Husband was knocked off his bike two weeks ago and his head scratched the floor slightly with his helmet. No obvious damage and his head did not bang down on the floor. It is a very new helmet but ive been told it should still be replaced. What do you think?
2007-06-12 11:14:00 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Replace the helmet. Helmets use a type of foam that compresses with impact but does not return to it's original state. If an impact similar to the last impact happens he will not have protection. You cannot usually see or feel the change in the foam. It isn't worth taking the chance.
2007-06-12 11:40:39 · answer #1 · answered by beth 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
From the Snell Foundation webpage:
I dropped my helmet! Do I have to go buy a new one?
Generally the answer is probably not. Helmets are one use items, but are quite durable otherwise, at least the ones we certify. Frequent dropping or spiking a helmet on the ground, or other hard surfaces may eventually degrade the helmet's performance. Similarly if the helmet falls to the ground at highway speeds unoccupied the owner must be aware that some degradation may have occurred. In general the real damage comes when the helmet contacts an object with a head inside. The Foundation recommends that if you are participating in an activity that requires that you wear a helmet, that you avoid hitting stuff with your head. It can be difficult to readily determine if a helmet has been damaged, and the protective capabilities compromised without a thorough inspection by a trained professional. Some manufacturers may provide this service or direct you to these others that can perform these inspections. The Foundation recommends that if you suspect your helmet may be compromised, then replace it. If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.
2007-06-12 22:44:09 · answer #2 · answered by adotte 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who writes this stuff? Beth is right and I don't know what knobber gave her a thumbs down.
The issue is the styrofoam layer under the shell: it can only squash once. This is why if you drop your helmet on the ground without a head in it, it doesn't matter too much: the foam will not be crushed. If you take a hit in the same place, the foam, which works like the 'crumple zone' on a car, can't work twice.
Outer shells are near indestructible: I used to work for a helmet distributor and one afternoon we tried to smash some very old helmets we couldn't sell. They simply could not be busted: though having said that I have seen a plastic-shelled helmet crack in an accident, in which a rider was killed. But this was exceptional (and a very cheap helmet): the issue is not the outer shell but the liner inside.
Now many of us, myself included, have used helmets after an accident: but be aware of what has happened to the helmet so you know the risk. Be aware also EVERYONE in the industry will tell you to replace the helmet, both to sell you a helmet and for legal reasons. Can you imagine what meatheads would do if told a helmet can be re-used in 'some circumstances'?
2007-06-12 16:46:19 · answer #3 · answered by llordlloyd 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If his helmet touched down on the ground with his head in it, replace the helmet. Your husband's head is worth more than the $100 or so it will take to replace the helmet.
On the other hand, I had a similar mishap about two years ago, and I'm still using the same helmet. My helmet cost $85. I guess my head isn't worth $85. *shrug*
2007-06-12 11:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Helmets are constructed in three main parts, the hard outer shell (impervious to penetration), the shock absorbing liner (styrene or styrofoam) for crushing and not tranferring the impact to our sensitive little brains, and lastly the comfort lining, to absorb persperation and such....
When the helmet has an impact, the shell is effected in ways that the naked eye can not detect. The shell is in most cases, made of fiberglass or some other type of fiberous composite material.
If the fibers are damaged, the safety of the helmet is compromised. If you are in any type of doubt about the impact it had; have it x-rayed, or just replace it.
The cost of a helemt is minimal compared to the cost of brain damage.
2007-06-12 12:07:45 · answer #5 · answered by Steven F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even if there is no visible damage to the helmet, who's to say that the point of impact was not weakened. If it was my head under a questionable helmet, I would replace it...
2007-06-12 11:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by semperfiguy98 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Nice to hear he's wearing a lid. Replace it! The cost to replace the helmet is well worth it if it is needed again. Besides, finding out too late isn't worth the $100+. Again, Kudos to him for wearing the brain bucket.........
2007-06-12 11:37:23 · answer #7 · answered by 67BGTman 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you loke yourself get a new helmet. Sometimes the damage is small cracks not visible to the naked eye
2007-06-12 13:41:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Floor?
2007-06-12 11:35:49 · answer #9 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh, don't be a wuss. A helmet with some battle scars looks good.
Most helmets cost way more than $100. You would be a fool to toss a good helmet that shows no damage. There is no 'secret' damage a helmet gets. You either crack it or you don't!! If it ain't cracked, use it. Sheez.
2007-06-12 13:24:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋