When is a helmet dead

tunney

Not looking for a debate on pros and cons.

However when is your helmet dead?
I've a 3-4 year old Girl Aeon, looked after and no crashes until last week when I took a heavy bang to the head. Scuffs and ever so slight depression in one place but no cracks...........

Actually I think I'm just being a skinflint and trying to convince myself I don't need to drop the cash on another one....... Its dead isn't it?

tunney

Also does anyone know if Giro do a crash replacement?

JamJamJamJam

Always replace it after a crash is the advice I've always heard.

cython

Seriously though, any helmet that has been crashed/sustained a heavy impact should be retired. Much like crumple zones in cars, many helmets are designed to compress to absorb impact as much as they might crack/split. Once this happens, the ability of the material to absorb impact in this manner is significantly reduced. To compound things, on some helmets the top layer may pop back out hiding where this has happened, so always best to err on the side of caution.

thekooman

ask Giro... they might. Kask and Specialized do.

Eamonnator

tunney wrote: »

Also does anyone know if Giro do a crash replacement?

Yes, they do.
I crashed about seven weeks ago, and wrecked my Giro helmet. I contacted Giro in Newcastlewest, in Limerick.
They referred me to zyro.co.uk . I emailed them, told them my story. They asked for photographs of damage to helmet. I sent photos. They said, they would replace helmet. The cost of replacement works out at about 50% of cost of new helmet, perhaps a bit more.

BTW your helmet is dead.

jayjbe

tunney wrote: »

Not looking for a debate on pros and cons.

However when is your helmet dead?
I've a 3-4 year old Girl Aeon, looked after and no crashes until last week when I took a heavy bang to the head. Scuffs and ever so slight depression in one place but no cracks...........

Actually I think I'm just being a skinflint and trying to convince myself I don't need to drop the cash on another one....... Its dead isn't it?

Officially after a few years. The foam degrades over time. Depending on storage, life will be shortened/prolonged. I've heard leaving in sun (UV) is not great. One advantage of living in Ireland!

Having said that...this could be a manufacturer 'myth' to increase purchase frequency.

jayjbe

jayjbe wrote: »

Officially after a few years. The foam degrades over time. Depending on storage, life will be shortened/prolonged. I've heard leaving in sun (UV) is not great. One advantage of living in Ireland!

Having said that...this could be a manufacturer 'myth' to increase purchase frequency.

...and just read the bit where you said it's dinged....yours has gone to helmet heaven.

flatface

Eamonnator wrote: »

Yes, they do.
I crashed about seven weeks ago, and wrecked my Giro helmet. I contacted Giro in Newcastlewest, in Limerick.
They referred me to zyro.co.uk . I emailed them, told them my story. They asked for photographs of damage to helmet. I sent photos. They said, they would replace helmet. The cost of replacement works out at about 50% of cost of new helmet, perhaps a bit more.

BTW your helmet is dead.

Thanks for this info! I had emailed giro Italy about my bust helmet and they told me there was no crash replacement available direct, will follow up with Zyro. Thanks again!

Eamonnator

This might help

http://www.zyro.co.uk/giro/content/giroreplacement

Also, mine was a Prolight helmet, which is no longer manufactured. The link above, gives the Aeon as the replacement for the Prolight.
I wanted a Synthe. Zyro had no problem with this.

Wishbone Ash

I would replace a helmet every year or so even if it isn't damaged. They tend to get that 'worn out' look with minor scuffs and scratches (...and I like having shiny new things!).

kumate_champ07

if you crash and hit your helmet off the road/track it doesnt matter if theres no cosmetic damage, its done its job and should be retired. the foam inside is for 1 impact only, its not effective the 2nd time

I know UV light can damage tyres over time, I might be wrong but Im nearly certain it also effects helmets after a few years

Carawaystick

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I would replace a helmet every year or so even if it isn't damaged. They tend to get that 'worn out' look with minor scuffs and scratches (...and I like having shiny new things!).

I'd say (without any helmet specific evidence) manufacturers would have to have a 2 year warranty/lifetime for uncrashed helmets
used in sunny spots like the Balearics or Tenerife, and so would have to deal with that sort of UV.

And as its ppe, there'd be 150-200% safety margin.