I'm taking an MSF class tomorrow, and in reading over everything one last time, I see a little bit about "DOT helmet required." I have a Bell Sport III, which is SA00 rated. I'm aware of the technical differences between DOT and Snell certification, however, I am not aware of legal differences. Will my SA helmet be allowed? I'd inquire with the program, but I'm heading there right from work as it is.

 

SA is a higher rating. You should not have any problems but it is worth asking.

Here are some diffrences

Snell "SA" (Sports Application) rated professional helmets are designed for auto racing and provide extreme impact resistance and higher fire protection.

# Key differences between SA and M Rated Helmets (from Snell website): SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not.
# SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not.
# SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets aren't street legal).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RedheadRacing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
# SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard
</TD></TR></TABLE>
That right there would be reason enough to purchase a motorcycle helmet.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
That right there would be reason enough to purchase a motorcycle helmet.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, even if they do let you slide at MSF you might wanna get a motorcycle helmet.

 

When I did msf, everyone who brought there own lid had it checked out. One guy brought in one of those stupid walmart brain buckets and they even busted out the measuring tape to make sure it met DOT standards. My guess is when it lacks the DOT sticker its gonna get the . I betting they have loaners, just use one of those and get yourself a lM rated helmet that is lighter and will vent better.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
That right there would be reason enough to purchase a motorcycle helmet.</TD></TR></TABLE>

A very good point, and one I hadn't thought of. Guess I'll be buying a third helmet... *sigh*

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stinkycheezmonky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

A very good point, and one I hadn't thought of. Guess I'll be buying a third helmet... *sigh* </TD></TR></TABLE>
Only your third one? Give it some time - you'll amass more than a few helmets soon.

 

Just as an update, in case anyone bothers searching for this in the future:

SA helmets are allowed, you just need EITHER a DOT or SA sticker. It MUST have a sticker though, and it must also be at least a 3/4 helmet (the goofy chopper-style brain buckets won't cut it, even with a DOT sticker). This was an MSF course, so some other courses (like the HD-run ones) might have different requirements.

I found out last-minute they had enough loaners for everyone so I just took my helmet and hoped for the best. It worked out fine

Edit: I'm talking about the class specifically. I tried on another full-face motorcycle-specific helmet, and the visibility was much better than my Sport III, and will be getting one for riding when I actually get a bike.