DOT and SNELL Standards

Helmet safety standards require helmets to pass certain tests in order to be certified.

Impact Absorption Test - SNELL M2005

The helmet is dropped in 3 separate trials. Twice onto flat anvils, twice onto dome-shaped anvils and once onto a point anvil. The first drops are done from a height of 3.06m (that is the only drop in the case of the point anvil) and the second drops are done from 2.25m. Peak G shall not exceed 290G for any time duration.

With a weight of 5kg, the impact force is 150J in the first drop and 110J in the second. See the diagram below.

Impact Absorption Test - DOT

The helmet is dropped in two separate trials. Twice on to a flat anvil from a height of 1.82m and twice on to a rounded anvil from 1.38m. See the diagram below.

Peak G shall not exceed 400G. Accelerations in excess of 200G shall not exceed a cumulative duration of 2.0 milliseconds; Those in excess of 150G shall not exceed a cumulative duration of 4.0 milliseconds.

Retention System Test (The Chin Strap)

SNELL M2005: First a static load of 23kg is applied to the retention system (chin strap) for over 1 minute. Following this, a dynamic load weighing 38kg is dropped from 12cm. The maximum deflection during the dynamic load shall not exceed 3cm.

DOT: A 22.7kg static load is applied to the retention system (chin strap) for 30 seconds. Secondly, 113.4kg static weight is added load is applied for 120 seconds. The adjustable portion of the retention system test device must not move more than 2.5cm between the first load and the second test load.

Penetration Test

SNELL & DOT use the same test. A 3kg metal striker is dropped on to the helmet mounted on head form from a height of 3m. The steel striker shall not touch head form.

A new SNELL Standard: M2010

SNELL updates its standards every five years. As per usual, the 2010 standards are a bit more stringent than those from 2005. However, what is crucial is that the standards have been harmonized between North America and Europe. Because PHX meets the M2010 standards our helmets are fully certified in the Canada, the United States, Mexico and across the entire European Union.