[PinkEagles]

So today I dropped my bike for the first time in a parking lot. Cringe. She’s fine and everything, but the real kicker came when I was standing up. When I fell I guess I landed under this concrete… thing that came out a few feet from the wall. It was maybe 4 – 5 feet off the floor. As I was standing up I rose right into it with my helmet on. Luckily nobody was around to see this… except for this cute girl that was standing about 10 feet away. Needless to say she definitely noticed me. Anyways, all embarrassment aside, I’m wondering if it was enough that I need a new helmet. It’s an Arai RX-Q if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance for your help. Ride safe everyone!

[Jeff in Kentucky]

It takes a big hit on the helmet with your head in it to compress the inner styrofoam- yours should be fine.

Most people wear out a helmet from sunlight weakening the outer shell and heat inside the helmet starting to break down the foam, it starts to smell inside from sweat (Febreze spray helps), or they get tired of it.

The helmet companies want you to buy a new helmet every 5 years, probably a good idea if you have a Snell 2005 helmet because that standard was not very safe, but generally if you store your helmet out of sunlight and do not do any big crashes, most helmets will last at least 10 years, with at least one new face shield needed because of vehicles throwing sand and gravel off their tires. Dropping an empty helmet on the pavement rarely reduces the safety, just the appearance.

I think Arai will check their used helmets for just the shipping cost, if you want to be extra safe.

[TrialsRider]

I read that is a fiberglass helmet, which is the best helmet composite for absorbing an impact (and destroying itself in the process). Manufacturers err on the safe side and say you should not even drop a helmet from waist height, which I’m sure is a little over the top. Bottom line is; if there is visible glass damage it should be replaced or it may not provide life saving properties in the significant impact situation, that might never happen …are you feeling lucky?

I would probably keep it if it’s not already worn out in other respects, but just like the manufacturer I will accept no responsibility for anything etc, etc, etc.

[Ben]

I agree with Jeff in Kentucky, you should be fine if it was just a minor bump. A lot of helmet manufacturers have free testing if you send your helmet to them, but chances are they are going to keep it and say you need to buy a new one just to be on the safe side. I’ve dropped my helmet from about 3 feet and I still wear it.

Ben

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