When should I replace my hemlet?

Question

Is it true that you're supposed to replace it after every fall or every time you drop it?

Answer 1

I think it's time for a new helmet. If you fall off of your horse, it makes your helmet weaker and more prone to breaking.

Answer 2

if it's every time you drop it, i be on helmet # 1567893455948.

i'd say after every fall that smacks your head, or whenever it's just too disgusting to stand anymore.

Answer 3

if you have a bad fall then you should replace it after that fall but if not, then you should replace it after every two falls

Answer 4

yes you should vary much do it

Answer 5

Anytime that the helmet receives a blow (such as a fall or drop) the helmet could be compromised.  Helmets are comparable to bubble wrap.  Bubble wrap works really well as long as it has not popped, but once popped has no protection.  Helmets are not made of bubble wrap, but the physics is similar.  The ASTM (American society for testing and materials) and the SEI (safety equipment institute) are the companies that test the helmets and provide standards for materials.

Any helmet over 5 years past the manufacture date should be replaced.  The materials break down over time and after 5 years, the materials that the helmet is made of cannot be guaranteed to protect.  Also anytime the helmet has had an impact, the helmet should be sent back to the manufacturer.  

I would make it a point to always buy a helmet with a five year crash guarantee.  If during the five years that the helmet materials should be "good', you are involved in a crash with the helmet, you can get a new helmet or the company will repair the damage for the cost of shipping.

As far as the cost of a new helmet, even the most decked out fancy 300.00 helmet is far less than the cost of a CT-scan and ER visit.

Answer 6

When you get a REALLY bad crash of fall you should replace your helmet but if you drop it you probably don't have to replace it, unless it's a terrible drop! Hope this helps you

Answer 7

every time it hits the ground slightly hard it gets damaged on the inside. it wont effect you untill it has hit the ground enough times

Answer 8

i think your ok

Answer 9

yes when you fall and hit your head, or after about 5 years,unless something else happens to it, like the glue melting in a hot car

Answer 10

Take the hat in your hands, turn it upside down and press the sides. If you hear it creak or crack or if it flexes replace it. If it's solid then don't.

Answer 11

you dont have to replace it every time you fall. only if you fall on your head. because after you falll the padding gets smashed where you fell on it

Answer 12

yep, every time you have a really bad crash you should get a new one as the old one is not strong enough or has weak points and not replacing it could kill you then next time.

Answer 13

if you fall and your helmet his the ground its time for a new helmet

i fell acouple of weeks ago off for the first time and i landed on my side but not on my helmet on my arms.

Answer 14

if you hit your head you should replace you helmet

usally helmet manufactures will replace them for the

cost of shipping for a new one that is what happened

when i cracked mine. thank god i was wearing a helmet

that would have been my skull. check with the manufacture

and see what they say. you life is worth  the cost of a new

helmet good luck

Answer 15

wen it doesnt fit

Answer 16

I've never really heard of that, but i guess its how hard it hits the ground i guess. Im always dropping mine and never has it cracked or anything.

Take it to your local tackshop and get it to look at it for any damage ect.

Answer 17

Yes, it's the same with any helmet. Even if you don't hit your head, parts of the helmet may get damaged with the bounce on impact.

Same with dropping it. It can be annoying, but it's better to replace it and know it's safe, than to not, then fall, and then the helmet not do it's desired function of protecting your head.

Good on you for asking!

Answer 18

Technically, you should replace your helmet every time it hits the ground hard.  So if you fall and land on your bum, it probably isn't necessary to replace your helmet.  But if you knock it off your tack box by accident, you should seriously consider replacing it.

Answer 19

Yes, it is true that after your helmet takes a good whack, you should get it replaced. Modern helmets are made of light, sturdy materials. However, those materials are prone to microfactures - small fractures so tiny that you can't see them - when they are impacted. Fracturing is one of the ways that the helmet provides protection. That is how the energy from the blow is absorbed by the helmet and not transferred to your head. Once your helmet has microfractures, its likelihood of providing you good protection in your next fall is much less.

There are ways to test a helmet to see if microfractures exist, but they usually cost more than just getting another helmet.

I wouldn't necessarily replace one after just one drop from table height, but I would after its taken a significant blow or if it were dropped many times.

Answer 20

I've fallen off my horse a few times and hit my head, however my helmet is still in perfect condition. If the helmet shows any signs of damage to the out side (dents and cracks for example) then it's time to get a new helmet. It there's nothing obvious on the outside, then press down on it and listen for creaks snaps. If you're really not sure, go to your local tack store or horsey friend and have it checked out.

Answer 21

Speak to the tack shop where you bought it - they usually replace them if you have had a fall.

Answer 22

You can take it to the tack shop and they will test it for you. People who say you HAVE to replace it everytime just want to sell you a new helmet.