Helmets

[Chelsea]

Hi,

I need a helmet, and I was wondering if it is ok to buy a used one. I've read somewhere that it is not safe. Is that true? What are some good brands? Thanks for your help!
Chelsea

[Susan B.]

Dear Chelsea: I would not generally suggest buying a used helmet because if it has had a significant impact it will be useless. I understand that a helmet (of any type) may have been through a crash yet look 100% OK. If you know the seller well enough to know that it hasn't been crashed, well, go ahead and buy it. It must fit properly. Go to a tack shop and ask to try on some helmets and pay attention to the feel of a correct fit. I really like the Lidlocker helmets. They have an adjustable fit so they can be used by more than person. These helmets are also easy to clean, inexpensive and ventilated.
Susan

[summer]

Hi there
It's best not to buy second hand, for two reasons; you can't often be sure it hasn't already had a fall, and older hats may not meet current safety standards. Your head is very important, so if you're going to invest heavily in any one item of riding equipment, let it be your helmet. Ask other riders for their advice on what is comfortable and safe, get it fitted by a professional at a reputable tack shop, and make sure it is clearly labelled that it meets current safety standards (the BHS in the UK and the AHSA in the US will tell you the latest numbers). Try on a few helmets before you make your decision. My own preferences (irrespective of any brands) are to have a soft chin cup (the plastic ones can cut into your chin and are hot in summertime), a flexible brim (else a broken nose or bruised brow in a fall), and to have an adjustable harness at the back of the neck (to keep the hat from slipping if you slide in a fall). Make sure the person fiting it adjusts any fittings inside the hat, as well as the strap. I'm wary of the new racing hats that have vents in the top. That's fine if you are only riding on grass or dirt tracks, but if you get taken under low branches or fall off on a rocky surface you may lack protection. One other thing: it's no good putting your contact details and medical info inside your hat, because first aid people won't take your hat off after a fall if you're unconscious. Put any details on a sticky label at the back of your hat, under a hat cover if necessary, or under the brim. Hope this helps, and that you never need to test your helmet!

[Medalia]

I'm trying out all the little faces, so I might seem a little weird

Anyway, you shouldn't buy a used helmet. It should actually be replaced after a bad fall If it isn't then you are more likely to be seriously injured. But I'm not saying that you should go and buy a new helmet after EVERY time you hit the dirt.

Hope this helps!!

[Susan B.]

That's an impressive post, Medalia! I don't know if all helmet manufacturers do this but, International Helmets of New Jersey,USA have an inspection service. If your helmet has had an impact they will check it for you and replace it for a nominal fee. Has anyone out there done this? It has to be their brand, of course. I've got a helmet I've been meaning to send in for a long time. I'm not using it.
Oh, and by the way, black velvet? Whose bright idea was that?

[Medalia]

LOL Susan! I know the black velvet thing. They always have little dusties stuck to them, and the velvet gets all mashed down. Why would they stick anything like that on a helmet!

[Vee]

I've had a Troexal Legacy model helmet for 2 years now and find it light, cool and easy to wear. In the cold weather, I use a fleece headband over my ears and it doen'st interfere with the fit of the helmet. I bought it via a catalogue (Dover Saddlery, I think) and it was about $50 (US) on sale.

[CLAUDIA]

Do any of you know of any helmets that are approved by ASTM (or whatever), but aren't big and bulky? I would like to have a helmet that doesn't give me an alien head, but is still protective of my head. Is there such a thing?

Thanks!

[Horselover2]

Claudia, I have the same helmet Vee mentioned, the Troxel Legacy. I like mine very much also, and wear a wool head band under it in the winter. Unfortunately, I think most of the helmets out there make us look like alien heads!!!

[Kaz]

Hi,
I really recommend buying a brand new helmet because you really do have no idea what the used helmet has been through.

After all what is a few pounds to a nasty bang on the head that could have been prevented had you bought a new one.

Also you should make sure that it compiles to the latest safty standards and it should last you a while. (Provided you don't have a bad fall

Anyway on a lighter note Merry Christmas Everyone and Enjoy yourselves

Karen

[Laya]

It is a wise thing to replace any helmets after a a riding accident, because of internal damage that can't be seen. I had an accident this past summer and my helmet saved my life. It's best to get a new and safe helmet that is SEI/ASTM approved. You'll never know what the history of a helmet had been, so please be safe and buy a new helmet and not a used one. Even though a helmet may cost a lot, it's worth it.

[Chelsea]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the advice. Today I went and tried on a bunch. I really liked the Troxel helmets, so I ended up getting the Grand Prix model. Thanks again
Chelsea

[Horse Girl]

I don't think buying a used helmet is a good idea and I think Lexington is the best brand.

[Laya]

I'd have to agree with the Lexington helmet comment.

[angel advocate]

Defienatley buy a new helmet i have read somewhere that it may have been invloved in a fall and may have a crack not even visible to the eye and it would be like not wearing one then because it has lost its structure....its worth the extra bucks for the new ones....