All motorbike helmets should not created equal. The security requirements ranking system launched by the Snell Memorial Basis is famend for being one of many world’s most stringent—and the helmets that meet its standards are markedly totally different from those that don’t.
The SNELL system was developed as a extra rigorous testing course of for motorsports the place the probabilities of excessive impression collisions are higher. In contrast to DOT, SNELL is a nonprofit group and buying a SNELL certification is elective. This implies any helmet with a SNELL ranking has been voluntarily submitted to bear extra rigorous testing with the intention to present riders with the very best safety doable.
Throughout SNELL testing, helmets are impacted by 5 totally different formed anvils (versus the 2 used throughout DOT assessments). SNELL additionally performs drop assessments from a higher peak than DOT and assessments the chin bar and visor energy for 360 levels of authorized safety. So should you’re planning on shopping for a brand new helmet to fit your cafe racer and wish the very best safety, a SNELL-certified lid is a giant step in the precise route.
Try the 2 newest SNELL requirements: the SNELL M2015 commonplace, and SNELL M2020 commonplace. If you wish to see SNELL in motion, try this text from my colleague Jim Pruner at webBikeWorld: See Inside a Helmet Torture Chamber: wBW Goes to SNELL.
In the meantime, that can assist you in your helmet buying journey, listed below are 7 SNELL-rated cafe racer helmets we’d suggest testing. Hold your head protected whereas driving, and thank us later!
SNELL Helmet #1: Arai Defiant-X HA Helmet
Arai are an enormous advocate of SNELL—and as such, many helmets of their vary put on SNELL certification. Amongst them you’ll discover their newest addition to the retro helmet market: the Defiant-X.
Now out there in a variety of finishes, the Arai Defiant-X HA colorway is our decide of the bunch. It is available in both blue, inexperienced, or a extremely seen yellow, with daring retro Arai branding and a slick white racing stripe.
Together with reaching a SNELL security ranking, Arai created a retro styled helmet that doesn’t scrimp on efficiency. The Defiant-X encompasses a shell constructed with Arai’s Particular Fibre Laminate, which is designed to disperse impacts over the widest space doable. On the within you’ll discover a handmade, multi-density EPS inside core (created as a single piece for superior energy).
A number of vents on the outside of the helmet channel cool air by means of a Free Move System, which is designed to cut back wind noise whereas extracting heat air from contained in the helmet. The gentle liner is anti-microbial and may be eliminated and washed to increase the helmet’s lifetime. Extra options embody inside pockets for comms audio system and a detachable chin curtain for when the temperature drops.
Out there from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld evaluate: Arai Defiant-X HA
SNELL Helmet #2: Bell Star MIPS DLX Lux Checkers Helmet
Whereas the Bell Star MIPS DLX isn’t what most would think about a restaurant racer helmet, this ‘Lux Checkers’ variant provides a contact of ton-up model. Constructed with MIPS (Multi-directional Impression Safety System) know-how, it provides the newest in crash safety options and is each DOT and SNELL licensed.
The Bell Star MIPS DLX comes with each a transparent and a photo-chromatic visor, which is able to tint or lighten based on the quantity of ambient UV mild. The helmet’s race-bred shell has been redesigned to have a smaller profile with out sacrificing efficiency and provides distinctive aerodynamics in upright driving positions.
This feature-packed helmet has been particularly designed to reduce wind noise, can accommodate prescription eyewear, provides a large subject of view, and comes with built-in speaker pockets. The Bell Star MIPS DLX Lux Checkers additionally is available in 6 totally different shell sizes to make sure an ideal match.
Out there from: Revzilla, Amazon
SNELL Helmet #3: LS2 Road Fighter Helmet
At a contact underneath $150, it’s exhausting to consider that the LS2 Road Fighter helmet is SNELL licensed. Relaxation assured although, that is no mistake. This tough-looking helmet was created with aggressive riders in thoughts however will look proper at residence on a performance-focused cafe racer or trendy traditional.
Just lately, LS2 drastically improved the Road Fighter by lowering its weight by a whopping 20%. This helmet additionally encompasses a multi-density EPS liner, adjustable air flow, and a complicated polymer alloy composite shell.
In case your finances is tight however you don’t wish to scrimp on security, the LS2 Road Fighter helmet has you (and your head) lined.
Out there from: Amazon
SNELL Helmet #4: Arai Traditional Groovy Helmet
Sure, retro open face helmets can obtain a SNELL ranking too. After all, it took the expert engineers at Arai Helmets to make it occur.
The Arai Traditional Groovy Helmet options their Peripherally Belted Complicated Laminate (PBcLc) shell to make sure optimum safety. Beneath the shell, you’ll discover a one piece, multi-density EPS core that’s lined in an antimicrobial liner with fake leather-based accents on the outer going through edges.
Air flow in an open face helmet could sound pointless, however Arai didn’t assume so. Conserving the within of the Traditional Groovy cool are a sequence of discrete vents that channel air over the pinnacle and out by way of exhaust holes on the rear of the helmet.
Together with a terrific vary of retro color schemes, the Arai Traditional Groovy Helmet options snap button clasps which can be utilized to suit a variety of various Arai visors.
Out there from: Revzilla, Amazon
See additionally
SNELL Helmet #5: Simpson Outlaw Bandit Helmet
If you wish to appear to be a badass in your cafe racer, the Simpson Outlaw Bandit helmet is simply the ticket. Simpson Efficiency Merchandise have been round because the late fifties, specializing in merchandise for the race observe. These American made helmets turned vastly fashionable after Prime Gear’s Stig wore one throughout his excessive pace antics (and because of this are homologated to be used in most nations).
The Simpson Outlaw Bandit is without doubt one of the firm’s motorcyclist-specific kinds. Designed with excessive pace driving in thoughts, it options an aerodynamically-optimized design that reduces wind turbulence and helmet elevate.
A large subject of view allows you to hold a detailed eye on what’s happening round you and you’ll select from an expansive choice of visor tints to finish your new look.
Out there from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld evaluate: Simpson Outlaw Bandit helmet
SNELL Helmet #6: Shoei RF-1400 Helmet
Many individuals consider that the Shoei RF-1400, their most up-to-date flagship mannequin, is the best helmet out there for driving on metropolis streets. After limitless hours within the wind tunnel, the RF-1400’s drag and elevate had been diminished by 4% and 6%, respectively, over the older RF-1200.
For the brand new RF-1400, Shoei completely reengineered the defend mechanism. It’s a well-executed improve over the RF-1200. It’s SNELL 2020 authorized, extremely quiet, has wonderful air flow, and this lid feels premium in each approach. Shoei provides the RF-1400 in a wide selection of strong coloration and graphic choices, and there’s definitely a scheme to match your cafe construct.
Out there from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld evaluate: Shoei RF-1400 Evaluation
SNELL Helmet #7: Scorpion EXO R420 Helmet
It’s one factor to assert a helmet is race-inspired, however to again it up with a race-ready security certification exhibits you imply enterprise. The Scorpion EXO R420 helmet does precisely that.
That includes a smooth, clutter-free design, this contemporary helmet will look proper at residence on bikes of most kinds—from cafe racers to sports activities tourers. Conserving your melon protected is Scorpion’s LG polycarbonate shell design, which is each DOT and SNELL authorized.
The EXO R420’s fast launch visor is optically clear, 100% UV protecting, and scratch-proof, so that you’ll haven’t any subject taking in your environment. A washable, antimicrobial liner will assist you hold the helmet smelling candy whereas a specially-designed air flow system helps to forestall sweat construct up.
Emergency launch tabs on the liner supply further peace of thoughts, whereas inside speaker pockets permit you to keep related on the go.
Out there from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld evaluate: Scorpion EXO R420 helmet
