Replacing helmet after crash

[Kris W. Jones]

So, I had a pretty bad wreck this week. Flew off a jump and some how lost the bike in the air. I landed on my left hip first and bruised it badly, like tore the fascia lose from my soft tissue. I proceeded to impact the ground with my head and flashed out for a second or two. I was in a fog most of Saturday after finishing the ride. I have whip lash in my neck. I spoke with my buddy the doctor and he's pretty sure I have/had a concussion.

He mentioned he'd heard that after an impact like what I described I should replace my helmet. I'd heard that before, but never knew if it was true or not.

So with all that said, do I need to purchase a new helmet. Nothing is broken on the helmet. The back tightening mechanism pulled loose, but I was able to put it back together again and it fits like it did pre-impact.

Opinions?

[rsutton1223]

Is the helmet dented in any way?

I personally would replace it. If you hit your head hard enough to get a concussion, you had to have done some damage to your helmet that you might not be able to see...rendering it less likely to save your head as well if the worst should happen again.

Sorry to hear about the wreck. Sounds like there wasn't anything too serious. Healing vibes sent your way!

[videopelli]

Totally agree. A $30 is just as good as a $130 helmet. The protection you get for your noggin, though, is priceless...

[Bigred15]

I don't replace my helmet everytime I wreck or hit my head on a branch, but pretty close. It really depends on the force of the impact. I wrecked this past weekend as well, but I didn't hit my head. The last time I replace my helmet was when I hit a low hanging limb (about 12 inch diameter) so hard that it knocked me off the bike. It gave me a headache for the rest of the day. Once a helmet's has integrity has been "tested" I replace it. It will never protect you as well again.

Above is also correct, as long as that helmet meets minimum safety standards set by CPSC, SNELL, B90A, CE or AS/NZS. The more expensive the helmet, the more comfortable it will be, the better the vents will work, the lighter it will be and the better the retention system will work.

[Kris W. Jones]

Thanks for all the information. I appreciate the input.

[wahoo]

With how hard you impacted the ground, I would replace it. No sense in risking it. Only get one brain.

[MrA]

You'd be amazed what you can accomplish with Gorilla Tape.

[Kris W. Jones]

So, I thought I would come back and specify that I did get a new helmet. After I got to the LBS and the mechanics and I were looking at it, we found a nice crack on the side where I figure my head impacted. So, I bought a new helmet. However, I'm thinking that I need more of an all-mountain helmet that would protect more of the back/lower portion of my noggin.

[ramboneil]

Considering that your helmet is so important to your well being, I would listen to the advice from everyone and get a new one. Choice of helmet seems to be a very personal thing. I have used several brands, but I now like Bell the best because of the fit. Good luck and good riding.

[energetik]

Better safe than sorry. I replaced mine after a good crash with a cheapo $30 helmet. I would've loved to get a nicer one but budget concerns ruled that one. Still it does the job if its not all that well ventilated or comfortable. I fitted a visor and it works fine until I crack this one too.