Advocacy & Safety - Should I get a new helmet?

As I've mentioned in another thread I crashed my bike yesterday - slid out of a turn and ended up on my ass on the wrong side of the road. Poor me. My question is this - I just got a new very cool Giro Havoc helmet after years of wearing a crappy cheap helmet. When I went down my head hit the ground so I'm glad I was wearing a helmet.

The helmet shell is scratched but apart from that there does not seem to be any damage. But I've heard that helmets only have one crash in them?

I curious to know what people think? Ok to keep using it or get a new one?

Get a new one.

From the Giro website:

IF YOUR HELMET BECOMES DAMAGED
Helmets don’t last forever. If the helmet is visibly damaged (cracked outer shell, crushed or cracked foam liner or any other damage) don’t use it. Some or all of the helmet’s protective capacity is used up when the helmet is impacted. The damage to a helmet is not always visible. If you have any questions about your helmet call (800) 456-2355 or e-mail us at feedback@giro.com.

IIRC Giro offers a crash replacement plan. You may want to call the number above to ask about it.

I believe the crash replacement is 20% discount off a new helmet.

Yeah, the outer cover isn't any protection, so it doesn't matter what that looks like. The styrofoam inside will be at least partly compressed, which means it will not absorb the impact of your next hit in that spot, and might have cracks which could cause it to shatter uselessly on a second impact anywhere.

I feel your pain at having to trash an expensive new helmet, though. Still, better than your head.

Get a new one. Don't take a chance with a helmet whose integrity may be compromised.

Your Giro Havoc (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.html?SKU=12883) is on sale.