helmet replacement

[moose8]

I am pretty sure I know the answer to this, but is there any level of impact where it is ok to keep a helmet? I took a spill this morning and for the first time ever a helmet definitely saved me, and I have fallen more than I care to admit, but it's never involved the helmet part of the head before. I flew over the handlebars, took the brunt with my shoulder, and then followed through with a slight bonk on the front of my helmet. No concussion or anything, and the hit on the head was not particularly hard, but it definitely hit. Aside from some scrapes, the helmet looks ok, but I imagine looks ok probably isn't a good enough reason to keep it. I really am only asking because I just bought it to replace a very old helmet that itself was long overdue to be replaced, but had never been crashed. I'm going to operate on the assumption I need to throw it out and replace it, but if for some reason I'm wrong on this, let me know. The crash was completely and utterly my own fault - the same route I have been doing every weekday for three years. I had a moment of inattention and that really was all it took.

[Joachim]

I don't think anyone can tell exactly what kind if crash-induced impact will still allow a helmet to be used vs not. Your assumption that you should toss it, is correct IMO. Besides, you just said it saved you, do you want to take the risk that next time it won't because you did not replace it? My life is worth more than $100. How much do we spend on tires, chains and cassettes?

[572cv]

I think I remember correctly that one or the other of the helmet mfgrs wants to get helmets back which have been in an accident and has a replacement program to encourage this for not much money. Good luck.

[Charles M]

If you have any impact marks on the helmet it's done.

Some companies have a crash replacement policy.

[FlashUNC]

Yup, its hosed.

It might be fine, but there's no point in taking the risk.

[kohagen]

I just had to replace a Bell Sweep R that was crushed/cracked in a crash. The Bell customer service department said that they would only offer their 30% crash replacement discount on a new Bell helmet, and not a Giro, made by a sister company. Giro, however, gave me 30% off on a new helmet, even thought the old one was a Bell. All they wanted was the make, model, and serial number. The one potential downside is that there are no returns on crash replacements for any reason, even poor fit. Be sure it works before you order it.

[moose8]

thanks - it was a bell, so I will look into the replacement program, which I was not aware of previously. I know it's not worth it to risk something like this, but sometimes its easier on the wallet to have someone else confirm that I do in fact need to get a new helmet.

[jlwdm]

Just buy one of the Giro half price Prolight or Ionos helmets from CC.

Jeff

[Lovetoclimb]

Just buy one of the Giro half price Prolight or Ionos helmets from CC.

Jeff

Might as well stock up on two at that price!

[Bruce K]

Coming from a motorsports background I have always felt that one impact, whether there was visible damage or not, was enough to warrant replacement.

As an official I once confiscated a helmet when a PO'd driver threw his helmet to the ground in anger.

I also replace them every three years.

$50 - $60 per year seems like cheap money for the best protection.

BK

[geopedler]

Yup, get a new one. But check with your dealer as almost all brands have some kind of crash replacement policy. Glad you're ok otherwise!

[bart998]

Yup, get a new one. But check with your dealer as almost all brands have some kind of crash replacement policy. Glad you're ok otherwise!

Not Rudy Project. I checked last year after a bad spill, no discount.

[Kingfisher]

The timing on this thread was about perfect......not to hijack anything, but I just returned from a ride and had a mild, slow fallover, (not paying attention, and went in the ditch, bumped my right side and hit my helmet on the right side). There is definitely a mark on the helmet....it did its job. So I'll take no chances and buy another tomorrow....Helmet was a bontrager.

[moose8]

I called Bell Sports and they sent me info - they will replace helmets at 30% off retail, which seems fair. But I think maybe I'll use it as an excuse to get the Giro helmet at competitive cyclist that many have suggested that's 50% off.
Bell Crash Replacement Fees - 2011 Models (Effective November 2010)



HELMET 30% OFF RETAIL

(Race)

Volt 122.50 175.00

Sweep 98.00 140.00

(Road)

Array 70.00 100.00

Lumen 45.50 65.00

Muni 45.50 65.00

Arella 45.00 65.00

(Mountain)

Sequence 63.00 90.00

Variant 56.00 80.00

Influx 45.50 65.00

(Downhill/BMX)

Drop (downhill) 91.00 130.00

Sanction (downhill) 59.50 85.00

Faction (skate) 28.00-31.50 40.00-45.00 (Pricing depends on color selection)

(Sport)

Slant 38.50 55.00

Citi 35.00 50.00

Venture 28.00 40.00

Vela 28.00 40.00

XLV 28.00 40.00

Solar 24.50 35.00

(Youth/Kids)

Alibi 28.00 40.00

Fraction 28.00 40.00-(matte black/white only)

-Other colors 31.50 45.00

Trigger 24.50 35.00

Dart 24.50 35.00

Splash 24.50 35.00



**ALL MODELS SUBJECT TO PRODUCT AVAILABILITY**

*pricing subject to change*

OR

Please choose a model and send the appropriate fee (check or money order) to: Bell Crash Replacement; 735 Pacesetter Dr.; Rantoul, IL 61866-9512. Or, if you are in the US and interested in using the program, please have your crashed helmet handy and give us a call at: (800) 456-2355 (M-F 8-5 central time). Please have an idea what you are interested in and we can accept a major credit card for payment.



Thanks for choosing Bell!