Helmet replacement

[Op1]

Hi guys,

 

I went for a ride with my wife yesterday and had a small fall off the bike. I hit my thigh,hip,shoulder,elbow and bumped my head. It didn't feel small but I was actually slowing down to stop and slipped before I reached a stop.

I recall my head getting bumped and checked my helmet and found some scuff marks.  I did a thorough check and the helmet is fine. However google and chat gpt etc say a helmet replacement is a must even n after a small fall. 

Wondering if there is data to back this up and if indeed I need to replace it or can it be used further if the impact was minimal 

 

I contacted MET as it's a MET helmet for a crash replacement. I'm dissapointed as the helmet is only 4months old.

Thanks in advance 

Edited January 9 by Op1
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[RobertWhitehead]

This is a highly debated topic, I would also like to hear some opinions but I believe that a helmet falls into the category of a grudge purchase and only adds value in the case of an emergency / fall. With that being said one would want the helmet to be in tip top shape if something bad were to happen. 

[IceCreamMan]

Too many what ifs. 
 

however, we all adults. We make our choices, pays our money and takes our chances. If you ok with it then I am sure it’s fine. A gentle fall should not make a helmet useless. 

[Mook]

48 minutes ago, IceCreamMan said:

Too many what ifs. 
 

however, we all adults. We make our choices, pays our money and takes our chances. If you ok with it then I am sure it’s fine. A gentle fall should not make a helmet useless. 

enter ........ DUCT TAPE 🪚💥

[Gr3mlin131]

I have only one brain, but many monies. So I have always replaced even on small falls. I have been in a few crashes and my helmets have protected me even in the serious ones. So far so good. So sample size of one, I am not taking any chances, but I also have a sensitive brain (long story).

So for legal reasons the manufacturer will say replace even if it looks fine. But also it should not have done any damage with a minor fall and should be fine. Those are the two extremes, now you can decide how much the risk is worth it to you (cost to replace. 

[DrRichard]

having destroyed a helmet on a fall onto concrete pillar  see link for discussion: 

 I have come to value a good helmet - I have not previously replaced mine after minor falls - but there is no data to help you decide - no one will ever test "small bumped" helmets on real live people to see if they are safe and each helmet has it's own decay trajectory from heat/sun/sweat etc. your gut feel / budget and need for a perfect brain is all you have to go on... as all have said before too many what if's and endless debate...  however a great opportunity to buy a new one! and hopefully it is a waste of money and never needs to be tested!   

[Op1]

I contacted MET and they offered a 50% discount on a new one. I must admit they are really awesome. 

The crap part is that the helmet is only 4months old -so it feels hard to fork out $$. But with that being said I am generally on the cautious side and will in all likelihood replace it now. Even if it's ok.  Like Richard mentioned...to many what ifs in play.