't decide which graphics.
@znomit avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10792
Location: Hermit Kingdom
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@znomit avatar
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10792
Location: Hermit Kingdom
UTC quote
Don't worry about the traffic police. The style police say you can only wear that thing when riding a vintage.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44549
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
If you're actually concerned - print your own sticker or order one online. They're about as much use as the green "Your headlight's on" tally on Vespa dashboards.

The DOT sticker merely proves a DOT sticker has been applied...
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
 
Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
Mudnman wrote:
tomjasz wrote:
What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year.
I'm seeing 50/50 in Fl.Are you still snowed in Tom?
nope, just enough new crap to kill two days. But it's pretty much over.
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
 
Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
Route 66 Lawdog wrote:
I really like those Davida helmets and have considered getting one of the "racing" themed ones, but can't decide which graphics.
I really like mine. It's about as far as I bother to go anymore. But my highway days are over and my next scoot will be a moped, ET2 2T. My E Bike will be nearly as quick. Odd as it is(perhaps I am) I actually feel more vulnerable on a bicycle. I do have the full range, now all over 5 years old. But I became a low mileage rider. 20 years of hanging out with a couple of bookmakers, I'm rather comfy with my odds. I'm guessing I won't win the mega bucks lottery.
@paddlenround avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2013 Vespa LX150ie, 1968 Vespa Sprint 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4041
Location: Ogden, UT U.S.A.
 
Ossessionato
@paddlenround avatar
2013 Vespa LX150ie, 1968 Vespa Sprint 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4041
Location: Ogden, UT U.S.A.
UTC quote
Unless there is a mandatory helmet law, what would the police enforce. Check local listings. Around here...one in five people wear a helmet.
@caschnd1 avatar
UTC

Grumpy Biker
1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5573
Location: Sparks, Nevada, USA
 
Grumpy Biker
@caschnd1 avatar
1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5573
Location: Sparks, Nevada, USA
UTC quote
ckaiserca wrote:
I think that in most cases if you are going to be cited with a helmet violation it would be as part of a stop for some other reason. The DOT label is not easily seen by a trooper in a car, so they probably wouldn't pull you over just for that. However if you get popped for speeding or some other infraction, they might check your helmet.

That's what my police officer friends have told me at any rate. YMMV.
^^^^ This is the only time I've been checked for a proper helmet. I was stopped for a speed violation in Tennessee in 2002 and the officer thanked me for wearing a proper helmet. I guess a lot of folks wear the novelty helmets and end up getting two tickets.

Beware, many locals that are popular with the PTW crowd have started doing what they call "enforcement check points". They stop all PTWs passing through the enforcement check point and look for all types of violations. Loud exhaust, improper modification, non-compliant helmets, etc. The legality of these check points has been challenged in some states and at least one I read about declared they were illegal because they only stopped PTWs.

-Craig
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22821
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
caschnd1 wrote:
ckaiserca wrote:
I think that in most cases if you are going to be cited with a helmet violation it would be as part of a stop for some other reason. The DOT label is not easily seen by a trooper in a car, so they probably wouldn't pull you over just for that. However if you get popped for speeding or some other infraction, they might check your helmet.

That's what my police officer friends have told me at any rate. YMMV.
^^^^ This is the only time I've been checked for a proper helmet. I was stopped for a speed violation in Tennessee in 2002 and the officer thanked me for wearing a proper helmet. I guess a lot of folks wear the novelty helmets and end up getting two tickets.

Beware, many locals that are popular with the PTW crowd have started doing what they call "enforcement check points". They stop all PTWs passing through the enforcement check point and look for all types of violations. Loud exhaust, improper modification, non-compliant helmets, etc. The legality of these check points has been challenged in some states and at least one I read about declared they were illegal because they only stopped PTWs.

-Craig
its considered profiling unless they stop every vehicle.

Join the AMA help help fight the fight against this crap
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
No they don't. Really.
@masala avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
946
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6165
Location: Acworth, GA
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@masala avatar
946
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6165
Location: Acworth, GA
UTC quote
As an aside, if you're going to go the Davida route - try before you buy, esPECIALLY in this world of "NO returns on helmets!" we live in. By most standards, I'm a "L" or even "XL", depending on whether we're talking baseball caps, helmets, etc. In other words, I've got a big noggin. That said, when I tried on that very helmet you posted above, the Medium was the one that fit best... And that's not to say that all Davida helmets run large - trying on their 3/4 Jet, and I was back in L/XL territory.

Go figure.
@belkwinith avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
Honda CTX 700 DN Automatic Motorcycle
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5122
Location: Naperville, Illinois
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@belkwinith avatar
Honda CTX 700 DN Automatic Motorcycle
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5122
Location: Naperville, Illinois
UTC quote
Not in Illinois.

50% of bikers here don't even wear helmets. ABATE is big in this state.

https://www.abate-il.org
@dobroman avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2012 GTS 300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Alabama
 
Enthusiast
@dobroman avatar
2012 GTS 300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 53
Location: Alabama
UTC quote
Yep. They do here.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13506
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13506
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
jimc wrote:
The DOT sticker merely proves a DOT sticker has been applied...
Exactly. The DOT stickers are printed and applied by the helmet manufacturer, not by the US Dept. of Transportation. The stickers are readily available if that is the issue. I don't think most law enforcement agencies are too interested in delving into the nuances of various US and European systems of helmet certification.
@virtuahead avatar
UTC

Hooked
GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 196
Location: New Hampshire
 
Hooked
@virtuahead avatar
GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 196
Location: New Hampshire
UTC quote
No Helmet Law in NH
We have no helmet law in NH. I wear a DOT approved helmet because I love my head, not because I am told I have to.
@motokroko avatar
UTC

Hooked
64 Benelli 50cc, Vespa GTS 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 203
Location: Home-SoCAL/ Work- Europe
 
Hooked
@motokroko avatar
64 Benelli 50cc, Vespa GTS 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 203
Location: Home-SoCAL/ Work- Europe
UTC quote
Yes...good reason to stop if you have a cheap brain bucket. Usually is a way to open an investigation for a larger (non-moving) offense such as a license status, gang affiliation etc. tickets for just that are rare...at least in Ca

You probably would not come across as an omg member on your Vespa though
@aviator47 avatar
UTC

Moderator
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
 
Moderator
@aviator47 avatar
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
UTC quote
Hell, the DOT barely enforces the standards. Only about 40 helmets per year are spot checked and tested to see if the actually meet the DOT standards.

All the stickers mean is that the manufacturer claims the helmet meets spec.
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
 
Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
UTC quote
Aviator47 wrote:
Hell, the DOT barely enforces the standards. Only about 40 helmets per year are spot checked and tested to see if the actually meet the DOT standards.

All the stickers mean is that the manufacturer claims the helmet meets spec.
This is correct. In contrast, the Snell Foundation actually does destructive testing on all helmet models submitted for approval. Two copies of these helmets are purchased by Snell through retail channels, so as to prevent a manufacturer from "cherry picking" helmets submitted to the foundation.

While there is ongoing debate as to whether Snell requirements for impact resistance are too severe, causing a helmet with very dense foam to allow too much G-force to be transmitted to one's head, it is nice to know that any helmet model bearing "Snell Approved" has actually been subjected to a variety of safety tests.
@aviator47 avatar
UTC

Moderator
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
 
Moderator
@aviator47 avatar
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
UTC quote
Route 66 Lawdog wrote:
While there is ongoing debate as to whether Snell requirements for impact resistance are too severe, causing a helmet with very dense foam to allow too much G-force to be transmitted to one's head, it is nice to know that any helmet model bearing "Snell Approved" has actually been subjected to a variety of safety tests.
Interesting thought. Snell standards may allow too much G force to be transmitted to your head, but at least you can be confident that a Snell certified helmet has been tested to ensure it will indeed transmit those forces.

More seriously, were I in the US and temped to "cheat" on my helmet, I think it would only be to use an EC 22.05 spec unit, which at least is tested to provide a reasonable level of protection.
@mpfrank avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2020 MP3 500 HPE Sport ABS/ASR
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4774
Location: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles sobre el Río Porciúncula
 
Ossessionato
@mpfrank avatar
2020 MP3 500 HPE Sport ABS/ASR
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4774
Location: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles sobre el Río Porciúncula
UTC quote
Aviator47 wrote:
Route 66 Lawdog wrote:
While there is ongoing debate as to whether Snell requirements for impact resistance are too severe, causing a helmet with very dense foam to allow too much G-force to be transmitted to one's head, it is nice to know that any helmet model bearing "Snell Approved" has actually been subjected to a variety of safety tests.
Interesting thought. Snell standards may allow too much G force to be transmitted to your head, but at least you can be confident that a Snell certified helmet has been tested to ensure it will indeed transmit those forces.

More seriously, were I in the US and temped to "cheat" on my helmet, I think it would only be to use an EC 22.05 spec unit, which at least is tested to provide a reasonable level of protection.
My helmet (AFX FX90) is DOT and EC 22.05, as are others, so you wouldn't have to "cheat".
@sharpcolorado avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2012 GTV 300 & LXV 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3486
Location: Pacific Northwest
 
Ossessionato
@sharpcolorado avatar
2012 GTV 300 & LXV 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3486
Location: Pacific Northwest
UTC quote
Based upon reactions of some drivers out here, I believe I am often mistaken for police. Along with the DOT helmet pictured , I use snap-in ear protectors and a Scala Rider G9 headset, which has a boom microphone, probably adding to the unintended illusion.

Probably makes the road safer, due to more attentive drivers. When I use other helmets I have, I perceive more smartphone use and more aggressive behavior around me.

I've encountered motorcycle and caged police riding around me. I've never had any confrontations.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@rebecca-vt avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa LX150 i.e.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 336
Location: Vermont
 
Hooked
@rebecca-vt avatar
Vespa LX150 i.e.
Joined: UTC
Posts: 336
Location: Vermont
UTC quote
I purchased my helmet in London so it is ECE certified, but not DOT. I love the helmet more than any that I tried on here in the states - it fits me perfectly, and is very comfortable.

A DOT helmet is required in my state, so I guess I'm taking a "risk", but I know mine is just as safe as protective (if not more so) than an equivalent helmet purchased here.

I wore it when I took the motorcycle safety course, and the instructor didn't question it at all.
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
 
Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
UTC quote
[quote="Aviator47
Interesting thought. Snell standards may allow too much G force to be transmitted to your head, but at least you can be confident that a Snell certified helmet has been tested to ensure it will indeed transmit those forces.
[/quote]

Now that, sir, was funny!! Of course, Snell performs a variety of safety tests on helmets besides their G force standards. Their testing is to ensure that no passing helmet transmits any more force than the foundation believes to be safe. The point of contention concerns just how much force safe for a human head.

MotoGP professional racers in the U.S. must use Snell certified helmets, so of course I should...
@aviator47 avatar
UTC

Moderator
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
 
Moderator
@aviator47 avatar
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
UTC quote
If I am not mistaken, Snell recently updated their standards to be more in line with the current thinking in terms of allowable G forces. A friend said it wasn't a matter of Snell being wrong all those years, just that people's heads had changed.
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
 
Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
UTC quote
They did, indeed. The Snell M2010 standard revised, downward, the allowable G force transmitted to one's head. They had become so concerned with having nothing penetrate a shell that they accepted forces of a magnitude typical of what an aviator might experience if things were to go south...

Here's to hoping none of us ever have to test ANY helmet standard. OPA!!
@aviator47 avatar
UTC

Moderator
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
 
Moderator
@aviator47 avatar
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
UTC quote
From the Snell Foundation:

William "Pete" Snell was a popular amateur sports car race driver who was killed in a crash in 1956. He died of massive head injuries when the auto racing helmet he was wearing failed to protect his head.

From what I have read, the Snell standards carried a lot of "baggage" from the early work done to provide better head protection to race car drivers. A few of the test standards pertained to the situation of a driver being restrained in his seat, and the high potential for repetitive impacts on the same point of the helmet, a phenomenon not nearly as common in a PTW mishaps, and challenged by a significant number of mishap investigation professionals.

Here's what I wrote about the whole Snell business two years ago. As an experienced safety person, the last paragraph in the linked post reflects my reservations about Snell.
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
 
Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2429
Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
UTC quote
I always wondered what prompted Snell on their crusade. If I remember correctly, it was you just-referenced posting which led me originally to the Sharp helmet testing website: good info, there!
@aviator47 avatar
UTC

Moderator
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
 
Moderator
@aviator47 avatar
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 12955
Location: Paros Island, Greece
UTC quote
Yes, SHARP is very informative.

I have tried to steer clear of the Snell "controversy". As much emotion as fact in many cases. The post I linked pretty much expresses my reservations on the subject.

Snell is in a very awkward position. Unless their standard for certification is uniquely different from any and all other standards, there is no reason for them to exist. I do not question their "sincerity", but whether they like it or not, they have painted themselves into a position where they really cannot accept any other standards body being correct, and that does cast a shadow over their objectivity.
@tomjasz avatar
UTC

Grievance Farmer
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
 
Grievance Farmer
@tomjasz avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 15921
UTC quote
[quote="sharpcolorado" I believe I am often mistaken for police. [/quote] But that's part of the allure, no?
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2025 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0179s ][ Queries: 4 (0.0094s) ][ live ][ 325 ][ ThingOne ]