Helmet question
08-08-07, 08:19 PM
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Helmet question
The inside of my Bell Influx(the structural foam) seems to be deterioating. Any surface that is incontact with my head, is getting soft and easily compressible. It's definitely not as hard or smooth, as the outer edges or the vent holes.
has anyone else experienced this with their helmet?
I e-mailed Bell, but haven't received a response yet.
has anyone else experienced this with their helmet?
I e-mailed Bell, but haven't received a response yet.
08-08-07, 08:25 PM
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How old is the helmet? The recommendation is that helmets be replaced every 3 to 5 years because the styrofoam does degrade in time. I had a Bell helmet I used many years past its recommended life, but the foam did not appear to be changed in any way. If the foam is changing its characteristics in a perceptible way, a replacement is probably in order.
08-08-07, 08:36 PM
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How old is the helmet? The recommendation is that helmets be replaced every 3 to 5 years because the styrofoam does degrade in time. I had a Bell helmet I used many years past its recommended life, but the foam did not appear to be changed in any way. If the foam is changing its characteristics in a perceptible way, a replacement is probably in order.
08-08-07, 08:54 PM
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How old is the helmet? The recommendation is that helmets be replaced every 3 to 5 years because the styrofoam does degrade in time. I had a Bell helmet I used many years past its recommended life, but the foam did not appear to be changed in any way. If the foam is changing its characteristics in a perceptible way, a replacement is probably in order.
08-08-07, 09:26 PM
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The helmet is just made of expanded polystyrene, as others have mentioned (Styrofoam). There's no rocket science behind it. It's made as a closed cell foam, but probably due to the slight loading from being in contact with your head, you've collapsed some foam and therefore would take on a spongy feel.
If it were my head and helmet, I wouldn't worry if most of the thickness of the PS foam is still in tact and solid. PS is moisture resistant, so it won't be affected by sweat or anything.
If it were my head and helmet, I wouldn't worry if most of the thickness of the PS foam is still in tact and solid. PS is moisture resistant, so it won't be affected by sweat or anything.
08-08-07, 09:35 PM
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Its the sweat which carries salt and body oil. Go ahead and get a styrofoam cup, fill it with salty water with some oil mixed in. Let it sit in the hot sun for a week or so. By the way, I haven't tried this myself but a neat experiment.
If I go on a long ride and I know that the helmet is very saturated with my sweat, I will rinse it out and squeeze out the sweat from the pads. Just the garden hose water.
If I go on a long ride and I know that the helmet is very saturated with my sweat, I will rinse it out and squeeze out the sweat from the pads. Just the garden hose water.
08-08-07, 10:02 PM
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It's surprising how helmets have changed in design since I bought mine. Mine is encased in plastic (no styro exposed)! Even the inner lining is encased!
08-08-07, 10:25 PM
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Another thing, I went to buy a helmet and they cost from 80 to 150 dollars. I was looking everywhere but could not find any computer chips or high end technology for such a piece of foam.
"Oh yeah, please dont provide the efforts they make so styrofoam protects skull spaghetti.
"Oh yeah, please dont provide the efforts they make so styrofoam protects skull spaghetti.
