helmet inspection

[= Buckeye Jess =]

Ralph had mentioned to me that some helmet companies will inspect their helmets for their customers. Has anybody ever had this done? What all do they do in the inspection?
I'm just wondering if it is even worth me paying to ship my Shoei to them for an inspection? Wouldn't surprise me in the least if it is trashed, but if it isn't, I'd really hate to shell out another $400-500 for a helmet that I actually don't need.

The Shoei site has this little video on inspections, but they don't really say HOW they inspect them...
http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Videos.aspx?v=4

[Bueller]

Why?

[= Buckeye Jess =]

Why what? Why do I want it inspected? Cause it took a nasty hit.

[Gramps]

That's a very valid question.


I sent a Suomy in to have checked in 2006. They sent me back a certificate saying it was still within spec. It's been replaced now but it was good for my piece of mind.

[Gramps]

Why what? Why do I want it inspected? Cause it took a nasty hit.

If it took a nasty hit replace it! No question

[Bueller]

Nasty hit as in crash or fell off the bike?

[= Buckeye Jess =]

If it took a nasty hit replace it! No question

Kinda what I'm thinking...but it was into dirt, so there's a chance it is good. Just don't want to buy a new one if it is good. If it is bad though, I have no problem whatsoever getting a new one...even if they don't make my color anymore! *sigh* lol

[Nick_Ninja]

The composite material that a helmet is made of breaks down in about five years. If there are micro fractures in the structure the ability of the composite to absorb an impact is greatly compromised.

[Gramps]

Kinda what I'm thinking...but it was into dirt, so there's a chance it is good. Just don't want to buy a new one if it is good. If it is bad though, I have no problem whatsoever getting a new one...even if they don't make my color anymore! *sigh* lol

Even if you send it in the chances are that they are going to tell you that it's within spec but needs to be replaced. My helmet was a couple months old when it recieved a few scratches during a lowside. Therefore it was fine. They still never advised against replacing the helmet.

Just replace it. You will be more confident!

[= Buckeye Jess =]

Bueller - as in I took a header into the dirt off of the bike with the helmet on (face first)

Ninja - helmet is an '08 and I just got it not that long ago....so shouldn't be any age issues with it. would xrays (i'm assuming that is part of the inspection..) show micro fractures?

[= Buckeye Jess =]

Even if you send it in the chances are that they are going to tell you that it's within spec but needs to be replaced. My helmet was a couple months old when it recieved a few scratches during a lowside. Therefore it was fine. They still never advised against replacing the helmet.

Just replace it. You will be more confident!

Eh.. you raise a valid point. If I get a letter telling me to replace it even if it is w/in spec, I'll still be all worried about it. I guess I should just cry uncle and get a new one...dangit.. lol

[Nick_Ninja]

Bueller - as in I took a header into the dirt off of the bike with the helmet on (face first)

Ninja - helmet is an '08 and I just got it not that long ago....so shouldn't be any age issues with it. would xrays (i'm assuming that is part of the inspection..) show micro fractures?

X-ray is the method. But the manufacturers lawyers will suggest you replace the lid.

[Nick_Ninja]

Your insurance should replace it.

[Bueller]

If your helmet hit the ground with your head in it and hit harder than just a tap the helmet is done, the liner has compressed and your protection in that area is diminished, it is a single use item.

[= Buckeye Jess =]

Well damn....I figured it was worth a shot...c'est la vie! lol

[Gramps]

Your insurance should replace it.

Unless it's a 0 deductible then it's probably not worth the claim and risk of insurance hike.

[= Buckeye Jess =]

Yeah... they are already cutting me a deal since I'm working with them on their terms...so if I throw the helmet in there, I suspect that the deductible will return. I will call them tomorrow to double check, so we'll see!

[Nick_Ninja]

I had a zero deductible policy. Took a rock in the chin portion of a wrap-around Scorpion. Progressive sported me a completely new bucket. They required me to relinquish my damaged lid though. No increase in premium either.

[Gramps]

I had a zero deductible policy. Took a rock in the chin portion of a wrap-around Scorpion. Progressive sported me a completely new bucket. They required me to relinquish my damaged lid though. No increase in premium either.

Sweet!

0 deductibles are nice.