Originally Posted by
tomtomtom123
No the packaging was fine. I think the defect is with the interface of the MIPS attachment insert/hook with the polystyrene foam. Whether it's molded in place or post-processed, the crack propagates from the insert and down the sides of the foam along air vent.
I'd be upset about it too. Certainly I can't believe that anyone will say meets the certifications that are required for the helmet. The Bell Helmet Crash Replacement I read says it's only available in the USA. So I assume that's where you are. Or possibly Bell has them for other regions through differing trade laws and regulations with slightly different requirements, which might be a issue for a helmet bought in one region and then claimed in another.
How did you go about initiating the crash replacement? In the USA, you just have to contact Bell through their website. And according to this guy, he just had a live website chat with them, uploaded a picture and then got a discount code for a replacement helmet of his choice.
It's about the 3:40 min time hack the talk about replacement begins. Though the video is from 2022. So maybe different today.
So did you actually contact Bell? You said you contacted the distributor. Which is not necessarily Bell. But just someone that sells Bell helmets. And particularly since you had to send the helmet back sounds suspect. Bell's crash replacement, here in the USA seems like they want you to contact them directly. Not a vendor that may have sold their helmets.
Letting us know for certain if you are in the USA or not will let us at least know that what works here may not be applicable in your region.
I'd get another helmet before my next ride. Even if it was a less expensive but just as highly rated helmet. And then still work with Bell, first and exhaust my avenues there, then go back to the vendor you bought it from and see what you can get them to offer.