Own a cheap helmet? Throw it away right now!

Coffin · May 2, 2006

Had a very scary crash at high speed last weekend while travelling along the trail beside a highway. Got tangled up with another bike and ended up slamming my face off a 6"x6" guardrail post. It shattered the front of the helmet and crushed the styrofoam inside with the impact of my skull.

I was knocked unconcious for more than 10 minutes but ended up walking away with only a week long headache and bruises on most parts of my body. They ran me through all the tests and brain scans and everything turned out okay. I have busted myself up pretty bad over 20 years of riding and racing but this was by far as close as I have come to ending up dead.

This was just a feak accident and was not the result of my normally aggresive riding style. Although most non-motorcyclists have told me to sell my bikes...it will not stop me from riding. It is something that I love too much.

My point in telling you this....

I am certain that if I had not been wearing a high quality helmet that I would not be alive today. In the past I have always had top end Arai helmets and the one I was wearing was a Troy Lee Designs SE model.

IF YOU OWN A CHEAP HELMET OR ONE THAT HAS BEEN DROPPED OR DAMAGED....THROW IT AWAY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If this is not enough encouragement for you, check out the first four pics in my gallery...that should do it!

Helmet

schwim · May 2, 2006

Mark, I'm surprised that your brain scan turned up nothing. Maybe your warning should include "cheap MRI's and cat scans"???

I am the proud owner of a $10- helmet, but you've seen me ride. It's physically impossible to crush my helmet at the speeds I ride. As soon as gravity begins multiplying, I think I should consider a heftier investment though

I'm very glad that you're alright man. Your buns are too pretty to think of you tied up in traction.

You gotta stay safe for the little one man!

thanks,
json

Brendan · May 2, 2006

Glad to hear you are okay. I sure do not want to see a dead riders memorial forum here at UHE, like some of the other sites have.

LeFrog · May 2, 2006

Yes I agree, I threw away a helmet (actually it is in the "Offerings to the Gods of Speed" section) after crashing head on on a rock.

Although I did not crash on my head at 11-mile wash, I wonder if I should not change that helmet as well.

Now, by "cheap", do you mean "crappy" or "inexpensive"? Because there are many helmets that you basically pay the brand name for. A helmet that has received the "CE" certification (Snell does not quite cut it) cannot totally be a bad helmet.

Oh and I am glad you are alive. I suspect you have a concussion, even if the MRI does not show anything. You do not pass out for 10 minutes after a head crash without sustaining any type of damage. If I were you I'd stay on the safe side and take a couple weeks off.

Parsko · May 2, 2006

Now, if WE were lucky... nah, I won't say it, I like you too much Coffin my boy!!! Glad to here your noggin is safe, especially with the new food receptacle (baby) in the house.

This is a good time and place to touch up on some of these helmet safety standards. Snell and CE, what are the differences? What kind of safety does it imply?

-Parsko

kelsow · May 3, 2006

Enough about you, how is the bike???

I kid

Glad to hear you are doing ok and that nothing is broken. My buddy broke his clavicle 2 weeks ago and is out of commission for 8-12 weeks. Nobody wants that to happen to anyone.

Any damage to the other rider?

nsman · May 3, 2006

Glad to hear you are OK Coffin,that was a close one!

BundyBear · May 3, 2006

People often warn me that a brain scan would come up negative!

Seriously, thanks for the reminder. It is easy enough to seriously hurt yourself without mashing up the grey matter as well. It is probably time I looked for a new helmet. Some more body armour wouldn't go astray either.

Satex · May 3, 2006

I just replaced one of my helmets after crashing, with my head/helmet landing hard on a rock. No visible damage to the lid, but out it went. Like someone else said, I don't necessarily rely on expense when evaluating helmets. For me, it's rating (Snell at least) and fit. A TLD or Arai or Shoei that doesn't fit isn't as good as a $50 GMax that fits perfectly.

That being said, I've always wanted a Troy Lee helmet, but they're so expensive. I don't suppose you're going to sell yours, are you??

One last thing. Have you contemplated changing your screen name to something other that "Coffin?" I'm glad you're ok.

velosapiens · May 3, 2006

Coffin said:
I am certain that if I had not been wearing a high quality helmet that I would not be alive today. In the past I have always had top end Arai helmets and the one I was wearing was a Troy Lee Designs SE model.

what makes you think whoever makes TLD helmets does a better job than some other snell or ansi rated helmet? how much of a helmet price do you think is protection and how much is fluff/looks/marketing/otherstuff?

glad you're ok. crashes suck. hard crashes on your head are scary.

Coffin · May 3, 2006

I checked the TLD site and this is what they listed in their specifications:

"Exceeds Snell M2000, M2005, US DOT, and ECE standards" I am sure that there are helmets that have the same safety rating that don't have the same price tag as the "name brand" helmets. There is no question that the safety rating is the only important aspect when buying a helmet.

My point is that there are alot of things that you can save money on but a helmet purchase is not the time to try and be thrifty. Aside from the safety aspects, the high end helmets from all the manufacturers are usually lighter and have more ventilation. This is a real advantage if you ride for long periods or if you race.

The right fit is also key. I have grumbled to many people that the Troy Lee helmet always seemed a little tight on me when I first put it on compared to my Arai. I never noticed it while riding...just when I first put it on. It is size L. When we were at the dealer meeting in Reno, NV last fall, I tried on Fryguy's helmet. His is the same model and color but it is an XL. I thought it seemed to fit me better and was more comfortable. I was thinking of selling mine and getting an XL. I am really glad that I did not do that because the extra room may really have worked against me in this crash. I have always been told that the helmet should be snug.

The other guy was bruised and sore but was okay. In terms of my 550, it snapped the front fender off but that was it. Amazing!

In terms of my twisted screen name...Coffin...those of you that know me are aware that it is actually my last name. Sad but true. It is actually fun...I love hearing people's reactions when they ask me for the spelling as I am making reservations, etc

DaleEO · May 3, 2006

First of all glad to hear that you are going to be okay.

There was an excellent article in Moto Cross Action last month on helmets, I enthusiastically ecourage all to read it, it was very thorough.

Just for the record, I have been wearing Arai helmets for the last 10 years. My friend has always worn them, and they have saved his butt as well as mine.

Bell used to have a great add that said "If you have a $10 dollar head, then wear a $10 dollar helmet".

UnkleMoose · May 3, 2006

Clad to here your OK Coffin,
I have been wearing the top of the line HJC helmets the last 4 years, I am on my 3rd helmet, once took a low speed knock down fall in the mud at the Prairie City GP, got hit by another out of control rider, went off the side and landed on my back, hit head on a rock, saw blackthen alot of stars, staggered to my feet, picked up the bike, sat there for few minutes then said "I'm gonna finish this damn race) I was only about 20 minutes into a 1.5-2hr race, after not being able to stay on course I went back to the truck, helmet had a nice chip in it.

When I got home (my buddy finally had to drive instead of sleeping while I drove, me they kept me awake!!!) I told my wife I needed a new helmt, told her what haopened, she looked at my helmet and said "looks ok to me, you don't need a new helmet!!!) So I bought a new helmet against her sincere wishes.

Kraig Traum
AMA-D36 Enduro Syeward/BOD

UnkleMoose · May 3, 2006

On a sad note!
Was at Sandhill Ranch for an MX race back in the late 70's, a young man had a brand new FMF?/Honda or it might have been a DG/Yamaha, these were totally tricked out package bikes you could buy, motor mods, suspension, pipes etc... cost way more then a stocker. The start of the 125 novice class went up a hill, there was a crash and a bikes footpeg broke through his helmet and dug into his scull, needless to say he did not make it. The poor kid was wearing a cheap helmet from Kmart,

Save your money elsewhere, please buy good helmets.

Kraig Traum
AMA-D36 Enduro Steward/BOD

Bobzilla · May 3, 2006

Glad to hear your good to go. Amazing what a good helmet can do.
Several years ago I got off trying to pass a guy in the dust I caught a big rock and over the bars I went at about 60mph. Broke the ball off left shoulder all the ribs in the back and in the front on the left side also when the bike finally found me. Long story short when I finally got ready to go ridding again I was all suited up and bike was warmed up when I noticed a hole in the left side of my Bell helmet. Never even knew I hit my head. Well I have been told it is like a rock.

LeFrog · May 3, 2006

What is the difference between a $400 TLD SE and a $300 One Industries Trooper?

The Trooper has all the certifications you can expect from a $300 helmet and so far I have read some great "crash reviews".

I too wear the $200 HJC helmets and I do not feel like spending $200 more if it is just a question of style. Maybe $100, but after a reasonable limit you have to stop using the "more bucks = more security" when all you get for the extra bucks really is more bling bling (there, I said it).

Of course you don't want to pick up one of these crappy $40 helmets from Pep Boys (those would be illegal to sell in Europe), but those are just Darwinian devices if you ask me.

nsman · May 3, 2006

There is a lot of different opinions on helmets and standards.My observations are most people wear helmets too big for them,measure your head and go with the correct size recommended from that helmet maker.If you don't think you like the fit try another brand,not another size.Do not keep your helmet any longer than two years if you use it on a regular basis.

LINEAWEAVER · May 4, 2006

UnkleMoose said:
On a sad note!
Was at Sandhill Ranch for an MX race back in the late 70's, a young man had a brand new FMF?/Honda or it might have been a DG/Yamaha, these were totally tricked out package bikes you could buy, motor mods, suspension, pipes etc... cost way more then a stocker. The start of the 125 novice class went up a hill, there was a crash and a bikes footpeg broke through his helmet and dug into his scull, needless to say he did not make it. The poor kid was wearing a cheap helmet from Kmart,

Save your money elsewhere, please buy good helmets.

Kraig Traum
AMA-D36 Enduro Steward/BOD

Hi Kraig,
I was on the starting line of the following 250 moto and witnessed the incident. It haunts me to this day.

Glad your OK Coffin.

Dale

2005FC550 · May 7, 2006

This ONE Industries, Trooper helmet as seen after my crash. It held together very well. From this freak accident all I can remember is ripping it in third gear and the aftermath. The cracks are on the face shield guard. Almost three months and still recovering from back pains. There was a Vet Pro who sheared the face guard off his Troy-Lee helmet, after landing on his handle bar..

bergermiester · May 22, 2015

About 15 years ago I was riding a suzuki lt500r, two stroke single four wheeler. I was cranking in fourth, to hit a jump for the first time. I preloaded the suspension to get max air. Hidden in the grass at or near the base of the approach was a rut caused by water erosion, running from left to right. Next thing I knew, I was going over the bars. Many things go through one's mind very rapidly in these situations. My choice was to bail. Had I been on a bike, no problem. Friggin wheeler! The action of me tossing the bars to my right caused the right rear wheel to make contact with the ground, (65' from said jump). The wheeler then ran me over for the next 35' or so. During this, I distinctly remember the frame coming down on my head, hard! At that very moment, I thought to myself, "damn, I'm glad I bought a good helmet, (arai vx pro). I was wearing full motocross gear, which suffered various nicks and dings. I walked with only one broken rib! Buy the best helmet you can afford, or better. Choose the brand that fits your head shape the best. Each brand will fit slightly differently. Arai works best for me, and I love them! Good luck, and happy ripping!

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Own a cheap helmet? Throw it away right now!

Coffin

schwim

Brendan

LeFrog

Parsko

kelsow

nsman

BundyBear

Satex

velosapiens

Coffin

DaleEO

UnkleMoose

UnkleMoose

Bobzilla

LeFrog

nsman

LINEAWEAVER

2005FC550

bergermiester

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