Is this helmet ruined?

[Jared]

This come directly from HJC's website.
Although your HJC Helmet is constructed with the best materials available to offer a long-lasting product, it will eventually need to be replaced. Immediately replace your helmet if:

• It has suffered an impact. Your helmet is only designed for ONE impact. An impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact absorbing liner. You may not be able to detect this damage. Any impact in a crash or a drop from as low as 4 feet is enough to damage your helmet.

• The shell, lining, or retention system is damaged. The helmet shell, the impact absorbing lining, and the retention system must be in good condition to provide you with the most protection.

Even if your helmet has not been damaged, it needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years depending on how much you use it. Over time, UV rays and adhesive and component aging will damage your helmet. Wearing a damaged helmet may increase your risk of serious injury or death in an accident.

If you are unsure if you need to replace your helmet, contact HJC America before using your helmet again.




My question is, is this helmet ruined? The marks are going through the clear coat, through the base coat, and there is some black showing through on some of the marks.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n337/900classic/DamagedHelmet023.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n337/900classic/DamagedHelmet015.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n337/900classic/DamagedHelmet012.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n337/900classic/DamagedHelmet018.jpg

[borto1990]

personally I would say no. BUT DON'T SUE ME!!! there is no way I could see getting a new lid every 3-5 years.. especially one of those expensive jobs. I have an older 3/4 lid that I wear more when it's cold. it's been around the block, not that carefull with it. I'll put in on the cement or what ever so it's peeled in a spot or 2 but it's never been dropped or anything. Besides from being an eyesore I have no intensions of replacing it yet.

[ringadingh]

From what I see it doesn't deem replacing, Its seems like just a couple small scratches. And Ive got helmets a lot older than 3-5 years that I think are still ok.

[Jared]

I'm not going to sue anyone. LOL http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[Top Cat]

I need to know more about what caused the marks. Was it dropped, was something dropped on it, etc.

[glwilson]

I said no.

But a pic doesn't show the whole story with the helmet.

If the inner support or core of the helmet is cracked, compressed, or both from a fall or impact -- then the integrity of the helmet is compromised. And this doesn't say anything to the degradation occurring to the helmet core due to age.

If you are questioning the helmet's integrity; then I would say get rid of it.

[nomad561]

Just looking at the marks,I would say no, I would need more info to make a final decision.

[mikey911s]

UM....it doesn't look hurt to me. If the scratch bothers you, I'd do this: The color looks like a silver or platinum close to the silver of your bike. I'd tape off the rubber trim, pull the DOT decal off and give it a good 1500 grit sanding. Drive the bike to a local good auto paint store and get them to match the blue and make me a can of base. Then lay out a flame pattern or buy one that covers the scratch, shoot about 3 coats of blue base followed by 2-3 coats of 2K clearcoat with the catalyst activated can. Now it will match the Nad,
mike

[Jared]

OK ok let me explain...... I did something stupid, that I shouldn't have done. I bought a used helmet, not for me, but for an extra one for nieces, etc.

The ad said that it was in GREAT condition and I don't think it was even the same helmet. Today, this is what showed up in the mail. I've e-mailed the seller telling him that I don't want to make a claim through resolution department and if he his willing to give me a refund, I'll pay to ship it back and we can just fix the issue on our own.

He said "it has very superficial marks in it but it never fell and especially not from 4 ft. It that was the case it would have huge imperfections in it and it does not."

I replied and I haven't heard back. I've learned my lesson.

[johnb]

I wouldn't buy a used helmet for myself and especially not for use by someone I might have as a passenger. You are trusting someone that you don't know with your life.

[Jared]

I'll quote myself, " I did something stupid, that I shouldn't have done."

[trip]

I'd say that the helmet is just fine. No need to send it back. It'ss probably work fine for what you intend to use it for.

[Top Cat]

It is probably OK, BUT if it were me I would junk it. Why take a chance. Get a new one or one you know the owner of and can trust.

[jesse]

The scars could be from improper storage where something has rubbed off the finish, or it could have been dropped and would be unsafe. You have already questioned the condition of this helment. If something should happen ( I pray not ) it would always be in the back of your mind. My younger brother once told me it was ok to buy a $20 helment if you had a $20 head to put in it. That was years ago. I don't know where you could get a helment for $20 now, but the principal is still the same. A helment is a insurance policy, try to get the best value for the money.

[djh]

I would say the helmet is more than likely alright. That said, it does sound like the seller was Not completely up front with you and anyone else who viewed it for sale. So his response to you may Not be that accurate. Just keep that in mind when you give it to a family member to use. Buy a new helmet. Also if the liner inside of this helmet is not removable for Cleaning I would have second thoughts about putting it on my head!

[taranis]

Another vote for it probably being okay. those scratches don't look like they came from an impact - more like a scrape on something.

[radco]

My 2 cents.. like most said the marks look like scrapes.. I have a few like that on mine ,,,The 3/5 year replacement issue is a GREAT is idea, for the manufacture.. :)
I go longer myself,, but do what you feel is good for you..
.Are you dumb for buying used on line? No IMO.. did you make a mistake? Probly not.. That being said if you shop around you can find a New low price helmet in the 50/75$ range....
NOW for DUMB things done I have several things I did my Ex wife will gladly tell you about LOL...Rich

[rflnomad]

Scratches are OK, But if I have ANY impact ( even a hard drop on the floor) I replace it. I may be too freaky about it but it is like food in the fridge; When in doubt, throw it out.
My .02c

[mrfuni]

I'd say pitch it..
2 items I won't mess with tires that hold me on the road and a helmet that protects my head..

[tazfl]

I don't think I would risk it, especially for my nieces to use. If anything were to happen you would always question your choice. For what you can get a new DOT helmet for it wouldn't be worth the risk.

[ndbigfish]

You may want to investigate having the helmet inspected by the manufacturer. I think HJC will inspect a helmet for little or next to nothing. It just depends on what you have invested. I would be concerned with cleaniness and safety. Head lice or mange would be a bummer..... A Bell or Fullmer helmet can be had cheaply. I have a couple of Bell helmets and one I even use ( Bell Drifter). http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[dogdoc]

That helmet is NOT ruined. wear it and enjoy.