Replacing a helmet after a crash?

**flyingcr250** · 24th July 2011, 22:14

Originally Posted by green machine

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** · 24th July 2011, 22:22

Originally Posted by flyingcr250

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

been there, done that

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** · 24th July 2011, 22:40

Originally Posted by noobi

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** · 25th July 2011, 08:39

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** · 25th July 2011, 09:29

Dude

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

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** · 25th July 2011, 16:04

Sell it on trademe.

**YellowDog** · 25th July 2011, 16:14

Originally Posted by gwynfryn

Sell it on trademe.

Only worn half a dozen times!

One small scuff mark, no ides how that got there

**Ride it till the red** · 25th July 2011, 16:15

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** · 25th July 2011, 16:38

Originally Posted by nzspokes

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** · 25th July 2011, 17:26

Originally Posted by takitimu

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** · 25th July 2011, 17:27

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** · 25th July 2011, 19:51

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** · 26th July 2011, 18:41

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** · 26th July 2011, 18:50

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......