Dropped Helmet, Need to Replace?

[wackyjacky1]

I did a search but didn't find a topic on this. I dropped my helmet on the ground (concrete sidewalk) yesterday, and I've been wondering if an impact like that warrants replacement? It landed crown-side down and made a pretty loud sound on impact. It looks fine, but I thought I'd check with you all for your opinions.

Gracias.

[jobob]

I assume you checked really carefully on the inside for any cracks in the foam, as well as the outside.

Apart from that, no idea, love.

But that said, I am living proof that Helmets are Good. My crash occurred I guess when I least expected it, at least I don't remember anything about it. I did have a minor concussion and a bit of nerve damage to my right eye, which is healing up nicely.

That said, without my helmet, which was only a few weeks old (replacing one that was a couple of years old, at least), I think I would have been in much worse shape.

Bottom line, in my humble opinion at least, when in doubt, get a new (and a good) one. The alternative is totally not worth the $'s saved.

The major helmet manufacturers -- Bell, Specialized, Giro, and so on (see the thread started by ASammy1 for some ideas) -- are a good bet.

Good luck.

[Biciclista]

So Jobob, what's your helmet look like?

[Veronica]

I endoed a couple of years ago on my mountain bike. I don't think I hit my head, but I wasn't positive about it. I got a new helmet. Actually two new helmets. Less than a week later I destroyed one of those as well.

I'd rather spend the bucks and know it's going to do job if it needs to.

Veronica

[jobob]

Hi Mimi - check out ASammy1's thread that I linked in my message above. I posted photos there.

No way would wackjacky1's helmet look anything remotely like mine (after my accident, that is).

And if she asked the question a couple of weeks ago I might have though "eh, why bother?"

But now I'm speaking from the other side of the fence, as it were.

I know my (current) opinion might be on the far side of caution, but there you have it. Others might disagree as they are perfecly entitled to do. I'll remain, for the time being at least, on the paranoid end of the spectrum.

[Biciclista]

wow! that's serious damage, Jobob!


and about dropped helmets. I dropped mine too; er, it fell on my head out of the closet. Upon close inspection, i found a crack . and had to replace it.
no cracks allowed.

[MartianDestiny]

Helmets can be damaged even when no outward signs of damage can be seen. They are designed to compress once which increases the time of impact which decreases the impulse which is good. Once they compress they are done for and you may or may not be able to tell they've compressed.

So technically, 1 impact = new helmet. And 4ft or so to concrete does count as an impact.

All that said; I've dropped mine before too and continued to wear it. I replace my helmets every 2 years (as opposed to the 5 recommended) or at the first sign of wear to reduce the danger of significant loss of protection from all the minor knocks it gets (I commute and then haul the helmet around with me, take it on airplanes, etc).

It ends up being what you are comfortable with. If you call the helmet company though they'll tell you to replace it.

[ny biker]

wow! that's serious damage, Jobob!


and about dropped helmets. I dropped mine too; er, it fell on my head out of the closet. Upon close inspection, i found a crack . and had to replace it.
no cracks allowed.

It got a crack from landing on your head?!? Ouch!

[jobob]

Hee hee, Mimi must have a hard noggin'.

(sorry, could not resist )

[Biciclista]

It cracked either when it hit my head or then bounced to the floor. OUCH it hurt too.
I should have been wearing my helmet!

[jobob]

Good one!