Is my helmet safe?

[THE MIDGET]

I have three helmets one is a Seven-Seven (cycle gear special) that I had on when I crashed last year. The helmet has scratches and a dent on the right rear side.

The second a Icon I bought at a yard sale for $20 looks brand new.

Third is my SHOEI I bought brand new this year, obviously its good

The question is how do you know if one is still safe to use? I realize the seven seven one is junk from the impact but can you send helmets any where to be tested. I imagine taking the liner out and looking for cracks but whats every one else opinion on it?

I found this on SHOEI web site also I emailed them to see what they had to say about life span under normal wear and tear, Yes, Shoei offers a free impact inspection service for any Shoei helmet.* To have your helmet inspected, please send it to;

Shoei Helmets
3002 Dow Ave
Suite 128
Tustin, CA 92780
Attn: Inspections

Be sure to include a letter with a brief description of the issue with the helmet, as well as a daytime phone number and return address. Once we receive the helmet it will take 1-3 business days to complete the inspection. Upon completion the helmet is returned to you with a letter stating the findings of our inspection. Your helmet is returned to you if it passes the inspection or not. There is no charge for the inspection, and the UPS Ground return shipping is free. To see a video on how to pack your helmet for shipping, click here.

*For USA and Canada residents only.

[munky]

any time a helmet hits the ground hard, i question it. i even replace mine every so often even if they haven't taken a spill

[willn2bikes]

I have the seven0seven (cycle gear special) too. Nice to know it works.

[chogue]

They are designed to take one impact. Thats it. Soemtimes even a hard hit ont he ground is enough. Now that being said, even a junked out used helmet is better than your skull but to answer your question the seven-0-seven is finished.

[GreenRexRider]

Replace them any time there is an impact. I've read that you should replace your lid every few years because of foam degradation.

[cozye]

throw it away.

Also, WERA defines "every few years" as 5 years. After 5 years a helmet is considered degraded and not allowed to pass tech..

[Justin1000RR]

Not Safe
Safe
Safe

[THE MIDGET]

I agree I cut the straps on the seven seven and icon they are now just booj shelf decorations in the living room. I was posting this more for newbies and general info.

[Danhor7]

Helmets are for posers. lol



They work kinda like your car bumper. They're made to crush and distribute the impact. The process is destructive which is to say if you bust your melon 2 times in the same place you're not going to get the same protection the second time.

[kneedragginleprechaun]

replace every 5 years witn no impacts kept in controlled climate. i talked to a helmet rep just the other day about this. she said that if you keep your helmet in your garage the foam will only last about 3 years. she said the extreme temps and humidity really take a toll.