Is buying a used helmet okay?

People buy "Used" goods, ... everyday.

Used cars, boats, bikes, golf shoes, wedding dresses ... you name it.

Motorcycle Helmets?
Why not?

There is a great market in "Classic and Historic" Helmets.
Some cost far more than they did brand new.
You can get scammed. Some do.
The Original Easy Rider helmet scam leads the pack.

Some "Used" items are junk.
Others, ... remarkably good deals.
I wouldn't hesitate at acquiring a $500.00 helmet ... the wrong size for its owner ... for two or three bills.

Use your head.
Your head's at stake.

 

I guess I'm in the minority here, along with Rick, but I think a quality, clean used helmet is fine. In fact I just bought one on Ebay for $18.50. But before I bought it, I had numerous pictures, especially the inside, and questioned the seller about how it fit. It turns out that he and I have the same hat size and when I got the helmet it was better than the pictures, practically new. He indicated that he had worn it a couple of times. So, for $18.50 (included shipping!) I took a chance and won.

That said, there's always a chance that it won't fit or isn't as good as advertised, and that's why you don't pay much sight unseen.

 

To sum everything up: no.

 

Rick, there's a difference between "pre-owned, never worn" and "used."

Would you wear used underwear? (Only my own.)

I guess a used helmet is better than no helmet but... EWWW.

 

Personally I wouldn't buy a used helmet, but there are some good arguments re what is used. Recommendations here in NZ are helmets should be replaced every 5 years or if dropped, been involved in an accident and so on. i.e. any impact no matter how minor. My last helmet dropped off my seat onto pavement (stupid place to leave it) and I purchased a new one the next day; my head is worth more to me than $150 odd bucks.

 

Yep, I have to say I have heard that even dropping a helmet could effect the protection level of the hemet. I would really research buying a used hemet before I bought one. The helmet I ended up with was new and cost me around $300 bucks but it has everything I am looking for in a hemet and this is very nice. All I can say is be sure to ask a seller if it was in a crash or if it has been dropped etc. Any strange markings on a used helmet I would think twice about buying it for sure.

 

Personally I replace my helmet every 5 years or one fall, and I'll never buy used. I don't skimp on that, and coming from a Scotsman that's not something you often hear!

 

Well, ...

Following that rationale ... I guess everybody who straps-on the "Guests Helmet" you bring-along with you in case you want to offer some babe a ride home from the burger stand, or your brother a ride home from work is a deplorable situation, ... and you should buy a new helmet for the pillion passenger each time you give somebody a lift.

And, ...

After letting somebody borrow a helmet, ... when they return it ... throw it away.

 

Your helmet falls off the seat at 33 INCHES, and it's junk -
Let's compare that to,

The average FIRST impact in an average crash is at 27 MPH, according to the ancient HURT report. The helmet is still intact enough to further protect your head during the crash.

The helmet that falls off the seat doesn't even contain a 10 LB head.
The energy of dropping it on the ground would only be a small fraction of a first impact.

 

I bought a "Used" Helmet from this Ebay Store.

I scored a Shoei Full-face vented Helmet that was an Opened-box, Test-for-size, $389.00 MSRP for $199.95.

It was scratched because it got dropped by a customer.
I put a Yamaha Decal over the scratch, ... otherwise the Helmet was in perfect condition.

It was a 2012 Model.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_sop=15& ... =200&rt=nc

 

I honestly don't think it's okay. Theres secret drops and hits that the helmet could have gone through that'll ruin it...
This type of thing is something you don't skimp on. You can buy a jacket used, anything else but a Helmet is definitely one of those things you must choose to buy brand new.

Even if you have to stop riding and save for a week or two, it's quite essential and important to make sure it's in good order. Worst come worst, you can buy a budget brand instead of a nicer brand but Personally I think you should stay buying new. Check out HJC helmets... they're a great value for the price. http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/hjc-helmets.htm