DOT approved DH helmets vs regular DH helmets?
 

Hey guys!

I'm looking at picking up a new full faced helmet. I noticed that I can go for either a regular, cheaper CSPC rated bicycle downhill helmet, or a DOT approved helmet for a few dollars more. The obvious differences I noticed are: DOT is heavier, hotter, more expensive. I'm sure there's more to it than that.

So what's the real difference?

Thanks!

Ask the mountain bike forum. Mentioning full-faces in here is just opening a can of worms.

I use a ASTM-1952 lid myself, I found the DOT lids a bit much unless you were purely doing lift-serviced riding in cool weather.

DOT helmets are designed for different types of impacts than may be typically encountered while mtb riding. There are arguments that, as a result, they are overbuilt for the task, and since the shell is stiffer and deforms less, they're actually more likely to cause head injury. My next dh helmet will be ASTM 1952 fwiw.