Can I Get My Crash Helmet Tested?

[stephenh]

Like it says in the title. My crash helmet slipped out of my hand at Wiscombe, and fell on the tarmac. I thought I could see slight "staring" on it ,but having got home realised it is just dirt marks, and looks fine having rubbed it with my thumb nail. Is there somewhere it can be tested, scanned or x-rayed or something like that? If so, where, and is it likely to be cost effective for a relatively modest priced (by motor sport standards) helmet? I think from memory it cost about £350-.

I don't want to replace it if I don't need to, it fits me very well, and comfortably, but of course don't want to take any risks. Hence my interest in getting it tested if that is practical.

I know they are easily damaged if they are dropped, and it isn't always obvious.

[adamnreeves]

Sorry to say if its been dropped then it is no longer safe whether you can see any damage or not.

[Mark (smokey mow)]

I've heard that Arai offer a service inspection (not sure what that involves) if you drop one of their helmets, but 'm not sure about any other makes.

[peterg]

Stephen, I know lots of people may disagree with me (not unusual...) but if all it did was slip from your hand onto the tarmac then it'll be fine (imo)

Helmets are designed to withstand very high impacts with a heavy weight inside (ie. your head). When you dropped it the helmet was empty so the internal padding hasn't been compressed and is therefore undamaged and it is this which mainly protects your head by absorbing the forces of an impact. The external shell which (depending on exact make/model) will be a thick fibreglass/carbon/kevlar composite will not have been damaged by a plop onto the ground with no weight in it

nasty old plastic helmets - ie polycarbonate ones that you get for £20 in Lidl on the other hand I would bin, but then again I would never have bought one...

[Nick Algar - Competition Secretary]

Whilst I would tend towards Pete's view, it would depend how far it dropped.

The othe view of course is "what value do you put on your head ? "

Which is why I have been wearing a Hans for last 7 years of sprinting

[stephenh]

Whilst I would tend towards Pete's view, it would depend how far it dropped.

The othe view of course is "what value do you put on your head ? "

Which is why I have been wearing a Hans for last 7 years of sprinting

Well as I'm of pensionable age now, and my family tell me (particularly the younger ones) that I'm going senile, the value of my head is somewhat debatable!

To answer Pete's question, "not very far" is the answer, probably from a couple of feet. Still enough to make me a bit nervous. I don't think Impact Helmets have a big presence at the mo., in this Country for motorracing helmets. They are an American make, and dont seem to have had theirs passed to Snell 2010 yet, so the stores which used to stock them look to have dropped them. Mine is Snell 2005. Might not be practical to get it tested, therefor.

Nick, thanks for pm. I'll take you up on that. I have family staying, hence haven't been able to volunteer to help at Stoneleigh, but I'll be calling at some point on the Monday, most probably with grandson so expect me on the Playskool stand for a fitting session!!

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

This isn't what i was expecting from the topic title. I thought Stephen was bragging again

[Paul Morcom]

Stephen you surprise me - didn't know you were in that game! Or did you mean "use by" date?

IMHO I would bin your helmet. For the relatively small cost of a new helmet it is not worth the risk, why spent £1000s on your car and skimp on personal safety devices.

I have one of the Plays Kool helmets, when I got mine it was SA 2005 but I think they are now SA 2010 - very happy with it and it fits me well. But try before you buy is my advice as helmet fit is as important as the labels.

[stephenh]

Like I said earlier, Paul, I'm planning to visit the playskool stand on monday next to try some on.

[cast iron]

If a scruitineer saw you drop it, he has the juristriction to cut the straps and hand it you back should it be the one offered at scruitineering! I dont think they would ever risk a punch in the chops however.

but it just shows you should bin it, and take more care in future

[stephenh]

Aready got a replacement, Mark! It'll be in use tomorrow.

I haven't chucked the old one away however, because I think it would be fine for road use, quite capable of keeping gravel and flys out of my face and hair.