The Helmet Gurus considers the Bell Qualifier DLX helmet stylish. If you care about your looks while riding, you probably own or would like to own the helmet. As someone who knows about helmet certifications, you probably wonder whether the helmet is Snell-rated. Continue reading to learn more.
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Unpacking Helmet Safety and Certifications
The primary reason to wear a motorcycle helmet is to protect you from head injuries. Head injuries are serious since they can affect almost all aspects of life. For example, a head injury can affect work productivity, school performance, or interaction with friends.
For the above reasons, safety organizations, consumer defenders, and the government are interested in ensuring all helmets work as their manufacturers claim. One way to ensure motorcycle helmet safety is to test and certify the safe ones. The certified helmets carry marks that identify them as such.
Helmet certifications differ by region and certification bodies. Different certifiers look at different features and use different tests for helmets. However, the goal remains the same for all three bodies – ensuring the helmet provides the necessary protection. The helmet type also determines the certification it carries.
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Note that a certified helmet is only safe for the activity for which it was certified. For example, a certified skiing helmet is not suitable for motorcycling. Always ensure you have the right helmet for the occasion.
Understanding Common Motorcycle Helmet Certifications
If you have been reading the Helmet Gurus, you understand that a few certifications are common in the motorcycle industry. One is the Department of Transportation (DOT) certification of the United States. The DOT certification ensures basic impact protection for motorcycle helmets sold in the country. You should probably not rely on DOT certification for top-tier helmet protection.
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European countries widely use the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) certification. The certification focuses on specific impact zones while testing helmets. ECE testing also includes penetration resistance. Some believe the ECE certification is more stringent than the DOT.
The Snell Memorial Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to road and motorcycle safety, also has a certification program. The Snell certification is one of the most demanding certifications for helmets. The organization tests helmets for high impact and penetration resistance from sharp objects. The Snell Memorial Foundation regularly updates its testing and certification standards.
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Bell DLX Qualifier Certification
Now, we come to the crux of the matter: Is the Bell DLX Qualifier helmet certified? The helmet has two important certifications, the DOT and ECE. The helmet lacks the Snell certification, but that doesn’t mean it is unsafe. The American DOT and European ECE certify the helmet as safe, so you can use it with peace of mind.
Note that helmet safety and protection are not just about certifications. For one, a helmet has to fit you properly. Say you have grown long hair since you measured your head and fitted your helmet. You probably need a new helmet that fits you better since your head’s circumference has increased. Improper fit reduces the helmet’s protection and increases its discomfort.
In conclusion, we acknowledge that the Bell DLX Qualifier helmet lacks the Snell certification, but that doesn’t make it less useful or safe. As the Helmet Gurus shows, Bell is one of the most popular helmet brands. Whether you want a helmet for racing, cruising, or off-road riding, you can find a suitable one from Bell.