General Cycling Discussion - Replace Dropped Helmet

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TromboneAl
06-08-09, 11:38 AM
My wife dropped her Bell helmet 3 feet onto concrete, plain and simple.
Replace it?
I-Like-To-Bike
06-08-09, 12:15 PM
My wife dropped her Bell helmet 3 feet onto concrete, plain and simple.
Replace it?
The helmet or your wife? Hmm, sounds like a leading line for an old Jack Benny routine
jack002
06-08-09, 12:33 PM
Is it cracked or broken at all? I can tell you what the party line answer is and what I'd do. They're not the same thing. ;)
MichaelW
06-08-09, 12:53 PM
I used to drop my helmet once in a while. Over 5 years it mounted up.
One day I noticed a hairline crack in the polystyrene and replaced it immediately.
I dont think one drop will terminate the useful life but they add up.
The forces involved in in crashing are much higher, so replace after every crash where you impact the helmet with head inside.
stapfam
06-08-09, 01:44 PM
Check the helmet out and see if any cracks in the polystyrene. Don't just look at it- Get it in your hands and twist it gently- or pull outwards. I replace helmets regularly- I fall off a lot- and I can see or feel when my helmets are damaged. But if I have a fall that I think could have damaged the helmet- I don't take a chance and replace it.
rowedave76
06-09-09, 01:34 AM
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/helmet101.asp#6
WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY HELMET?
How often should a helmet be replaced under normal wear and tear?
Bell has a general recommendation of replacing a helmet every three (3) years. If you have any questions as to the condition of your helmet please call us for information or to set up a free inspection.
What if a helmet becomes damaged?
If the helmet is visibly damaged (cracked outer shell, crushed or cracked foam liner or any other damage) or involved in a serious crash, don’t use it. Damage to a helmet is not always visible! Some or all of the helmet’s protective capacity is used up when impacted.
HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH BELL?
We welcome your comments and questions regarding our products and services. We can be reached by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail.
Mail:
Customer Service
Bell Sports, Inc.
1924 County Rd. 3000 N
Rantoul, IL 61866
Phone:
(800) 456-2355
(217) 893-9300
8:00am to 5:00pm Central Time
Fax:
(800) 888-9009
E-mail
Answer_Desk@bellsports.com
xenologer
06-09-09, 02:28 AM
Here's how I see it...
If a helmet is already nearly useless, then a helmet that has been dropped on the floor must be completely useless.
So I'd toss it out, and make sure you destroy it before dumping it in the trash to ensure no one finds it and tries to use unsafe damaged goods.
Wheter you buy a new one or not after doing that is up to you.
crackerdog
06-09-09, 09:41 AM
I believe that the internal foam wouldn't be damaged without a head in it. The hard shell can be inspected. Call the manufacturer and ask them and report back please. How old is it? If it is already 2 or 3 years then they will say replace it.
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