I use the one with the metal locks. Only problem i ever had with it was if I mis-aligned it and only got one tab in. Can be a pain to get undone if that happens.

 

The DOT doesn't approve or disapprove retention devices.

This is straight from FMVSS218:
S5.3 Retention system.
S5.3.1 When tested in accordance
with S7.3:
(a) The retention system or its components
shall attain the loads specified
without separation; and
(b) The adjustable portion of the retention
system test device shall not
move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) measured
between preliminary and test load
positions.
S5.3.2 Where the retention system
consists of components which can be
independently fastened without securing
the complete assembly, each such
component shall independently meet
the requirements of S5.3.1.

And the test itself:
S7.3 Retention system test.
S7.3.1 The retention system test is
conducted by applying a static tensile
load to the retention assembly of a
complete helmet, which is mounted, as
described in S6.3, on a stationary test
headform as shown in Figure 4, and by
measuring the movement of the adjustable
portion of the retention system
test device under tension.
S7.3.2 The retention system test device
consists of both an adjustable
loading mechanism by which a static
tensile load is applied to the helmet retention
assembly and a means for holding
the test headform and helmet stationary.
The retention assembly is fastened
around two freely moving rollers,
both of which have a 0.5 inch (1.3 cm)
diameter and a 3-inch (7.6 cm) center-
648
§ 571.218 49 CFR Ch. V (10–1–01 Edition)
to-center separation, and which are
mounted on the adjustable portion of
the tensile loading device (Figure 4).
The helmet is fixed on the test
headform as necessary to ensure that it
does not move during the application
of the test loads to the retention assembly.
S7.3.3 A 50–pound (22.7 kg) preliminary
test load is applied to the retention
assembly, normal to the basic
plane of the test headform and symmetrical
with respect to the center of
the retention assembly for 30 seconds,
and the maximum distance from the
extremity of the adjustable portion of
the retention system test device to the
apex of the helmet is measured.
S7.3.4 An additional 250–pound (113.4
kg) test load is applied to the retention
assembly, in the same manner and at
the same location as described in
S7.3.3, for 120 seconds, and the maximum
distance from the extremity of
the adjustable portion of the retention
system test device to the apex of the
helmet is measured.

Doesn't even have to be a chin strap. Granted, if you intend to wear a helmet that the manufacturer has certified to meet DOT standards, you may be compromising that if you alter the retention device.

 

Mine broke off too. I can still get a hold of the ring with my thumb nail and loosen the strap. Don't have to completely undo it though so I never have to fumble around trying to redo the strap and rings. Just grab the lose end, tighten up the strap, snap the end to the strap and I'm on my way. I tried one of the quick release things once but eventually took it off because it just didn't work very well.

 

Thank you das, for that; exactly what I was wanting for our DOT's - I could GIVE a dang what the law says, my nov lid spoiled me!

 

I quit buying the expensive harley Helmets at the dealers. I found a Vega helmet at one for $65.00 and it fits great. It has the D Rings but also came with a small nylon strap attached so that the rings can be loosened up to remove the helmet easily. In almost two years I have not opened the rings, I just use the pull strap to loosen up where I can take it off. Leaving the strap in the D rings comes in handy hanging it on the handle bars where I can lock it on my bike with a small cable lock if I leave it for a long period of time. If a thief wants it he will have to cut the chin strap to get it making the helmet usless.
Just my (opinion) and like a part of the human body most people think they all stink.

 

I tried one of those snap buckles and to be honest I preferred the D rings. Seemed much more secure. Besides, I don't have to totally undo the thing when I take my helmet off, so tightening it up is just a matter of pulling on it. Pretty quick actually.

 

Thanks for the info. I just ordered two of them.

 

My Nolan helmet came with a quick release and it is DOT approved.

 

Thanks for post been looking for these.

 

I use the Echo one too. It's the only DOT approved thing on my helmet. lol