DOT approved DH helmets vs regular DH helmets?
08-31-10 | 08:56 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,417
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From: Waterloo, ONT
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
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!
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!
08-31-10 | 11:12 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
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.
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.
09-01-10 | 12:03 PM
#3
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.
