Riis

So I wiped out this morning - my fault, I tried to get onto the sidewalk from a driveway going diagonally and I did it way too fast (the roads were a bit slick). The bike slipped out from under me leaving my cheek and helmet on the asphalt.

The helmet may have done it's job, but I'm not 100% sure how much of the impact it took. It's got a few scratches on the front bottom-right corner so it looks more like it took a glancing blow (whereas my cheekbone didn't fare as well). Does it need to be replaced?

Ngchen

Yes. Any blow in a crash to a helmet means that it needs replacing.

Basil Moss

If the helmet just took a glancing blow, that impact would likely not have touched your head without it. You'd just have hit your cheekbone, as you did. I suggest not replacing it, nor wearing it anymore.

Riis

Actually I checked more carefully and sure enough, there was a hairline crack that was difficult to spot. Lesson learned.

I just got back from the doctor's and they said it could've been way worse without my headgear - and I just started wearing it a week ago!

No biking for about a week though, I still have a mild concussion.

uke

+1.

AndrewP

Replace it, but since there is only a minute of hitting your head, wear it until you have found the most comfortable replacement.