HELMETS! Who Has The Best Crash Replacement Program?!?

[OakLeaf]

Bike helmets can't be sold in the USA unless they meet CPSC standards.

Unfortunately, CPSC doesn't involve any independent testing. Snell does, but since CPSC became the law, few manufacturers shell out for Snell testing.

Unlike the recent exposés of motorcycle helmets and the drastic revision of Snell motorcycle standards as a result, CPSC and Snell standards are quite similar.

BHSI has a handy comparo on their site.

[Bike Chick]

Trek replaced my helmet after I crashed.

[buffybike]

I just finished doing a lot of helmet research after I crashed. Here's what I found:

With regard to helmet safety, as other posters noted, all helmets sold in the US must meet a minimum standard established by CPSC. The Snell certification is a little more rigorous. The only "large" manufacturer I could find who sells Snell-certified helmets is Specialized. I purchased their Propero helmet and couldn't be happier. It comes down lower on both my forehead and the back of my head, has great ventilation and is so light I can barely feel it. I think I paid $100 +s/h and didn't bat an eye. You can't put a price on safety.

For a list of Snell-certified helmets you can go to this site: http://www.smf.org/certlist/std_B-90...90C_B-95C.html

[Tri Girl]

I crashed at a t-shirt ride a week after getting my new helmet. A road crevice reached up and threw me down- straight on my head. I didn't even think to ask about crash replacement (it was a Specialized- I could have used 20% off). I just threw it away and bought another.
Glad you're OK.