Helmet damage

[Leaf]

G'day all.

I recently had the (mis)fortune to come off my bike while taking a tight lefthander at "optimistic" speed. Lent it over too much and ended up lowsiding . Now, while i was ok and the bike was still ridable, i am unsure if i damaged my helmet during the fall. I dont recall hitting the ground hard with my head, however there is evidence of some (very) minor scratches on the left hand side that may or may not have been there prior to my excursion.

I am curious to know if there is some way that a helmet can be tested to see if it is still up to the impact standards it once was before it was purchased (short of sending it back to the manufacturer - in this case 'shunde fengxing helmets' who make the nitro racing brand) thus indicating if it has been damaged?

While it somewhat of a moot point as i am planning to purchase a new helmet either way, it would be useful to know if such a service does exist.

cheers.

[Grub]

I'm not sure if you can get it done (I just automaticly replaced mine) but you may be able to get it xrayed.

The trouble is, I don't know what to look for ... cracks obviously but what about strain on the strap and strap mountings etc etc

Maybe ask a bike shop?

[YellowDog]

Not aware of any such services and no one would give you a cast iron guarantee. Wouldn't risk it myself.

BTW: Well done on sliding like that. By far the safest way to go down and keep a degree of control. How's the rest of your gear after the slide?

[Mike748]

Yip, tis a bugger when you get a few scratches and you don't know if it's cosmetic or structural, I've got a nice carbon fibre HJC which I tried to do a headstand with after loosing the front, helmet is scratched up but I never felt any real impact. Still going to replace it though and I'll use it as a reminder not to repeat the incident.

[Jantar]

I have posted this before, but it was a while ago.

I have a very good 4 step method of testing old helmets to see if they are still OK:

Step 1. Visually inspect the outer shell for any sign of damage.
Step 2. Visually inspect the straps, fastners, and stitching for any sign of damage.
Step 3. Slice the helmet open (an axe or machete works well) and check the inner for consistancy and conformity.
Step 4. Repeat step 1.

If the helmet fails any step it must be replaced.

I have tested around a dozen helmets over the years, and the strange thing is that every old helmet I have tested has failed. Most fail at step 1. A few at step 3, and the remainder at step 4. Only 1 has failed at step 2.
__________________

[fireliv]

Yeah never worth the risk. I think my insurance company is getting sick of phoenix and I making helmet claims...... they even try and say that it is not covered under content insurance. To bad my sister worked there and knows better..... they just wanna ping me for bike excess cos its 10 times the amount of content excess..... but I have the last

[Rachel770]

I had a big crash yesterday at Ardmore and my helmet is wasted, but it did the job!

[FROSTY:Me]

[quote=Jantar;1467625]IStep 3. Slice the helmet open (an axe or machete works well) and check the inner for consistancy and conformity.uote]


Id put a fair bit o money that step was a shit load harder than you thought it would be.

[Leaf]

Yeah a replacement will definantly be in the immediate future, better safe than sorry for sure...plus Jantar's 3rd step in helmet testing is begging to be put into practice

BTW: Well done on sliding like that. By far the safest way to go down and keep a degree of control. How's the rest of your gear after the slide?

Cheers, I was rather chuffed (if that is at all possible after coming off) that I had resisted the temptation to slam on the front brake and stand the bike up in the corner, tho im sure i could have handled the situation better, not least by going a touch slower into the corner

Put a hole down to the knee pad in my pants (technic - synthetic), a scuff on the shoulder of my jacket (shift - leather), and some minor scuffs on the glove (rev'it - leather). All in all reasonably happy with the gear, tho if the slide had been longer im not sure if the knee pad would have remained in place.

[Mom]

Totally agree with Jantar.

You fell off your bike, noticed a few scratches on your helmet. Any sane person would use the Jantar test and tell you it was fucked mate!

New helmet time, now, not in a months time, just do it!

[Zoolander]

Just replace it. If it got scuffed on the outside the inner layer of hard foam has most probably compressed to some degree. Which means it wont absorb as much force next time. Not worth taking a risk when it comes to your brain really!

[Pogo2]

Do you consider helmets to have a "shelf life" I have a Nolan N100 flip face that is about 10 years old. Never been dropped but the padding around the forehead is starting to feel a bit flat after years of perspiration and general wear etc. Does any KBer replace their helmet after a certain period (despite no damage etc).

Interested to hear your thoughts

Cheers

[Mikkel]

If you can not recall with clarity that you did not touch your helmet down while sliding - replace it!
If you push it off your kitchen table - replace it.
If you drop it off your bike seat while parked - replace it.

[Jantar]

IStep 3. Slice the helmet open (an axe or machete works well) and check the inner for consistancy and conformity.

Id put a fair bit o money that step was a shit load harder than you thought it would be.

Yes, it was a lot easier with the older style fibre shells, the newer polycarbonate ones do tend to deflect the blade if you're not careful. But then a large hacksaw will achieve the same purpose.

[FROSTY:Me]

Do you consider helmets to have a "shelf life" I have a Nolan N100 flip face that is about 10 years old. Never been dropped but the padding around the forehead is starting to feel a bit flat after years of perspiration and general wear etc. Does any KBer replace their helmet after a certain period (despite no damage etc).

Interested to hear your thoughts

Cheers

mnz have an age limit on lids--must be for a reason