Checking a helmet for cracks?

[PoniesRock101]

How do you go about it when you check your helmet? Like after a fall for example?

I don't know why, but my helmet all of the sudden doesn't fit anymore. I think it got dropped (more of knocked off a lege onto concrete by my sheltie! ) Either way it doesn't fit quite right anymore. Kept falling over my eyes last time I rode in it. I had to take it off in my lesson because I just could not see. It's an older helmet, so I don't mind replacing. I got it from a friend, its probably 6 years old,so it's ready to be replaced.

But it got me wondering, do you check you helmet for cracks? how do you go by doing this?

And anyone have new helmet recomendations?

[MyMia]

My helmet is mostly styrofoam (I think--looks like it, anyway) with hard plastic over it. It's pretty easy to see cracks in it. I fell off Mia one time a couple of years ago and really whacked my head and could see the cracks in the styrofoam easily. I replaced the helmet.

If there are no cracks that you can see, does your helmet have padding inside that may have moved? I have to adjust mine every now and then.

Hope this helps!

[42many]

As I recall, if your helmet suffers any impact of a significant nature it is supposed to be replaced - I understand that even if there are no visible cracks or breaks the styrofoam can get mushed up and it just isn't useful for its intended purpose. It's like wearing a seatbelt that's made out of plastic - sure, you may feel more secure and legal strapping in every time you get in the car, but it's not doing diddly so why bother? Also, I'm pretty sure you are supposed to retire helmets after a certain number of years (also due to styrofoam viability issues). I can't remember how long it is - according to Troxel, they should be replaced every 5 years and immediately after being involved in an accident.

It absorbs energy and thereby lessens the force of the impact on your head. The helmet structure is destroyed as it absorbs significant impacts. In the most severe impacts, the helmet will be crushed and its parts are sometimes fractured. This coming apart during serious impacts is not a sign of a defective helmet. Some parts come apart quicker than others under increasing levels of impact. For example, the GPS fits system fractures fairly soon. The GPS fit system is not part of the retention system that holds your helmet in position during an impact. Whenever you wear your helmet, its straps and buckling system should be snug under your chin and properly buckled. from Troxel's website about what happens to the helmet in an accident.

[JackieB]

There's no checking to be done. Replace it. 42many is exactly right about what the manufacturers say.

And as long as you are buying from a good manufacturer that gets the proper certifications (a Troxel, for example), the cost of the helmet doesn't matter. They all have to protect the head equally and the rest is styling and features.

So, you should be able to get a good helmet for $75 or less.

Nothing is more important than protecting your head. I'm glad you came to us with this question.

[shewasmyshadow]

Yeah, replace it. I got mine for around $30 last time I replaced it.

[PoniesRock101]

Thanks for your replies everyone... I think Ishould have worded my post a bit differently. NO MATTER WHAT I'm replacing the helmet mentioned above. The other question was in general of any helmet you ride in...not the one I already know is cracked. I know it's crack and wearing it isn't safe. I guess what I was trying to say was along the lines of do you check your helmet for cracks everytime you ride? ect...

There's no checking to be done. Replace it. 42many is exactly right about what the manufacturers say.

And as long as you are buying from a good manufacturer that gets the proper certifications (a Troxel, for example), the cost of the helmet doesn't matter. They all have to protect the head equally and the rest is styling and features.

So, you should be able to get a good helmet for $75 or less.

Nothing is more important than protecting your head. I'm glad you came to us with this question.
Yes, I'm getting an astm certified helmet before the weekend. I'm very aware of how improtant it is to protect your head. When I was little and just began riding I fell off probably 10-12 times. They weren't bad falls but shocking enough. My barn never required anyone to wear a helmet, but I got one. It's mildy scary the fact that my lesson is all teens and I'm the only one wearing a helmet.

Yeah, replace it. I got mine for around $30 last time I replaced it.
Just curious, what kind did you get?? I'm looking around. I have to go to a tack shop since I have a really tiny head that's hard to fit.

[JackieB]

Yes, I'm getting an astm certified helmet before the weekend. I'm very aware of how improtant it is to protect your head. When I was little and just began riding I fell off probably 10-12 times. They weren't bad falls but shocking enough. My barn never required anyone to wear a helmet, but I got one. It's mildy scary the fact that my lesson is all teens and I'm the only one wearing a helmet.


Awesome. Great decision. And you know the organization that sets the standards, too!

Blows to the head are bad for anyone at any age, but they are especially dangerous for girls. I saw a report about it on TV. Girls have smaller heads than boys (and you mentioned that you have a small head for a girl), so the energy that has to be absorbed in a shock is spread over less surface area, making the overall impact greater. The bottom line of the report was that girls are more susceptible to serious concussions than boys.

Of course, we can't protect ourselves from all risks. We are obviously willing to accept some risks since we ride horses. But I'm so glad to hear that you wear a helmet. Great judgment.

[shewasmyshadow]

It was this one. Unfortunately they've raised their prices. :(

http://www.statelinetack.com/item/international-air-lite-sport-helmet/SLT653265/

I do love it, though, because it's very low-profile, light weight and I LOVE the dial system. My helmet is adjustable enough for me and my son (3 yrs) to wear. I know LARGE heads run in our family, but I was pretty amazed that I was able to adjust it to securely fit my son.

[Peggy Sue]

The hospital can xray them also.