ALT-3 Why you should not Buy a used Motorcycle Helmet
Thinking of buying a second hand motorcycle helmet? Well of course you will save a few dollars, probably even get it for half the price. And if you shop around you should still find close to what you want. It will look worn in too so you don't have that I've just got my license look about you. Yes and the extra dollars you would save could be applied to a better pair of gloves or boots. So if you are thinking about buying a second hand motorcycle helmet there are a fair few advantages. But before you do, read on.
A motorcycle helmet is a piece of high-impact safety equipment-just like a bumper of a car or an inertia-based safety belt. It has one primary purpose and that is to save your life once. If you have ever been saved by such a piece of equipment you are a very fortunate soul. This is no small favor and it is easy to see how you would be grateful for that equipment. But don't expect it do so a second or third time. It has done its duty in protecting you for one impact and should be happily released from service and replaced.
Motorcycle helmets have a semi-malleable internal sheath made of polystyrene. This sheath is mainly responsible for the absorption of the high impact received in a crash. It will perform its function at an optimum level under certain conditions. Namely: One owner and no previous impacts. This is because the sheath molds to the user's head within the first few hours of use and then should fit perfectly (as long as the correct size of helmet has been chosen). Once this has been done with your own helmet, then it is actually your helmet and designed for your head. It will not come loose or be too tight and in the event of impact, has the maximum chance of protecting your noggin. So wearing another person's helmet does drop the potential safety in the event of an accident. And so does wearing a helmet that has already received an impact (even dropping your helmet on the ground).
The purchase of a new helmet should not be underestimated. And it need not cost a small fortune. Most of the good brand names have less expensive entry-level' models which still meet all the local safety standards and are easily lower than half the price of the Rossi' or other high-end' sports/performance helmets. Also the advice to be gotten from trained and experienced shop staff is invaluable. Of course, they want a sale but if you insist on your own budget then both you and they can get what each wants without too much fuss or compromise. Remember most of these guys and gals work at bike shops because they love bikes. They have probably been riding for years. Some of them may even race on weekends or attend ride sessions at the local track. All because they love it. And what a person really loves, they generally know a lot about.
Lastly think about the particular part of your body that is being protected-your head. Not only does it house your brain and other important circuitry it is also the most sensitive part of your body. Unlike your shoulder, a knock to the head leaves you somewhat disorientated or even unconscious. Unlike your foot, a broken head has far more repercussions and will take more than a few weeks to heal if ever. Unlike your hand, life without your head is non-existent. Your head also contains four of the five sensory organs exclusively. It is a pretty important bit.
No one expects to have an accident and many people hardly ever have them. So it can be no surprise to have a casual attitude toward safety: It's not going to happen anyway so why bother getting a new helmet?' The thing is, that it only needs to happen once and that's why you should think twice about the second hand helmet. And if you do then go out and get a new one that fits you like a glove (or a new helmet) and its just what you need, then you don't have to think about it anymore and that's one less thing to have your attention on when you're riding. And the more attention you have on the road the better you ride. And the better you ride the safer you'll be.
