2nd hand helmet? would you or no?

**el_scor_cho** · 2nd July 2009, 18:59

Hey guys. ive been lookin to purchase a shoei lately and i came across a second hand xr1000 for a good price.
when i went to view it, it was cosmetically in as new cond. can there be hairline fractures or anything along those lines that effect the safety of the lid even though its in perfect cond and the owner insists on it being lovingly treated all its life?
would you buy a second hand helmet? opinions appreciated, ta

**Gremlin** · 2nd July 2009, 19:01

What about the internal lining of the shell having been moulded to the person's head, and not yours?

No... I buy brand new helmets. The XR1000 in plain black is only $650 odd anyway...

**firefighter** · 2nd July 2009, 19:12

Originally Posted by Gremlin

The XR1000 in plain black is only $650 odd anyway...

That may as well be a billion dollars to some people.......

I think a very new/hardly worn one which genuinely has'nt been dropped etc should be fine if it's tried on and fits well, hell if it fits it fits.....

I know what you mean new is always best......if you can afford it

But I really believe there is nothing wrong with second hand, if it's in good condition, and fitting you well.

Hell i'd take that second hand Shoei if it fit and was reasonably tidy over a brand new HJC

**varminter** · 2nd July 2009, 19:26

Someone who uses the word 'only' & '$650' in the same sentence has far too much money. Gimme some.

**hayd3n** · 2nd July 2009, 19:28

if your comfortable with 2nd hand helmet get it,
its going on a 2nd hand head right?

**el_scor_cho** · 2nd July 2009, 19:30

as an alternative is there anyone who can test it for me before i buy?
it does fit perfectly and feels exactly the same as one on a shelf but i spose it will always be in the back of my mind

**YellowDog** · 2nd July 2009, 19:38

I looked at second hand helmets a while back for a spare.

The ones in really good condition were more expensive than the price I could buy new ones for on ebay importing from the USA.

FWIW: If you like the A1 condition one you've seen and it fits well, buy it.

**Katman** · 2nd July 2009, 19:40

If there's absolutely no sign of any impact to the outer shell and the helmet fits you comfortably, I don't see any reason not to buy it.

**slofox** · 2nd July 2009, 19:44

I have two helmets - a Shoei and an Arai. I switched to the Arai after six months with the Shoei because it fitted me better than did the Shoei. The Shoei had proven to be one size too big.
Were I to sell the Shoei, it would be in as new condition. It has never been "used" or dropped. I would have worn it for another three to four years in perfect safety had the fit not become an issue. The internal padding may well have moulded to my specific head shape (wonky) but that is easily fixed with new pads. They are replaceable as we all know.
All of which goes to show that not all second hand helmets are dodgy.

**Headbanger** · 2nd July 2009, 20:08

Personally I'd buy any cheap helmet that met NZ safety standards over any 2nd hand helmet, There is no way of knowing the history of the helmet.

**Matt** · 2nd July 2009, 20:42

depends what a good price is too I guess - new XR1000's (RF1000's) can still be had from the US for under NZ$400 all up (eBay is a good place to start).

**Motu** · 2nd July 2009, 20:50

I bought a helmet from cash converters for $75,and used it for 8 years until the foam liner started to disintegrate.

They say if you have a $10 head,then buy a $10 helmet.Fortunately I have a $5 head,which saves me heaps of money in the long run.

**p.dath** · 2nd July 2009, 22:10

How old is the helmet? Remember they only have a lifetime of 2 to 5 years. It might not have much life left in it ...

**scracha** · 2nd July 2009, 22:23

I've came off on the track, had my head bounce off the grass HARD twice and if I'd been devious enough to change the visor then the helmet would have had no visible damage....not even a scratch.

Buy a cheap new helmet if you can't afford the Shoei.