Snell and ECE are both respected motorcycle helmet standards, but they test helmets in different ways: Snell is a voluntary standard run by a private foundation in the United States, while ECE 22.06 is the official standard used in Europe and many other countries. In general terms, Snell is known for its demanding impact tests, while ECE is known for testing helmets at a wider range of impact points and conditions. For track days, either can be a sound choice, and many helmets carry both marks.
The choice between them matters less than the fit of the helmet and the rules of the track day you are attending. This guide explains how each standard works, how they differ, and what to look for when you choose a track day helmet.
What Is the Snell Helmet Standard?
The Snell standard is set by the Snell Memorial Foundation, a private organisation in the United States that tests helmets and certifies those that meet its standard. In general terms, Snell certification is voluntary: a manufacturer chooses to submit a helmet for Snell testing, and if the helmet passes, it can carry the Snell label. The foundation is named after a racing driver, and its work grew out of a concern for helmet safety in motorsport.
Snell tests helmets in a laboratory using a headform fitted inside the helmet, dropped onto shaped surfaces to simulate impacts. The standard is known for testing helmets against harder surfaces and for checking the helmet at several points on the shell. The retention system is also tested, to make sure the helmet stays in place in a crash.
Because Snell certification is voluntary and the testing is demanding, the Snell label is often seen as a sign that a manufacturer has gone beyond the minimum road standard. That does not mean a helmet without a Snell label is unsafe, but the label is a useful extra sign for riders who want it.
What Is the ECE Helmet Standard?
ECE 22.06 is the current version of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe motorcycle helmet standard, used in Europe and in many other countries. In general terms, it is the official road standard in those countries, and a motorcycle helmet sold for road use there must meet it. Helmets that meet it carry an ECE label on the chin strap or inside the helmet, showing the approval number and the standard number 22.06.
ECE testing also uses a headform fitted inside the helmet, dropped onto shaped surfaces, but it tests the helmet at a wider range of impact points than earlier versions of the standard, and it includes tests at different impact speeds. The standard also checks accessories such as visors, because a visor that shatters or comes loose could cause an injury of its own.
For riders in Europe, ECE is the standard that matters most, because it is the one the law recognises. For riders elsewhere, it is still a widely respected standard, and many helmets sold around the world carry the ECE mark alongside a local mark.
How Do Snell and ECE Testing Differ?
The two standards differ in the details of their tests, even though the broad idea is the same. In general terms, Snell is known for testing helmets against harder surfaces and for placing a strong emphasis on impact protection, while ECE 22.06 tests helmets at more points on the shell and at different speeds, and pays more attention to how the helmet behaves in a wider range of conditions.
Another difference is who runs the standard. Snell is a private foundation, and its certification is voluntary, while ECE is an official standard set by an international body and recognised by governments. That difference affects how the standards are used: ECE is the legal benchmark in the countries that recognise it, while Snell is an extra certification a manufacturer can choose to seek.
Neither standard is simply better than the other. Both require a helmet to offer real impact protection, and both are trusted by riders and by track day organisers. A helmet that meets either standard properly has been tested to a recognised benchmark, and a helmet that meets both has been tested to two.
Which Standard Is Better for Track Days?
For most track days, either standard is fine. In general terms, track day organisers usually ask for a helmet that meets a recognised standard, and both Snell and ECE 22.06 count as recognised standards. The organiser may name the standards it accepts, so check the rules of the track day you are attending before you buy or before you turn up with a helmet that may not be accepted.
If you ride in Europe, an ECE 22.06 helmet is the natural choice, because it is the local road standard as well as a track day standard. If you ride in the United States, a Snell certified helmet is a common choice, because it is widely recognised there. Many riders choose a helmet that carries both marks, so they are covered in either case.
If you are learning about the technologies that can sit inside a track day helmet, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the features some modern helmets include in addition to their certification.
What Should You Check Before a Track Day?
Start with the rules. Check what standard your track day organiser requires, and check that your helmet carries the right label. Then check the condition of the helmet: the shell should be free of cracks, the liner should be firm and evenly fitted, and the visor should be clear and free of scratches. A helmet that has taken a hard impact should be replaced, even if the damage is not visible.
Next, check the fit. A track day helmet should sit level, feel snug all round, and stay put when you shake your head. It will be worn at speed and under braking, so a helmet that shifts or lifts at speed is a problem. Try it on with the gear you will wear on track, and make sure the visor seals properly and the chin strap fastens securely.
Finally, make sure the helmet is comfortable enough for a full session. A helmet that is too tight will distract you, and a helmet that is too loose will not protect you properly. The right track day helmet is one that meets the standard your organiser requires, fits you well, and is in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a Snell helmet for a track day?
A: In general terms, no — most track days accept helmets that meet a recognised standard such as ECE 22.06 or Snell. Check your organiser’s rules to be sure your helmet is accepted.
Q: Is a Snell helmet safer than an ECE helmet?
A: Not necessarily. Both standards require real impact protection, and they test helmets in different ways. A helmet that meets either standard properly, and fits you well, is a sound choice for a track day.
Q: Can a helmet carry both Snell and ECE marks?
A: Yes. Many helmets sold by major brands are made to meet both standards, so a single helmet can carry the Snell label and the ECE label at the same time.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
