Is buying a used helmet okay?

Hey!

So I am looking to buy a full face helmet.

In every other aspect of my life, I have been a firm believer that buying used is nearly ALWAYS the way to go.

However, when safety is concerned, i want to make sure that i'm not making a stupid decision.

So; Is a used helmet just as safe as a new one?

Do they "get old/go bad/wear-out with age?

Heres examples of a few that i would be looking at getting:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270876615256?ss ... 757wt_1141

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170750902798?ss ... 1407wt_955

http://www.ebay.com/itm/320711192853?ss ... 383wt_1188

Thanks for the imput guys!

Chris

 

As long as the helmet has never taken an impact, you should be good to go. They don't "wear out".

The only deterrent from used helmets is the fact that someone else's juicy sweat is all up in yo' grille.

 

The foam in the helmet can breakdown from sweat. Do realy want to wear someone's smelly sweaty helmet????!!!!

 

I'm leery to post this as i hope no one sees this as a good deal and then snatches it up from under my feet if i decide to buy it, but this one seems decent?

As for wearing someone else's sweaty hemet, hopefully it doesn't weird you guys out, but i really don't mind unless it smells bad or anything... who hasn't borrowed a helmet from someone at some time in their life?

and this one seems newer... hmm. if theres no safety concern, i might just bid on this one..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220921252052?ss ... 500wt_1203

 

Or for the price, you could try one of these.

Brand new, shipping will run you about $7

I have the FX-90. It's a decent helmet, and they carry all the parts to fix the ratchet or replace the face shield

 

Nothing wrong with a used quality Helmet.
Emphasis ::: Quality.

Just make sure it's only been worn and not crashed and painted.

Hit it with Lysol Spray to eliminate the possibility of critters.
Let dry.
Fabreeze two hours before use.

 

nothing wrong with quality used underwear either but no thanks

 

EEWWWW

No WAY would I buy a used helmet.

It IS tantamount to used underwear; I'm sure some really nice Michael Jordan jockey shorts could be had at rock bottom prices but I will PASS.

Helmets also tend to "break in" to your head; it would be like buying a used pair of shoes.

The one listing said "worn two summers, then stored for nine years." I GUARANTEE you that the foam padding will crumble to dust after the first two or three times you shove it on your head. False economy. By the time you buy a new padding set plus the cost of the used helmet, you're approaching the cost of a decent NEW one.

I sure wouldn't do it.

 

You could but I agree with Polock.
Helmets have a shelf life, the foam and glue breaks down after time. Check into how old it is and how it has been stored. I would not want any hemlet that has been stored in someones 130 degree attic for several years. A slightly used helmet sotred in a closet I might consider.

 

Any helmet more than about 5 years old should be replaced anyway.

WITH A NEW ONE.

 

I had a lady in my shop who totaled her motorcycle running off the road into a ditch. After wiping the dirt off, the exterior of her full face helmet looked like new.

The impact knocked her out and the interior had blood from her head. Nice as the outside looked I can guarantee you that helmet was used up.

No matter how it looks, you cannot know the real condition of a used helmet. Only buy one to make a flower pot.

 

NO

dave

 

Ick. I would never. There's no way to tell exactly what that helmet's in through or what's been in it and I don't want to find out. Ever.

 

cooties

 

No way to tell just from looking if it's a good helmet either. It only takes one solid shot to render a helmet useless and it doesn't have to crack or split to be ruined. They are like airbags deployed once then replace.

Most people want really high prices for their used underwear...uh sorry..helmets anyway. Buy new. Your brains are worth it since they keep the rest of you working.

cooties heck crabs!

 

In my experience, first you need to try on a helmet before you buy it. They will all fit different depending on your head shape. Second, as others have stated, helmets do tend to conform to ones head with time. Third, the adhesives and foam do have a usable lifespan of 5-6 years. Shop around and you should be able to find a new one for not much more than those used ones. Last year, I bought a new HJC CL-SP for $65 delivered. A used helmet is better than no helmet but I'll leave it at that.

 

Well, you could go this way if money was your prime motivation....
but for me....I'll continue to go by the advice I was given many years ago....buy the best helmet that you can afford since it's protecting the only life you have. Imagine your mom, after something terrible has happened.....and the talk of the parlor was that "he'd still be here if he hadn't skimped on his helmet"....save your mom from that. I would tell my one son the same thing.

jeff

 

and look what's hanging on the handlebar......D/A


jeff

 

Everything the Nay-sayers have too say about this issue presumes that the Helmet is years old and frequently worn.

Well, ... the truth is, ... they are ALL not like that at all.

There are some "Used" Helmets that are:
Open Boxed, ... Used at Point-of-sale for fitment.
Used helmet!
There are some that get bought on Monday and sold Tuesday.
The owner decides he hasn't the nerve to be a biker.
Used helmet.
Helmet supplied to prospect to test-ride a used bike at dealership.
Used helmet!
(Although I have seen it get put back on the shelf after spritzing up.)

And, ... of course:
Brand New.
Never been worn.
Wrong size for its intended recipient.
Tags still on it.
Used helmet.

The "Used underware" analogy comparison is absolutely risible.

The member asked if buying a used helmet was OK?
He didn't ask, ...
Is buying a JUNK Helmet OK.

Buy the QUALITY Used Helmet.
Don't be ashamed.
You're better-off with a 2nd Hand well-made Helmet than a Cheepo-depot barely legal Helmet you bought, ... just to be compliant.

 

Plus, sharing mansweat builds character.