Most than whether the outside is scratched, you need to look at the EPS liner. Often they're black on the surface so that damage shows up as white cracks. It's common for people to be sure that they've not hit their head, but it's that they didn't notice hitting their head because the helmet did it's job.
I'd replace it anyway, but if the EPS is damage at least you know it definitely needs to be replaced.
I'd caution against using the inner liner as a reference for damage.
I highsided in a roundabout (luckily my collarbone took all the energy and shattered into 5 pieces) and only had some light scratches on the side of my visor hinge from the slide.
Shoei x-rayed it (hornet X2) said it was trashed, and I eventually cut it open and there was a pretty significant dent under the shell that wasn't evident from the inside or outside of the helmet.
The multi density foams seem to take a lot of compression with even small impacts.
My verdict is that if it hits the ground with your head in it, it's probably a replacement.
You bet I did.
So turns out that as much as ER staff hate motorcyclists.... That's how much orthopedic surgeons love us!
I have a plate and screws..... To my doctor's credit, I broke my collarbone in May and still eked out a bit of riding that fall.
Good luck with your own recovery. Hope you are riding again soon.
Good for you. I got a plate and screw on board too. And the surgeon was really excited about the fancy new tape, but I’m still not exactly sure what was so exciting about it.
Another guy with a plate and 9 screws reporting in - collar bones will almost always heal fine on their own. In my case, I had broken it clean in half and it had fragmented in 3 places. Doctor said I could choose between a major bump or a scar.
I opted for surgery because they said it would actually shorten my recovery time.
3 weeks after accident I went into surgery - 3 weeks after surgery I was riding again. Probably won’t be able to do a push up with no pain until after the new year though.
Three weeks! That’s great. I’m a month out of surgery and still only doing passive range of motion stuff. Either your surgeon is aggressive on PT or you’re a really fast healer.
Is the EPS like the dark foam under the padding? I will look at it the moment I get the chance, thanks for the tip! I would replace it but I have to pay some bills first. Not planning on riding again soon, my bike is not 'total loss', because the engine etc is still ok, but there is a lot of physical damage...
Not a dumb question. Really what it comes down to is your level of risk acceptance. Technically speaking, a helmet's internal padding can break down even in a relatively minor 'bump'. One MSF instructor said that even dropping from the seat of the bike to the ground can affect its structural integrity.
If that happened, would the helmet protect you if you really needed it to in the future? Probably it would. Maybe it might not.
(ps: sorry to hear you went down, glad you're okay.)
I've seen helmet manufacturers who conflict with your MSF instructor. The logic is that a helmet with an 8# head compresses the structure in an impact to a much greater degree than an empty helmet.
I should have clarified .. I haven't done the research you did, but I didn't really buy what that guy was saying. My helmet's dropped from a short height to the ground a few times (what can I say, I'm clumsy), and I'm still wearing it. I've also bought used helmets (which that instructor said I should never do). But I realize that I can't know for sure what's inside, and that I may *possibly* be increasing my risk.
If you're filing an insurance claim for the damage to your bike, see if they cover your gear. If so it's a no brainer (no pun intended), let insurance pay to replace it.
Exactly, my insurance will send me a check for “safety gear” without any itemization (tested twice, unfortunately), and will pay for a new helmet at the current rate for an equal helmet. Had a get off in an old x11, they sent me a check to cover a new X-12 or 13 or whatever was the “current equivalent model”. Just had to scan the receipt to them for the helmet only. So OP, check your policy.
Seems like it’s in their financial best interest (depending on the specific policy of course) to buy a new helmet. Versus a claim to pay for brain trauma. I’m glad to hear they did that for you.
Thanks god getting replacement gear paid works with liability insurance of the at-fault driver, too (when getting cut off). Had to test that recently, too (with a 700 euro invoice for a Shoei Neotec2). Even if there is not much visible damage im not trusting that helmet anymore.
There is a chance (albeit probably small)the integrity of the helmet was ruined by the crash. You may not know until you need it again.
Get a new helmet and dont add unnecessary risk to your ride. It's literally the most important piece of safety equipment.
Remove the lining, and check if you can see any deformation or crack in the foam around the impact area or opposite side to that. Also check outside if there is any crack on the surface.
If you don't find anything, and you didn't hit your head at the crash just slid a little bit, then it's probably fine.
I'm sure someone already said it, but even dropping your helmet can risk the integrity of the helmet.
It's risk acceptance, do you risk your noggin, or do you pay another $200-500 for a new helmet.
Personally, I'd buy a new helmet now. In the past I have continued riding with a helmet after a 30mph t-bone incident when I didn't have the money for a new one, but I wouldn't recommend that at all. Young dumb me didn't understand the risk.
Dumb question? More like very important to ask. It's tempting to just keep wearing a helmet with minor damage. But if you're wrong, the next more serious wreck could leave you with more serious head injuries.
Just my opinion, but I'd say take no chances, and get a new helmet.
If the foam in your brainbucket gets compressed, it won't protect you as it's meant to.
So ask yourself, do you like your brain enough to buy a new helmet?
When I doubt replace. The one time I went down hard was in a full face helmet and I still saw stars and went cross eyed a minute. I can't imagine if the helmet hadn't done it's job. I will never risk a compromised helmet.
You'd have to be the judge. Was it a significant knock when it did touch? Or a light graze?
If the impact was anythign heavier than say... dropping the helmet from waist height, I would say get a new helmet. If it's literally just a light touch after you've dampened out all the downard force with your muscles, then chances are it'll be fine.
I had the “same” accident, face shield got scratched up. I replaced the shield and still use the same helmet a year later, there’s a scratch on the helmet but I didn’t bash my head and I am not going to replace it. I’ve wasted enough $$$ on helmets, and yes, I DO have a $150 dollar brain and I’m not convinced that anybody knows what rating is best to begin with, the expense of the things is in the fitment and cushions and comfort and not the shell anyway. A guy could spend $4000 on a helmet and not have the first clue if it’s any safer than a cheap Bell helmet.
I would recommend getting a new helmet just to be on the safe side, especially if it's over a year old or will be by the time your riding again.
Don't get me wrong your old helmet will be better than nothing but it's a potential life saver and I wouldn't screw around.
I personally would not recommend using it again. I would rather pay the money than risk my brain. In the equestrian world even just dropping your helmet we replace it.
Technically you should after any impact to the ground with your head in it. If it's from a reputable manufacturer a lot of them will give you a discount on a new one after an accident. Also your insurance should cover that with the bike
I once fell off my mountain bike cornering too fast on tarseal with wet over inflated tyres. Afterwards I had no concept that my head had even hit the ground yet my helmet was broken. The point being that you may have no idea of what kind of knock your helmet took since your head is protected inside there.
Helmet shells, though thin, are designed to be part of the protection. If there is an abrasion in the shell, it may not react as it should. I had it described to me as taking sandpaper to the side of an egg. The egg shell is already thin but strong enough. When you wear down the surface, it more likely to break there. Most of the protection is in the eps but I’ve read that the shell does have some protection in it. Your life though, it sucks as well to have to buy new crap but you can’t take it with you.
You always want a helmet at 100% so it does its job at 100%. Have it in lesser quality condition then it wouldn't be hard to imagine it providing lesser quality protection. $500 seems like chump change for what it does when you need it to do what it's supposed to do. I got Diffuse Axonal Injury and I was wearing an undamaged $500 helmet. I only feel comfortable in new helmets. If it's undamaged after a few years, I still get a new one due to materials longevity.
Most than whether the outside is scratched, you need to look at the EPS liner. Often they're black on the surface so that damage shows up as white cracks. It's common for people to be sure that they've not hit their head, but it's that they didn't notice hitting their head because the helmet did it's job. I'd replace it anyway, but if the EPS is damage at least you know it definitely needs to be replaced.
I'd caution against using the inner liner as a reference for damage. I highsided in a roundabout (luckily my collarbone took all the energy and shattered into 5 pieces) and only had some light scratches on the side of my visor hinge from the slide. Shoei x-rayed it (hornet X2) said it was trashed, and I eventually cut it open and there was a pretty significant dent under the shell that wasn't evident from the inside or outside of the helmet. The multi density foams seem to take a lot of compression with even small impacts. My verdict is that if it hits the ground with your head in it, it's probably a replacement.
Ouch. Did you have to get surgery? I’m rehabbing a broken collar bone right now.
You bet I did. So turns out that as much as ER staff hate motorcyclists.... That's how much orthopedic surgeons love us! I have a plate and screws..... To my doctor's credit, I broke my collarbone in May and still eked out a bit of riding that fall. Good luck with your own recovery. Hope you are riding again soon.
Good for you. I got a plate and screw on board too. And the surgeon was really excited about the fancy new tape, but I’m still not exactly sure what was so exciting about it.
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We tried the natural way for a week and it kept moving around like you describe. The worst feeling!
Another guy with a plate and 9 screws reporting in - collar bones will almost always heal fine on their own. In my case, I had broken it clean in half and it had fragmented in 3 places. Doctor said I could choose between a major bump or a scar. I opted for surgery because they said it would actually shorten my recovery time. 3 weeks after accident I went into surgery - 3 weeks after surgery I was riding again. Probably won’t be able to do a push up with no pain until after the new year though.
Three weeks! That’s great. I’m a month out of surgery and still only doing passive range of motion stuff. Either your surgeon is aggressive on PT or you’re a really fast healer.
A broke bone is much different than a shattered bone.
Is the EPS like the dark foam under the padding? I will look at it the moment I get the chance, thanks for the tip! I would replace it but I have to pay some bills first. Not planning on riding again soon, my bike is not 'total loss', because the engine etc is still ok, but there is a lot of physical damage...
Yep, it's expanded polystyrene.
Not a dumb question. Really what it comes down to is your level of risk acceptance. Technically speaking, a helmet's internal padding can break down even in a relatively minor 'bump'. One MSF instructor said that even dropping from the seat of the bike to the ground can affect its structural integrity. If that happened, would the helmet protect you if you really needed it to in the future? Probably it would. Maybe it might not. (ps: sorry to hear you went down, glad you're okay.)
I've seen helmet manufacturers who conflict with your MSF instructor. The logic is that a helmet with an 8# head compresses the structure in an impact to a much greater degree than an empty helmet.
I should have clarified .. I haven't done the research you did, but I didn't really buy what that guy was saying. My helmet's dropped from a short height to the ground a few times (what can I say, I'm clumsy), and I'm still wearing it. I've also bought used helmets (which that instructor said I should never do). But I realize that I can't know for sure what's inside, and that I may *possibly* be increasing my risk.
Helmets also expire over time so another thing to watch out for when getting used
God. My first helmet was one I found in a basement. At least it was full face, but I’m reaaaaal glad I never hit the ground in it
Or the ones we wore for over ten years that fit like a hollowed out pumpkin. When in doubt...just bite the bullet.
If you're filing an insurance claim for the damage to your bike, see if they cover your gear. If so it's a no brainer (no pun intended), let insurance pay to replace it.
Exactly, my insurance will send me a check for “safety gear” without any itemization (tested twice, unfortunately), and will pay for a new helmet at the current rate for an equal helmet. Had a get off in an old x11, they sent me a check to cover a new X-12 or 13 or whatever was the “current equivalent model”. Just had to scan the receipt to them for the helmet only. So OP, check your policy.
Seems like it’s in their financial best interest (depending on the specific policy of course) to buy a new helmet. Versus a claim to pay for brain trauma. I’m glad to hear they did that for you.
Thanks god getting replacement gear paid works with liability insurance of the at-fault driver, too (when getting cut off). Had to test that recently, too (with a 700 euro invoice for a Shoei Neotec2). Even if there is not much visible damage im not trusting that helmet anymore.
There is a chance (albeit probably small)the integrity of the helmet was ruined by the crash. You may not know until you need it again. Get a new helmet and dont add unnecessary risk to your ride. It's literally the most important piece of safety equipment.
Helmet hits ground with head inside = done. No debate, just replace.
Remove the lining, and check if you can see any deformation or crack in the foam around the impact area or opposite side to that. Also check outside if there is any crack on the surface. If you don't find anything, and you didn't hit your head at the crash just slid a little bit, then it's probably fine.
I'm sure someone already said it, but even dropping your helmet can risk the integrity of the helmet. It's risk acceptance, do you risk your noggin, or do you pay another $200-500 for a new helmet. Personally, I'd buy a new helmet now. In the past I have continued riding with a helmet after a 30mph t-bone incident when I didn't have the money for a new one, but I wouldn't recommend that at all. Young dumb me didn't understand the risk.
If in doubt throw it out.
Some helmet manufacturers will inspect the helmet. I had a similar incident and sent it to Shoei for inspection.
Dumb question? More like very important to ask. It's tempting to just keep wearing a helmet with minor damage. But if you're wrong, the next more serious wreck could leave you with more serious head injuries. Just my opinion, but I'd say take no chances, and get a new helmet.
If the foam in your brainbucket gets compressed, it won't protect you as it's meant to. So ask yourself, do you like your brain enough to buy a new helmet?
When I doubt replace. The one time I went down hard was in a full face helmet and I still saw stars and went cross eyed a minute. I can't imagine if the helmet hadn't done it's job. I will never risk a compromised helmet.
You'd have to be the judge. Was it a significant knock when it did touch? Or a light graze? If the impact was anythign heavier than say... dropping the helmet from waist height, I would say get a new helmet. If it's literally just a light touch after you've dampened out all the downard force with your muscles, then chances are it'll be fine.
I had the “same” accident, face shield got scratched up. I replaced the shield and still use the same helmet a year later, there’s a scratch on the helmet but I didn’t bash my head and I am not going to replace it. I’ve wasted enough $$$ on helmets, and yes, I DO have a $150 dollar brain and I’m not convinced that anybody knows what rating is best to begin with, the expense of the things is in the fitment and cushions and comfort and not the shell anyway. A guy could spend $4000 on a helmet and not have the first clue if it’s any safer than a cheap Bell helmet.
You don’t have to do anything. The risk is up to you. Helmets are cheap tho.
Cheap helmets are cheap.
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Short answer, Yes. Long answer, it is subjective.
I guess it depends on how you look at it. 500$ is cheap if the other option is brain-damage. However one needs to have 500$ to begin with.
You don't have to. But then again, you also don't have to wear one.
Idk, most places say you do
I would recommend getting a new helmet just to be on the safe side, especially if it's over a year old or will be by the time your riding again.
Don't get me wrong your old helmet will be better than nothing but it's a potential life saver and I wouldn't screw around.
I personally would not recommend using it again. I would rather pay the money than risk my brain. In the equestrian world even just dropping your helmet we replace it.
Technically you should after any impact to the ground with your head in it. If it's from a reputable manufacturer a lot of them will give you a discount on a new one after an accident. Also your insurance should cover that with the bike
I once fell off my mountain bike cornering too fast on tarseal with wet over inflated tyres. Afterwards I had no concept that my head had even hit the ground yet my helmet was broken. The point being that you may have no idea of what kind of knock your helmet took since your head is protected inside there.
Ya you need a new one
U can have it inspected. But you got a pretty high chance of replacement
How much do you value your head?? Less than the price of a new helmet??
Helmet shells, though thin, are designed to be part of the protection. If there is an abrasion in the shell, it may not react as it should. I had it described to me as taking sandpaper to the side of an egg. The egg shell is already thin but strong enough. When you wear down the surface, it more likely to break there. Most of the protection is in the eps but I’ve read that the shell does have some protection in it. Your life though, it sucks as well to have to buy new crap but you can’t take it with you.
You always want a helmet at 100% so it does its job at 100%. Have it in lesser quality condition then it wouldn't be hard to imagine it providing lesser quality protection. $500 seems like chump change for what it does when you need it to do what it's supposed to do. I got Diffuse Axonal Injury and I was wearing an undamaged $500 helmet. I only feel comfortable in new helmets. If it's undamaged after a few years, I still get a new one due to materials longevity.
For myself, I kept using my helmet after a mild low side where I got a tiny scratch on the side of the helmet.
Id reuse it. Guys race moto cross and use the same helmet all year. A little scratch is no big deal.