Should I replace my helmet?

**mowgli** · 15th June 2008, 19:14

I recently had a low speed (<50kph estimated) glancing collision with an earthen bank. A witness reported me airborne and I can confirm the landing hurt. I experienced no loss of consciousness nor any symptoms of concussion following the off. My Shoei Raid II attracted some mud but outwardly appears undamaged apart from a scratch across the visor.

On principle I will replace the helmet because despite the lack of head injury I have no way of checking whether the inner layers have been compressed at all. It was in a bin; it should be binned; it will be replaced.

It got me thinking though. Noting cost, what would you do in my shoes?

**Nasty** · 15th June 2008, 19:16

My head is worth more than using a helmit that may or may not have integrity damage .. I would buy a new one.

**TonyB** · 15th June 2008, 19:18

IF it didn't hit the ground, in theory it should be fine. If it did, get rid of it.

As an aside, your helmet and gear should be covered under house hold insurance (assuming you have some).
I was surprised to find recently that AMI would even cover my gear when racing. Helemt and gloves replaced and leathers repaired with a $100 excess! They do 'depreciate' you gear though, but then they do that with cars too.

**AllanB** · 15th June 2008, 19:23

Any excuse for a new helmet is a good one - shopping time

**raftn** · 15th June 2008, 19:36

I wouldnt hesitate, i would replace it........but mind you i am alywasy looking for an excuse to buy new gear!

**CB ARGH** · 15th June 2008, 20:07

Play it safe - buy a new one mate.

**Ragingrob** · 15th June 2008, 20:18

Ignoring cost? Then of course anyone would get a new one!!! It's the cost that puts people off!

**mowgli** · 15th June 2008, 20:24

Originally Posted by Ragingrob

Ignoring cost? Then of course anyone would get a new one!!! It's the cost that puts people off!

Good point. My bad. Doesn't even make sense really. I've reworded the question from 'ignoring' to 'noting' cost. Voting and comments pretty one sided anyway.

**Nordy** · 15th June 2008, 20:45

I make hubby replace his mountain bike helmets after an off so would be the same with a motorbike helmet (especially as more speed is involved)

**Renegade** · 15th June 2008, 20:47

it made contact with some thing so replace it.

**James Deuce** · 15th June 2008, 20:51

Originally Posted by Nasty

My head is worth more than using a helmit that may or may not have integrity damage

Mine's not, but any excuse to buy something shiny!

**Usarka** · 15th June 2008, 20:54

Originally Posted by mowgli

A witness reported me airborne and I can confirm the landing hurt. I experienced no loss of consciousness nor any symptoms of concussion following the off.

Do you remember flying through the air? If not it might be a symptom memory loss from a blow.

Or it might not.

**moT** · 15th June 2008, 20:57

it sounds like the helmet is fine. it takes quite alot to dammage a helmet (they do spend millions makeing them good) if there are no chips or scratches on the helmet (visor doesnt count) it should be fine and you hit a soft bank and not directly with your head anyway so i say its ok but if you do wanna get another i say keep that one for passengers

**fridayflash** · 16th June 2008, 08:49

yep,id do like tom said,replace it and keep that one as a spare, sounds like
it'd still hold water so to speak

**DEATH_INC.** · 16th June 2008, 09:19

If it only hit soft earth then I'd keep it. It's unlikely to have damaged it .... but if there's a chance it hit something solid I'd prolly bin it, especially if ya can afford a newie...