Snell rated?? ECE rated?? Never heard of them, but the price has me concerned.

 

The website claims the helmets are DOT FMVSS 218 approved.

 

Back when I raced, a DOT helmet would not be approved - it had to be Snell approved, or you would not be allowed on the track. Here's a quick look at the difference:

 

Helmet threads are like oil threads. The spectrum runs from, "as long as it's DOT approved" to "how much is your head worth".

 

Thanks, guys. I'm in the "as long as it's DOT approved" camp, but any info is good. I generally hate helmets, but almost always wear one. I'm looking to upgrade from a 3/4 helmet to a modular. I have a full face helmet and don't wear it much unless it is really cold out. I watched the video and it made some good points.

 

DOT approved is the MFG claiming the helmet meets specs. ECE and Snell actually test helmets. If you don't want a ticket, the DOT approved is fine. It doesn't mean the helmet passed any test, only that the MFG said it would. You can get Snell or ECE rated helmets for just a little more than a DOT only helmet. You can wear flip flops when you ride too, but at least leather shoes will protect you better. So, you get all the protection you pay for.

You can ride in a tank top, shorts, flip flops and a DOT helmet, you'll be legal. If you are looking for more than legal, I suggest a slightly better garment selection.

 

I actually have ridden in a tank top and shorts, but at least wear tennis shoes and a helmet. I've got to believe a DOT helmet at least provides some level of protection. I know some will say why bother, but everyone has a certain amount of risk or risk exposure they are willing to assume. This is where almost all helmet discussions go. I really just wanted to know if anyone was familiar with the Yema brand of helmet. I am going to get a modular helmet before this year's riding season and this has all been food for thought. I researched the website I saw the helmet review on and they do receive compensation if someone buys a product that their site is linked to, so it's hardly a non biased review. I am going to continue to research helmets. Price is a factor but not the only factor. Some of the higher end helmets cost more than I'm willing to spend. If I was racing or engaged in risky type of riding, I might feel different although I know someone could still crash into me and cause severe injuries.

 

I've got to believe a DOT helmet at least provides some level of protection.

That's the rub. A Helmet that meets DOT standards does provide some level of protection. The crux is that DOT doesn't check if the MFG actually does meet specifications. DOT is given a sample helmet that is tested. They then can display DOT on the helmet. MFG can self certify and self test though. see her: Helmet Performance Testing

There is a 40% Failure rate when actually testing DOT Certified Helmets.

My take is a reputable MFG that is DOT certified is probably actually certified and will give you the protection you are paying for. There are certain Asian Countries that I would not trust to provide either a genuine DOT certified Helmet, or send a GOOD Sample to DOT and then sell inferior products using that certification.

Case in point:

You think this Helmet for $4.10, reduced from $12.82 with a DOT Sticker on it will offer the protection of a genuine ECE or Snell rated helmet?

If you search YEMA helmet on AliExpress, it isn't DOT certified on that site. DOT stickers are cheap.

NHTSA here: NHTSA Helmet Testing List tested helmets. Unfortunately is only up to 2022. No Yema Helmet in 2022. So it might have actually passed. Or, they might just claim it and throw stickers on.

Just make sure what you are buying is legit. Just cause Amazon says it, doesn't mean it's true. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Don't believe everything you read on the internet".

 

Just because a helmet is DOT approved, basically means it passed government ratings. I wouldn't buy a helmet with only DOT ratings, IMHO, they are just not good enough.

 

"As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Don't believe everything you read on the internet".
Thanks everyone. You've confirmed my suspicions and I will not be buying the el cheapo Yema helmet. I will continue to research helmets. I've got some time because I typically don't get the bike out until April. Although this year the weather was so mild I could have kept it out and got some rides in during the winter. The other day it snowed like 6" but it will be melted by next week.

 

If you want a very good helmet at the best pricing, HJC is recognized as one to look at. They don't have the big mark ups like the big brands but do have ratings like some of the big names. You can search Amazon and get a very good helmet for under $200.00.

 

My first helmet when I returned to riding 5 years ago was an HJC full-face CL-17. Snell rated and less than $120 (at the time). With excellent reviews in multiple magazines. I was very happy with it until I bought a Cardo Packtalk Bold. The speakers were too thick to fit comfortably into the shallow pockets in the helmet and put pressure on my ears. I switched to a Sedici modular because 1) it has deeper speaker pockets, 2) it's ECE rated, and 3) it's modular.

 

Yeah, this subject is a bit of a rabbit hole. Snell approves very few modular helmets. I like the HJC i91. While it is not Snell approved it is DOT and ECE approved. I originally found an HJC i90 while searching the web and when I went to HJC's website, it also said the word "snow" next to the helmet. I assume this means it is designed for snowmobiling which is a bit confusing because the vendor site, Dennis Kirk says it is a motorcycle helmet.

 

ECE is a good standard too. Snell is good. They are a little different, but either are far better standards than DOT.

 

What I did was connect a spring clip to my D-ring so make it easier to fasten and unfasten.

 

I hate D ring fasteners on helmets and the first thing I do when I get a new helmet is convert it to a quick connect type fastener. The type I use connects to the D ring fastener without cutting anything and can be fastened and released with gloves on.

 

The D rings are still on my Arai. The quick Connect is still on too. The AGV won't need it, so I'll have a back up helmet for awhile. I can count the times I've had a passenger on my....wait, nope. Haven't had a passenger in decades. The wife won't ride, and disapproves of passengers, especially ones with cushions. So I won;t really need the old helmet.

 

No D-Ring, no helmet lock on the 18+. That helmet lock feature was a godsend last year when I wanted to hike up Seneca Rocks in W.V. No room in the top case what with my big clunky boots and riding gear. I had to figure out how to use it on the fly.

 

I ended up getting the HJC i90. I found it on Amazon for $118. I was reluctant to buy a helmet online because I wanted to try it on before buying so I went to a local Motorcycle gear shop. I'm glad I did because I was going to get a large, but when I tried it on, it was pretty tight. The XL was a better fit. However, the price was $249. I told them the exact same helmet was $118 on Amazon and asked why they were so much higher. The sales guy said " we have overhead" and pointed out that I would have to pay for shipping and wait. I have Amazon Prime, so shipping is free and my bike is still winterized so I don't mind waiting. I really like to support local small businesses, but $131 is too much more to pay for that.

 

I ordered from Amazon too and also have prime. I ordered one according to their sizing and it was too small. I simply sent it back and got a full refund and ordered the next size up. Perfect fit.

 

I did find out what the "snow" designation meant though. Turns out it is the exact same helmet as the motorcycle option except there is a fabric cowl that covers the rider's nose and mouth to prevent the helmet from fogging up. The cowl is removable, so it's not an issue. I may look into getting the bluetooth add on, but maybe not. In past, I've told my wife I can't answer the phone while riding and I welcome the absence of the phone ringing while I'm on my rides.

 

My HJC i90 modular helmet arrived today. I opened it up and checked it out. Although I haven't had a chance to ride with it yet, I like it so far. The sunscreen deploys with a slide lever on the side of the helmet which looks kind of cool.

 

I've got that same helmet. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

 

Thanks. I hope I never have to say I'm glad it protected me.

 

I've been in many accidents. I wear Arai and Shoei 3/4 helmets and full gear. Body armor,great boots,gloves,and eye protection.

Jammin'John