Replacing a helmet after a crash?

[green machine]

How hard is too hard?,took a bit of a spill over the bars today at the Sandpit and my month old $600 helmet looks a bit worse for wear,no visible cracks on the shell or poly lining,but the impact was hard enough to leave an imprint of the plastic part of the lining on my noggin,i wasn't knocked out or didn't get concussion, chatted to someone there and he suggested i replace it........i know they are designed to take ONE impact but what is everyones opinion on how hard is too hard.If i had got dizzy or had a massive headache i'd replace it no question,but it's only four rides old.If it's up for replacement that is the last high end helmet i'll be forking out for.......Cheers

[nzspokes]

How hard is too hard?,took a bit of a spill over the bars today at the Sandpit and my month old $600 helmet looks a bit worse for wear,no visible cracks on the shell or poly lining,but the impact was hard enough to leave an imprint of the plastic part of the lining on my noggin,i wasn't knocked out or didn't get concussion, chatted to someone there and he suggested i replace it........i know they are designed to take ONE impact but what is everyones opinion on how hard is too hard.If i had got dizzy or had a massive headache i'd replace it no question,but it's only four rides old.If it's up for replacement that is the last high end helmet i'll be forking out for.......Cheers

Your $600 just saved your bacon. Go buy a new one. If there is any damage its rooted. It wont work again. Ive worked in the helmet industry.

[gijoe1313]

As everyone will tell you, replace, replace and replace - the $600 you spent was well worth it and now, you can use it as a wall piece for conversation starter!

I got given arseholes for riding with a lid that had some scratches from a "minor" off (was waiting for a new replacement one to come in). So, looking back - I was a right idiot and should have bought a brand new one straight off and banked it as a spare when my new one came in! (Ah, the foolishness of youth) :facepalm:

[green machine]

Yeah i'm picking that's what everyone will say,looking at replacements now,but what i want to establish is how to gauge if the knock was sufficient enough to damage the structure of the helmet...as in
Knocked out = new helmet
Concussion = new helmet
Dizzy = new helmet
Chipped Paint = new helmet???
Scratches = new helmet???
Get my drift?

[noobi]

Both of the previous posters are road riders, which is fine. However their view of protective gear is slightly different, if you crash on the road, usually you are lucky to be alive and all your gear is rooted because it took a big impact, and your not dead. So now that your not dead after crashing on the road you feel that you should replace all your gear, its not such a big deal because you would only need to do it a few times in your life, because you only crash a few times in your life(compared to off road).
Now we look at off road, how many times do you crash, fall off, hit the ground? Id say its a good day if you dont have a get off of some description, if we replaced our helmets every time we fell off and hit our head, we would be broke and not riding...
If its cracked or the foam inside is deformed, then its toast, get a new one, if its not, carry on wearing it until you decide that you want something different...

[nzspokes]

Both of the previous posters are road riders, which is fine. However their view of protective gear is slightly different, if you crash on the road, usually you are lucky to be alive and all your gear is rooted because it took a big impact, and your not dead. So now that your not dead after crashing on the road you feel that you should replace all your gear, its not such a big deal because you would only need to do it a few times in your life, because you only crash a few times in your life(compared to off road).
Now we look at off road, how many times do you crash, fall off, hit the ground? Id say its a good day if you dont have a get off of some description, if we replaced our helmets every time we fell off and hit our head, we would be broke and not riding...
If its cracked or the foam inside is deformed, then its toast, get a new one, if its not, carry on wearing it until you decide that you want something different...

Wrong, he said the impact was hard enough to leave an imprint of the plastic part of the lining on my noggin. The helmet inner has been compromised. If it was just external scratches then no biggy. But this one is rooted.

I do have done more than just ride a road bike to.

[noobi]

I thought he meant it left and imprint on his head, not the helmet ?

[Rhys]

If your head hits the ground with any force replace it! But its your life

[Rupe]

Both of the previous posters are road riders, which is fine. However their view of protective gear is slightly different, if you crash on the road, usually you are lucky to be alive and all your gear is rooted because it took a big impact, and your not dead. So now that your not dead after crashing on the road you feel that you should replace all your gear, its not such a big deal because you would only need to do it a few times in your life, because you only crash a few times in your life(compared to off road).
Now we look at off road, how many times do you crash, fall off, hit the ground? Id say its a good day if you dont have a get off of some description, if we replaced our helmets every time we fell off and hit our head, we would be broke and not riding...
If its cracked or the foam inside is deformed, then its toast, get a new one, if its not, carry on wearing it until you decide that you want something different...

I agree with this, road and dirt is a bit different. You/I fall off a fair bit, and cause helmets are heavy your head often hits the ground. most of the time its really minor stuff, so its not really one impact and throw the thing out.

I guess only steve knows how hard he hit the ground and whether he thinks it should be trown or not. Someone like scott would prob know

[YellowDog]

Your helmet is perfectly fit for legal compliance, as in wearing a helmet whilst riding a motorcycle.

If however you want a reasonable chance of it still being able to save your bacon in the event of an accident: Sorry mate, but it does need to be replaced :yes:

[L Rider]

Agree with Noobi regarding onroad/offroad riding & crashes.

IF offroad helmets had to be replaced when the head is knocked, then wouldn't crashes at organised events be monitored alot more.
Take for example my kids who do Mini mx - if my boy comes off at speed, takes a knock to his head but is feeling fine & gets back up themself, should organisers be checking him & his helmet before he continues the race given that they are run under MNZ rules?

[noobi]

Wrong, he said the impact was hard enough to leave an imprint of the plastic part of the lining on my noggin. The helmet inner has been compromised. If it was just external scratches then no biggy. But this one is rooted.

I do have done more than just ride a road bike to.

I didnt say to, or not to, I gave my opinion and where I stand on the topic. If it DID dent the inner foam, then like I said its toast. So how am I wrong again? Other than assuming you only ride road bikes?

[flyingcr250]

if indoubt throw it out,
ive had a few GOOD crashes with my current helmet and id only replace it if i saw that it was visably damaged,
yes i know there might be damage that i cant see but were do you stop?
at the end of the day steve if you dont feel comfortable wearing it anymore the get rid of it

[green machine]

I agree with this, road and dirt is a bit different. You/I fall off a fair bit, and cause helmets are heavy your head often hits the ground. most of the time its really minor stuff, so its not really one impact and throw the thing out.

I guess only steve knows how hard he hit the ground and whether he thinks it should be trown or not. Someone like scott would prob know
Yeah that's right Rupe,it was a bit harder than i tip off at a corner,it was over the bars at speed,tho my body hit first,then the helmet,and it was more of a hit and slide than a full frontal impact......i'm looking at helmets......

[green machine]

if indoubt throw it out,
ive had a few GOOD crashes with my current helmet and id only replace it if i saw that it was visably damaged,
yes i know there might be damage that i cant see but were do you stop?
at the end of the day steve if you dont feel comfortable wearing it anymore the get rid of it

Just paintchips and scratches.......i'd be buying a new helmet every week if that was the benchmark

[flyingcr250]

Just paintchips and scratches.......i'd be buying a new helmet every week if that was the benchmark

if i got a concussion or was KO'd id replace it,

[bogan]

if i got a concussion or was KO'd id replace it,

been there, done that :yes:

If the hit is hard enough to leave an imprint and make you think about it, but not hard enough to leave you concussed or dizzy, it's a bit of a grey area. Trouble is, it'd be hard getting an honest assessment as helmet manufacturers/dealer would err on the side of caution, I'd probably do the same if it were my noggin, as the helmet is designed to deform in accidents...

[nzspokes]

I didnt say to, or not to, I gave my opinion and where I stand on the topic. If it DID dent the inner foam, then like I said its toast. So how am I wrong again? Other than assuming you only ride road bikes?

Sorry, my bad. I miss read it. I thought he had damaged the liner. Rereading it sounds like inprint in his head.

[CRF119]

I did this to my Shoei VFXW it crushed the inside lining. So i replacd it because the inside lining had been crushed and wouldn't absorb the next impact in that area as well as it did the first. VFXW $900.00 worth my head. The leat brace i had also had dents in it from the helmet to shows it did its job to.

[buffstar]

Dude :gob: The imprint that I saw on your head yesterday looked like a scar from some fresh (ish) stitches - if the only damage had been the munted peak I would understand your hestiation.... but that was a pretty impressive mark on your noggin. I dont mean to come off like a nagging old bag or anything BUT check out afew ppl with head injuries and ask yourself if its worth it?
It is a very pretty helmet - and will look really nice on display :bye:
Im no expert - however my understanding is that all helmets wether they be $600 or $250 are all made to the same safety standards..... maybe a new cheaper version? Mr Workshop Graphics could styalize one for you perhaps? I dunno. Your call - if it was me or one of mine a new helmet would be a definate.
good luck with your decision

[gwynfryn]

Sell it on trademe.

[YellowDog]

Sell it on trademe.

Only worn half a dozen times!

One small scuff mark, no ides how that got there

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Ride it till the red]

Take a look on Torpedo7. I haven't been watching lately but they often have quite reasonable helmets for $200 or below on sale down from $350-400ish....

As far as I'm concerned you are better off buying those and replacing them in situations like this than holding onto an expensive one for too long because of what it cost ya.....

As mentioned above as long as it meets the neccessary safety standards it will look after your head pretty much as well as a more expensive one. And certainly alot better than an expensive damaged one. The price difference often appears to be more related to design, brand and weight.

[takitimu]

Sorry, my bad. I miss read it. I thought he had damaged the liner. Rereading it sounds like inprint in his head.

I read it the same way.

Regarding replacement, I would replace it, you'll never really know, but if the hit was hard enough & focused enough to leave a mark on your head, I'd figure on it having done some damage to the helmet.

I'm assuming the mark was forehead & not a side impact that twisted the helmet & got the side of your face.

[green machine]

I read it the same way.

Regarding replacement, I would replace it, you'll never really know, but if the hit was hard enough & focused enough to leave a mark on your head, I'd figure on it having done some damage to the helmet.

I'm assuming the mark was forehead & not a side impact that twisted the helmet & got the side of your face.

Nah its on the side of my head,just above my ear,more of a scuff mark from the plastic part of the inner fabric liner i've established.....my shoulder/side took the first impact then i skidded for a bit with the helmet scraping till i stopped.........

[Jinxycat]

really its your choice, it will most likley take many more medium knocks, but if you get one big one, especially on the same spot the whole thing could just peel in two, its a gamble, could be sweet for years and years or you could end up a vege next ride!! too many people get f#$%ed up even with the top gear on, we only nag cos we care, not cos we think you are made of $

[CRF119]

Buying Tip: When looking at new helmets peel back the inner liner and feel how hard the inner is. If its rock hard like some helmets are put it back on the shelf.

[IIIRII]

I think you underestimate how strong helmets are.
If it has no cracks in the shell then why would you replace it ?
Off road is a bit different to sliding your head along the tarmac, the majority of crashes on trail rides etc: are very soft by comparison.
I would just have a really good inspection of it.
Get an old helmet and try to crack the shell, that will give you and idea of what impact they can easily take.

[green machine]

I've had a couple of riders in the know have a good look,neither would directly say keep or replace it as the wanted to stay impartial,when i asked if it was their helmet would they still wear it they both said yes,it seems the peak where it attaches to the helmet took the brunt of it(i have a spare) and as previously stated it was more of a slide than a direct smack to the helmet.....if and when it takes another hit i'll replace it then.....Cheers for all the opinions tho......

[blackdog]

Get an old helmet and try to crack the shell, that will give you and idea of what impact they can easily take.

Ha ha yeah, beat seven times with a hammer if not cracked it must be sweet to keep using.

[Latte]

I think you underestimate how strong helmets are.
If it has no cracks in the shell then why would you replace it ?
Off road is a bit different to sliding your head along the tarmac, the majority of crashes on trail rides etc: are very soft by comparison.
I would just have a really good inspection of it.
Get an old helmet and try to crack the shell, that will give you and idea of what impact they can easily take.

The issue is whether or not the ineer liner has compressed or not. If it has the next impact will tansfer a lot more force to the noggin, rather than being absorbed by the liner compressing.

My personal view is a if the helmet grazed the ground etc (speaking of dirt here) it's probably ok, an impact (against a tree/rock etc) then examine carefully, err on the side of caution.

[Rupe]

I've had a couple of riders in the know have a good look,neither would directly say keep or replace it as the wanted to stay impartial,when i asked if it was their helmet would they still wear it they both said yes,it seems the peak where it attaches to the helmet took the brunt of it(i have a spare) and as previously stated it was more of a slide than a direct smack to the helmet.....if and when it takes another hit i'll replace it then.....Cheers for all the opinions tho......

what was the helmet?

[Mom]

How hard is too hard? Cheers

Cut the straps off it and chuck it out.

[green machine]

what was the helmet?

Fox V3............

[green machine]

The issue is whether or not the ineer liner has compressed or not. If it has the next impact will tansfer a lot more force to the noggin, rather than being absorbed by the liner compressing.

My personal view is a if the helmet grazed the ground etc (speaking of dirt here) it's probably ok, an impact (against a tree/rock etc) then examine carefully, err on the side of caution.
That's the conclusion i've come to,if it was a direct impact with a hard tree,rock etc and had been a real bellringer e.g,dizzy,concussed or knocked out i'd replace it no hesitation......

[Rupe]

Fox V3............

fuck you go through helmets, thought you had a airoh, and a shoei??? Has you head been growing?

Would prob keep the v3 myself, but wouldn't sudjest that im the wisest guy out there either.

[green machine]

fuck you go through helmets, thought you had a airoh, and a shoei??? Has you head been growing?

Would prob keep the v3 myself, but wouldn't sudjest that im the wisest guy out there either.
Hahahahahah,your not wrong,i'm the ultimate consumer,see a nice new helmet in a fancy add and i'm like ooooooooh i want one(should have kept the others),part of the reason i'm not rushing out and getting another one is i'm bound to see a flash add in the future and want one.hahah

[noobi]

Ha ha yeah, beat seven times with a hammer if not cracked it must be sweet to keep using.

Yea, sure. If thats how you interpret it, but thats not what he was suggesting. :blink::facepalm:

[Rupe]

Hahahahahah,your not wrong,i'm the ultimate consumer,see a nice new helmet in a fancy add and i'm like ooooooooh i want one(should have kept the others),part of the reason i'm not rushing out and getting another one is i'm bound to see a flash add in the future and want one.hahah

I would never of guessed! Need to get that sprocket back to you, you going to 2man at weekend?

[green machine]

I would never of guessed! Need to get that sprocket back to you, you going to 2man at weekend?

Just keep it mate,i'll never use it......nah i'm gonna have a little rest for a bit..

[K6K]

check your contents insurance policy...sporting equipment should be covered. If you don't have much of an excess it could be worth it. I got a whole set of mildly scratched leathers, helmet gloves, boots etc replaced when I crashed on the track and it didn't cause my premiums to go up.

[green machine]

Just for piece of mind i got another helmet.....wouldn't be my first choice but at that price i don't care......same helmet as i have but $340 dollars cheaper.......geez the Monster Energy paint job was costly
http://www.sportspro.co.nz/products/1185-mens/4590-sale_fox_v3_anti_scene_helmet.aspx