OzSTOC
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Streak on August 02, 2013, 05:31:09 PM
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Just took this off the Ulysses Website, thought it an interesting Read....
HELMETS a matter of life and death.
How often do we see second hand helmets for sale, whether at Cash Converters, on Gumtree or occasionally at Ulysses Club Branch meetings? What is the condition of these helmets on the outside and more importantly, on the inside?
A helmet is a complicated piece of safety apparel which we often take for granted.
Helmets last forever right? Wrong! A helmet used virtually every day should be replaced every three years as a minimum and those used less frequently will see a replacement period of not more than five years. The outer shell is typically 3 to 5 mm thick and is either injection moulded thermoplastic or a pressure moulded thermoset reinforced with glass or Kevlar fibres.
The shell has at least six roles related to crash performance. It needs to absorb energy, distribute local forces from an impact, protect the face and temples, prevent the inner liner from fracturing, slide easily on the road surface and support other safety related components such as visors and chin straps.
Just as important is the inner foam liner. This is nearly always a polystyrene bead moulding with a regulated variable density. The foam cells are closed so the air inside is compressed in an impact. To provide a vital stopping distance for the head, this foam must compress by 90% during an impact and only partially recovers afterwards.
In other words, if your helmet is involved even in a low speed impact, it will have lost most of its resilience to protect your head in a subsequent impact.
If the helmet falls from your bike seat, how can you be sure that it retains its outer shell resilience?
You cant, and the helmet will always have a big question mark hanging over it.
Never, ever purchase a second hand helmet as one cannot be sure of its past history. Do you go to the wreckers to buy a second hand seat belt for the car? You cant anyway, as there is a legal requirement to destroy seat belts from a wrecked vehicle. One can purchase a decent new helmet for a measly $200 which will conform to AS1698, one of the most stringent helmet standards in the world. The $1000 helmet may be more comfortable and look a bit more spiffy, but will protect you to the same level a cheaper model will.
Just a casual look around at the commencement of a Club ride will reveal a few very suspect helmets of unknown condition. You will never know just how good they are until it is all too late.
That old helmet sitting in the garage for years that only comes out for the occasional pillion usage do everyone a favour, cut off the chin straps and chuck it in the bin, so no one else will ever be tempted to use it again. Even if your current in-date helmet has never suffered from any known damage, it will have deteriorated just by wearing it, as the polystyrene layer will be compressed when placed on the head and pulled down. So, have a good hard look at your helmet. How old is it and how many hours use has it had? If the answer is over five years and about a thousand hours use, it is good for only two things. Rip out the liner and use it as a planter pot or place it under the bed as the age of incontinence creeps up on us.
Dont forget the visor, as scratched visors produce problems at night, as the glare from oncoming headlights is increased by the light scattered from scratches.
OK, so youre off to buy a new helmet. Be sure to buy one that is a little on the tight side as the liner will soon settle in after a few hours use to produce a more comfortable and airtight fit which will give the added bonus of lessening the noise level somewhat. The helmet salesperson will know these things and be able to point you in the right direction. Make sure the chinstrap is done up tight as helmet loss in an impact is not uncommon. You wouldnt ride without a helmet, so why risk it coming off in an impact.
Direct Link: http://www.ulyssesclub.org/News/tabid/83/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4493/HELMETS-a-matter-of-life-and-death.aspx (http://www.ulyssesclub.org/News/tabid/83/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4493/HELMETS-a-matter-of-life-and-death.aspx)
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:thumb good article :thumb And so true
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I just don't understand why it is legal for crap converters and dump shops to sell the crappy second hand helmets they have on their shelves. I've seen some helmets that have no lining sitting for sale in these places. Every time I've disposed of an old helmet I cut the straps off before I ditch it so noone can ever use it again.
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Apart from the safety aspect, you never know what environment that helmet has endured, and what nasties are living in there waiting to bite. I wouldnt buy any bike gear from there for the same reason.
There are some who also buy second hand helmets over the Interweb, those you can even get to look at until they arrive.
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Interesting read....have never considered a secondhand helmet for all the obvious reasons....but have sold a few at a reduced price and can see why people do purchase one.
If you can buy a $700 dollar ??? Shoei that doesn't fit, suit etc its current owner for $200 after carrying out what ever inspections you feel you need to well.......I can see why a rider on a budget would.
:beer
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In addition please don't be tempted to apply self adhesive stickers to your helmet as there are certain chemicals within the adhesive which can deteriorate the integrity of the outer shell.
:wht11
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That's why I love this place. Info like this is gold. :thumbsup
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An angle grinder through the middle of the helmet makes it hard to wear too ;D
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I agree. If you cannot afford to purchase a new helmet every 3 - 5 years, then you really can't afford to ride a bike. I have heard so many times " my helmet is ok coz i have never ever dropped it" or "you only have to replace it if it has been damaged". It is simply not worth the risk.
:rd13
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In addition please don't be tempted to apply self adhesive stickers to your helmet as there are certain chemicals within the adhesive which can deteriorate the integrity of the outer shell.
:wht11
what would those chemicals be? and the other question is what actually happens to the integrity of the outer shell?
pertinent questions as the government requires a sticker on the helmet.....
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:wht11 py
Very Curious to all these comments.
They are PAINTED when they are made and they are repainted for the GP riders in their colors of chioce.
And if a helmet is no good after being dropped from the height if your bike as I was informed
of by a bike instructor then I would not want to buy it new as it would be a faulty helmet to
begin with.
It appears to me that whom so ever came up with all these regs. regarding helmets must have share or something going on with the manufactures or importers.
anyway I have just purchased a new Shark 3 and I will keep my old one as a spare.
my half a crowns worth. :grin
Tipsy
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As a daily rider, I'm very much aware that my current helmet is at the end of it's life and have done the research and test fits to find a new one. I've settled on the Shoei NeoTec as it gives a comfortable tight fit and the reviews say it is one of the best for noise reduction. Now to save the $$$$ up.
Thanks for the post Streak, I think it should probably be a "sticky" at the top of the main page too.
Here is the Revzilla review. http://youtu.be/91hcAkADjRo (http://youtu.be/91hcAkADjRo)
Here's their review of a range of "Flip Face" helmets they call Modular Helmets. http://youtu.be/OJEukXU_QFo (http://youtu.be/OJEukXU_QFo)
I haven't seen Schuberts for sale here, so I'm assuming they haven't been submitted for AS approval.
Cheers,
Gary
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Gadget, your on the money with a Neotec or even a Shark3......but consider the difference between a Multitec and a Neotec....the Fighter Visor......paid $499 for a New Multitec the Neotec $879, as I wear sunnies was a massive saving.
:beer
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Gadget, your on the money with a Neotec or even a Shark3......but consider the difference between a Multitec and a Neotec....the Fighter Visor......paid $499 for a New Multitec the Neotec $879, as I wear sunnies was a massive saving.
:beer
Yeah Chris, I looked at the Mult-tec, but I wear Prescription lenses so I really appreciate the tinted visor. Means I don't have to fuss with clip-ons and the damage they can do to lenses.
These prices look better than most.
http://www.causewayyamaha.com.au/pl817-0/street/helmets/shoei-helmets/shoei-neotec-helmets/ (http://www.causewayyamaha.com.au/pl817-0/street/helmets/shoei-helmets/shoei-neotec-helmets/)
The other day when I was looking the delivery charge was $8.00 anywhere in Aus, but I'll ring and confirm that before I commit.
Gary
:beer
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I have bought second hand helmets and don't have a problem with it, although I buy from the previous owner (not place like cash converters).
I think that if I was worried that a scratch or sticker on a helmet was going to prevent me from surviving in a situation where that was relevant then I wouldn't take the risk of riding a motorbike. But that's my opinion and I manage my own risk and value defensive driving practices much more!
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I have bought second hand helmets and don't have a problem with it, although I buy from the previous owner (not place like cash converters).
I think that if I was worried that a scratch or sticker on a helmet was going to prevent me from surviving in a situation where that was relevant then I wouldn't take the risk of riding a motorbike. But that's my opinion and I manage my own risk and value defensive driving practices much more!
Steady on there Rodd. You're getting all logical and sensible on us!
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Don't rely on it. It won't happen very often! >:()
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but I wear Prescription lenses so I really appreciate the tinted visor. Means I don't have to fuss with clip-ons and the damage they can do to lenses.
When Heather gets her glasses we do the two for one deal at spec savers so we get a pair of prescribed sunnies (wears them while on the bike) as well as the clear lenses.
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When I get my biennial glasses I get a pair made up with my prescription in the bottom 1/3 and the top 2/3 tinted. That way I can read the GPS clearly and have the benefit of sunglasses. It began when I was flying IFR and had to read the cockpit displays as well as shield the outside glare, even though we'd be in cloud.
Not quite on the Helmet thread, but following the slight drift. :whistle
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but I wear Prescription lenses so I really appreciate the tinted visor. Means I don't have to fuss with clip-ons and the damage they can do to lenses.
When Heather gets her glasses we do the two for one deal at spec savers so we get a pair of prescribed sunnies (wears them while on the bike) as well as the clear lenses.
Nice idea, but I have both astigmatism and age related long-sightedness. Last pair of specs were around $750.
I also like to not have to carry around separate glasses for a specific task. (Came off once and landed on my glasses case and cracked a rib :-[)
So "fighter sun visor" suits me. 8)
Thanks for the advice anyway.
Helmet related post to follow shortly. :whistle
Gary
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Good review of helmets available this year.
http://youtu.be/hlJorGZ1bRU (http://youtu.be/hlJorGZ1bRU)
Also sizing guides starting with Shoei
Shoei Helmet Sizing & Buying Guide at RevZilla.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svQm3xtz-Gk#ws)
These are also available in Australia. :thumb (Although prices seem a lot steeper than the USA)
http://www.causewayyamaha.com.au/pl906-0/street/helmets/shoei-helmets/shoei-gt-air-helmets/ (http://www.causewayyamaha.com.au/pl906-0/street/helmets/shoei-helmets/shoei-gt-air-helmets/)
http://youtu.be/NnZSEq942Pk (http://youtu.be/NnZSEq942Pk)
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Does anybody know about or used the HJC FS-15 Air?
Comes with inflatable cheek pads and collar to improve fit and reduce noise.
Sounds like a great idea
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HJC FS-15 Air Review on Revzilla.
http://youtu.be/ZgCcpcRwkNo (http://youtu.be/ZgCcpcRwkNo)
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Today the stars aligned and the moon was in the correct phase and I placed the order for the Black and Yellow Shoei Borealis. :runyay
Hopefully it will arrive before Saturday.
http://www.causewayyamaha.com.au/pd5120/shoei-neotec-borealis-helmet-black-yellow/ (http://www.causewayyamaha.com.au/pd5120/shoei-neotec-borealis-helmet-black-yellow/)
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Nice :thumb
Cheers
:slvr13
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Holy cow! If you're getting the yellow one we should be able to see you approaching just as the top breaks the horizon!
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..... if a helmet is no good after being dropped from the height if your bike .........
It's always concerned me that if a helmet is considered to be no good anymore if it's dropped from half to one metre, how is it supposed to effectively protect my head in the event of a 60km/h crash, which may include a multiple impacts and sliding? I'd still use my helmet if I had dropped it off the seat of my bike.
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Interesting article, but lets not forget that wearing a helmet of any make is only one step to providing protection. Internal injuries are not going to be prevented by wearing a helmet. I have three Shoei's that are all in perfect condition and have never been dropped, I'm not going to dump any of them simply because they're more than a few years old. If I thought for one moment that one of them was no longer safe to wear, then out it would go. :grin
Not much point in wearing a brand new honky dory helmet if you're gonna ride around in ya shorts, t shirts and casual shoes. :-(((
PS: love that new Shoei though!! :thumbsup
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My new Helmet has arrived! :runyay
I may have to change my nickname to Hornet. :grin
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XDDruLfjqgo/Ujl1dyB5goI/AAAAAAAAAvE/bUa1Y4yMGUg/s800/2013-09-18-701.jpg)
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My new Helmet has arrived! :runyay
([url]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XDDruLfjqgo/Ujl1dyB5goI/AAAAAAAAAvE/bUa1Y4yMGUg/s800/2013-09-18-701.jpg[/url])
I may have to change my nickname to Hornet. :grin
Or Buzz ....
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/williamson_photos/Capilano_zps1d052d0a.png) (http://s643.photobucket.com/user/williamson_photos/media/Capilano_zps1d052d0a.png.html)
>:()
:-(((
:whistle