My New Bell Helmet...

This lid is says m2000 real big on the inside sticker. I can't read the rest. For the money that they cost new one would think they should last forever. But I guess not. Shit. What did I do wrong this time?

 

it's still probably better then that bell thing, but still, used helmets aren't the best cause all the foam and stuff have kind of molded to someone else's head!
plus they lose their ability to absorb impact a little bit over time

 

Heat, ozone, cleaners...all these things conspire to kill both the EPS foam and the shell over time.

Check it out - http://www.shoei-helmets.com/road/rd_main.aspx

As much as I love Shoei helmets ( I have a Shoei Head ) I'd sooner wear a new inexpensive helmet, with new foam and a new shell, than one that is past its prime.

There is much debate about cost vs safety of helmets. Motorcyclist mag did a comparison not too long ago on this subject - I think the net result was that some very inexpensive lids did quite well, just from a safety standpoint.

 

But wait it gets worse. See I got 2 helmets for less than I paid for the bell. The other is Aria (spelling). I will get a new lining for both if I can find a dealer. I will just have to try harder to not crash that's all.

 

It's not the cloth lining that's the problem in an old helmet...it's the EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam underneath, which isn't replaceable. That is what actually absorbs the energy if you were to crash, along with the shell itself. The cheek pads and inner liner are there for comfort and fit.

Arai and Shoei are both top shelf products, but old foam and fiberglass is old foam and fiberglass. Any money you saved would quickly be forgotten if you needed that helmet to do its job.

 

I'll stay out of the helmet debate; but as far other gear goes watch ebay I just got a screaming deal on a Joe Rocket Sonic jacket w/ full armor the guy wore like twice. It a $320 dollar jacket, I got it for $129, buy the best you can afford if its used good quality stuff so be it.