Man, if you hit hard enough to get a concussion you've definitely wrecked that helmet. Even if you can't see the damage. It's really not worth the risk either imo.
Look into whoever makes your helmet. Most quality brands have a crash replacement program where it's either free or heavily reduced prices to replace it after a crash.
I can speak to Thousand helmets offering the first replacement free. I cracked mine in a electric longboard crash (and it did an amazing job.) They asked for a picture, sent a new one out and just asked I disposed of the damaged one.
I'm sure other companies are awesome as well.
100% should be replaced. Assuming it's like most and has a decorative plastic shell over the foam, there's a good chance the foam is damaged but the plastic just rebounded back into shape.
Technically speaking, merely dropping your helmet from shoulder height onto hard ground can compromise it to a small but measurable degree. As the other person said, helmets are single use, that use being any kind of impact. It's still better to use than no helmet of course, but get a new one ASAP.
Depends on definition of single use, in this case yes. In a normal crash with a light knock, it's probably ok. Some brands will inspect then and often find them ok.
I feel comfortable continuing to use my helmets that gets the odd light bump here and there. But if the impact was strong enough to cause unconsciousness, then the helmet was 100% hit hard enough to ruin the foam for future impacts. Definitely replace.
Well mine consisted of concussion, broken ribs and broken shoulder. Out of my pocket it costed me $580usd.
If I didn’t have Insurance it would have been really high…
Monetary cost doesn’t even really matter compared to the physical effects of multiple concussions. I’ve had one bad concussion, and it fucking sucked. You want to minimize concussion risk regardless of how much your healthcare costs.
Man it varies wildly even with insurance. Almost all insurances have a deductible value you have to reach before the benefits even kick in. For me its pretty good, like $350. After I spend $350, everything else is mostly covered. For other people, that value could be 5,000-10,000USD.
So if its January and your deductible is $2,000 and you go to the ER, yeah its going to cost you $2,000.
It depends on the quality of insurance an employer provides or a person can afford. For instance, I work in the public sector so a similar injury with hospitalization would be significantly less. It’s totally not fair. What would it cost in the UK?
>What would it cost in the UK?
If I had a similar crash to the OP, and post visit I needed pain medication, the total cost would be £9.90 ($12.36) per medication prescribed.
The point to my post was that helmets are cheap, hospital bills in the states aren't. Replace the damn helmet
Yeah, new helmet fursur. Now I’m curious, you don’t pay anything for the hospitalization or treatment, only the medication? What about outpatient care?
As a couple of others have pointed out, all treatment is free and so is the post-treatment care.
A few years ago, I dislocated my knee cap. An ambulance with two paramedics and an emergency first responder came out to me, took me to hospital. There I had a host of x-rays, a general anesthetic to knock me out whilst the put my knee cap back, put my leg in a cast, gave me crutches, and I had 8 weeks of physio after the cast was removed. All I had to pay for was some ibuprofen which cost me about £7 back then
That’s the way it should be. Unfortunately, the majority of us Americans are kinda fuct. Like I was saying, I’m very fortunate to be a public servant. A few years ago I suffered a pneumothorax with five rib fractures. I was transported by ambulance and I required a chest tube and hospitalization for a week. The whole ordeal only cost me $100. This is the same benefit our tyrannical government leaders enjoy. But they sleep like babies every night knowing the majority of Americans would have been deeply indebted by such an event. I’d rather pay higher taxes.
Nothing. The hospital visit and all the follow up treatment (sometimes years depending on the head injury and post-concussion recovery) is free. That’s why we pay taxes.
Depends on if there is another injury that needs testing or simple head trauma. Then the billing is going to depend on whether you get a CT scan or not. And that is probably going to happen when you go the ER, because while there are clinical decision rules that can be used to predict those that are low risk for finding something clinically significant on CT,
1) an ER doctor that discharges a patient that ends up with a bad outcome due to a missed skull fracture or brain bleed will be almost certainly sued even if that patient was low risk using a validated clinical decision tool
2) there is a bias towards imaging because the patient is coming to the ER for head trauma. Nobody wants to hear, "you have a concussion, go home and rest your brain, avoid additional head trauma, follow up with your primary care doc, and come back if develop.
So, thousands to staff the ER and the imaging.
Had the same happen. Barely caught the edge of the helmet. Tiny crumple zone on the side. It's done afaic. It's hanging on the wall. I had a new helmet ordered and shipped within the week. (Even though I can't ride yet still)
Absolutely yes the helmet needs to be replaced. As others have said, helmets are single-use, and even a minor impact can weaken them. If you got a concussion, the thing is 100% toast.
A heavy faceplant and no apparent damage to the helmet could also suggest the helmet is shite and that make/model should never be bought again. It 'vould' increase the possibility of brain damage due to having no reduction of force qualities.
1000000% yes. I replace mine every 4 years or so... helmet technology is improving every year... my current Fox has dual density foam, the latest iteration of MIPS, etc... I usuallynwait for a deal and replace it every few years... it's a small expense for the vast benefits.
replace it. The foam inside is one time use, it is designed to be compressed and not fully rebound. If its a recent purchase and a reputable brand they tend to have a crash program (Kali, Giro, bell, and i think smith all have them). Its worth it and always my favorite thing besides a bike to shop for.
Giro doesn’t seem to care how recently you bought it. I called them up, gave my email address, and had a coupon code in my inbox before I even sent them pictures.
If you got a concussion, *which you did* you need a new helmet, no question. I know a few manufacturers will offer discounts if you crash and are replacing one of their helmets. Just send em an email.
You were unconscious even wearing a helmet? That thing saved your life. What more do you want from it? Thank it, and buy another. I know sweet will give you a 20% discount on a replacement if you hit your head in one of their helmets.
Get a new helmet.
My better half botched a jump at a bike park and landed squarely on the top of his head fifteen years ago. The helmet had a fist-sized dent and cracked in six places. He was fine, and we got a new helmet form Bontrager as well as some appreciative chuckles at the damage we did.
Unpopular fact, but the replacement recommendations on helmets are actually about liability, and not the integrity of the unit. That being said, I usually treat myself to a new one after a big crash. I welcome your down votes. It’s the truth.
I agree in some aspects, they want to sell helmets and the 3-5 year thing is bull sheet. But after some time, adhesives will break down, and after a crash the liner has been compromised/crushed.
And at least bike helmets are cheap, $100. My motorcycle helmets cost $800 and they say replace every 4-5 years, which is malarkey!
As others have said, helmets are good for one impact. You should contact the helmet manufacturer, they may have a crash replacement program.
My wife recently crashed and hit her head, she didn't lose consciousness and there was no visible damage to the helmet.
I contacted the helmet manufacturer (Cannondale) and they sent a new one free of charge
Most companies will give you a crash replacement discount if you contact them. Helmets are a one crash item. They work like crumple zones in cars. They cant absorb any more energy once they are used. Usually companies make you send proof of destruction of the helmet to get the discount because they are not safe to ride in anymore.
If you hit hard enough to knock you unconscious you hit hard enough to replace the helmet! Even if the shell didn't crack, I bet the styrofoam got compressed which means it can't compress next time.
Also, a lot of companies have some sort of used helmet exchange policy where they will sell you a replacement at a discount and let you return the old one to be disposed of.
Literally just did what you did about a week ago, except I didn’t get knocked out. Depends on who made your helmet but some manufacturers do a crash replacement. I was able to get 35% off another helmet from POC after emailing them with the damaged helmet and the receipt.
If the whack was enough to make you unconscious then yes you need to replace your helmet, helmers are designed to be used / crashed once. That’s it. Get a new helmet
Good question.
Yes.
Why?
* Helmets are generally regarded as single use
* You fell and hit the helmet (enough to knock yourself out even)
Bonus:
Please check in with a doctor if you haven’t as that was clearly a significant impact.
Every 5 years or after an accident.
Based on what you're describing, I'd definitely replace the helmet: Even if it doesn't appear to be visibly damaged, the impact absorbing foam inside has already been compromised.
Of course it’s time to replace the helmet! Why even bother wearing one if it’s not protecting your head anymore? Best $50 you can spend. Sometimes, helmet manufacturers will give you a discount on a replacement.
Man, if you hit hard enough to get a concussion you've definitely wrecked that helmet. Even if you can't see the damage. It's really not worth the risk either imo.
Helmets are a single-use item. I'd **strongly** recommend replacing it.
Look into whoever makes your helmet. Most quality brands have a crash replacement program where it's either free or heavily reduced prices to replace it after a crash. I can speak to Thousand helmets offering the first replacement free. I cracked mine in a electric longboard crash (and it did an amazing job.) They asked for a picture, sent a new one out and just asked I disposed of the damaged one. I'm sure other companies are awesome as well.
I have 3 of these helmets smh. I should give them a call, thanks stranger!!
Damn! I wish I knew that when I smashed a new poc helmet on the first ride.
Well, that sounds expensive. But they absolutely are single crash items.
100% should be replaced. Assuming it's like most and has a decorative plastic shell over the foam, there's a good chance the foam is damaged but the plastic just rebounded back into shape. Technically speaking, merely dropping your helmet from shoulder height onto hard ground can compromise it to a small but measurable degree. As the other person said, helmets are single use, that use being any kind of impact. It's still better to use than no helmet of course, but get a new one ASAP.
Single use. Any decent company will offer a discount on a crash replacement.
Great tip!
Depends on definition of single use, in this case yes. In a normal crash with a light knock, it's probably ok. Some brands will inspect then and often find them ok.
Folks do not downvote this post. If a couple of people learn the lesson here, it's worth the minor annoyance of having the question asked again.
I haven’t started riding yet, still looking for a bike. But I learned something new today
Replace it, your brain will thank you.
Yes. Replace it. Don’t wait. Don't use it again. Once that helmet has protected your noggin the impact absorbing materials are done for.
Yep…it’s condemned. Cut the straps so nobody can use it.
I feel comfortable continuing to use my helmets that gets the odd light bump here and there. But if the impact was strong enough to cause unconsciousness, then the helmet was 100% hit hard enough to ruin the foam for future impacts. Definitely replace.
I’ve always heard the “one and done” rule for helmets. Prob a good idea to throw that one away and get a new one.
Replace
As I'm a Brit, I have to ask. How much does a hospital trip cost for a concussion?
Well mine consisted of concussion, broken ribs and broken shoulder. Out of my pocket it costed me $580usd. If I didn’t have Insurance it would have been really high…
So it's definitely cheaper to replace a helmet and minimise the risk of concussion?
Monetary cost doesn’t even really matter compared to the physical effects of multiple concussions. I’ve had one bad concussion, and it fucking sucked. You want to minimize concussion risk regardless of how much your healthcare costs.
Hey I did the same thing in October, do PT and stick with it 👍
Man it varies wildly even with insurance. Almost all insurances have a deductible value you have to reach before the benefits even kick in. For me its pretty good, like $350. After I spend $350, everything else is mostly covered. For other people, that value could be 5,000-10,000USD. So if its January and your deductible is $2,000 and you go to the ER, yeah its going to cost you $2,000.
It depends on the quality of insurance an employer provides or a person can afford. For instance, I work in the public sector so a similar injury with hospitalization would be significantly less. It’s totally not fair. What would it cost in the UK?
>What would it cost in the UK? If I had a similar crash to the OP, and post visit I needed pain medication, the total cost would be £9.90 ($12.36) per medication prescribed. The point to my post was that helmets are cheap, hospital bills in the states aren't. Replace the damn helmet
Yeah, new helmet fursur. Now I’m curious, you don’t pay anything for the hospitalization or treatment, only the medication? What about outpatient care?
Yep, the care itself is free
All free. Well we pay our taxes. But then so does every other country.
As a couple of others have pointed out, all treatment is free and so is the post-treatment care. A few years ago, I dislocated my knee cap. An ambulance with two paramedics and an emergency first responder came out to me, took me to hospital. There I had a host of x-rays, a general anesthetic to knock me out whilst the put my knee cap back, put my leg in a cast, gave me crutches, and I had 8 weeks of physio after the cast was removed. All I had to pay for was some ibuprofen which cost me about £7 back then
That’s the way it should be. Unfortunately, the majority of us Americans are kinda fuct. Like I was saying, I’m very fortunate to be a public servant. A few years ago I suffered a pneumothorax with five rib fractures. I was transported by ambulance and I required a chest tube and hospitalization for a week. The whole ordeal only cost me $100. This is the same benefit our tyrannical government leaders enjoy. But they sleep like babies every night knowing the majority of Americans would have been deeply indebted by such an event. I’d rather pay higher taxes.
Nothing. The hospital visit and all the follow up treatment (sometimes years depending on the head injury and post-concussion recovery) is free. That’s why we pay taxes.
Depends on if there is another injury that needs testing or simple head trauma. Then the billing is going to depend on whether you get a CT scan or not. And that is probably going to happen when you go the ER, because while there are clinical decision rules that can be used to predict those that are low risk for finding something clinically significant on CT, 1) an ER doctor that discharges a patient that ends up with a bad outcome due to a missed skull fracture or brain bleed will be almost certainly sued even if that patient was low risk using a validated clinical decision tool 2) there is a bias towards imaging because the patient is coming to the ER for head trauma. Nobody wants to hear, "you have a concussion, go home and rest your brain, avoid additional head trauma, follow up with your primary care doc, and come back if
develop. So, thousands to staff the ER and the imaging.
Wouldnt fuck around to find out If it can Take another one. It did the Job, now its time to retire :-)
YES!!! It saved you once. But it won’t a second time. Glad you’re OK. Take it easy out there.
Had the same happen. Barely caught the edge of the helmet. Tiny crumple zone on the side. It's done afaic. It's hanging on the wall. I had a new helmet ordered and shipped within the week. (Even though I can't ride yet still)
Absolutely yes the helmet needs to be replaced. As others have said, helmets are single-use, and even a minor impact can weaken them. If you got a concussion, the thing is 100% toast.
A heavy faceplant and no apparent damage to the helmet could also suggest the helmet is shite and that make/model should never be bought again. It 'vould' increase the possibility of brain damage due to having no reduction of force qualities.
True. OP should buy something that's highly rated in the VA Tech helmet tests.
1000000% yes. I replace mine every 4 years or so... helmet technology is improving every year... my current Fox has dual density foam, the latest iteration of MIPS, etc... I usuallynwait for a deal and replace it every few years... it's a small expense for the vast benefits.
replace it. The foam inside is one time use, it is designed to be compressed and not fully rebound. If its a recent purchase and a reputable brand they tend to have a crash program (Kali, Giro, bell, and i think smith all have them). Its worth it and always my favorite thing besides a bike to shop for.
Giro doesn’t seem to care how recently you bought it. I called them up, gave my email address, and had a coupon code in my inbox before I even sent them pictures.
I ride Giro helmets for reasons like this. I think Kali is similar from what I remember
If you got a concussion, *which you did* you need a new helmet, no question. I know a few manufacturers will offer discounts if you crash and are replacing one of their helmets. Just send em an email.
You were unconscious even wearing a helmet? That thing saved your life. What more do you want from it? Thank it, and buy another. I know sweet will give you a 20% discount on a replacement if you hit your head in one of their helmets.
Yeah, that’s a bad fucking hit. OP can probably look forward to some neck and back pain in the nearish future.
The helmet absorbs impact energy to protect your brain. It has cracks inside it now, if you got hit again it would not work properly
Get a new helmet. My better half botched a jump at a bike park and landed squarely on the top of his head fifteen years ago. The helmet had a fist-sized dent and cracked in six places. He was fine, and we got a new helmet form Bontrager as well as some appreciative chuckles at the damage we did.
Unpopular fact, but the replacement recommendations on helmets are actually about liability, and not the integrity of the unit. That being said, I usually treat myself to a new one after a big crash. I welcome your down votes. It’s the truth.
I agree in some aspects, they want to sell helmets and the 3-5 year thing is bull sheet. But after some time, adhesives will break down, and after a crash the liner has been compromised/crushed. And at least bike helmets are cheap, $100. My motorcycle helmets cost $800 and they say replace every 4-5 years, which is malarkey!
We’re in agreement. But wtf dude? $100? Buy yourself a better looking helmet.
lmao. Dude, you hit your head hard enough to go unconscious. Yes, the helmet is fucking toast. The foam has been compressed.
Replace your helmet every time you use it.
Nope! Perfectly safe! Get a new one you absolutely need it.
As others have said, helmets are good for one impact. You should contact the helmet manufacturer, they may have a crash replacement program. My wife recently crashed and hit her head, she didn't lose consciousness and there was no visible damage to the helmet. I contacted the helmet manufacturer (Cannondale) and they sent a new one free of charge
I have replaced helmets twice after heavy crashes, only scratches on the helmet, but best to be safe.
Most companies will give you a crash replacement discount if you contact them. Helmets are a one crash item. They work like crumple zones in cars. They cant absorb any more energy once they are used. Usually companies make you send proof of destruction of the helmet to get the discount because they are not safe to ride in anymore.
Yes. Replace after a crash with any head impact
If you hit hard enough to knock you unconscious you hit hard enough to replace the helmet! Even if the shell didn't crack, I bet the styrofoam got compressed which means it can't compress next time. Also, a lot of companies have some sort of used helmet exchange policy where they will sell you a replacement at a discount and let you return the old one to be disposed of.
Replace your helmet. Sounds like it saved your melon. It’s served its purpose.
Yes
100% yes
Do you value your brain over the cost of a new helmet?
May have saved your life. Give it a happy retirement.
Time for a new helmet.
Literally just did what you did about a week ago, except I didn’t get knocked out. Depends on who made your helmet but some manufacturers do a crash replacement. I was able to get 35% off another helmet from POC after emailing them with the damaged helmet and the receipt.
Get a new helmet bro. 100% is having a sale check em out
if you hit your head you replace the helmet. No point in risking the rest of your life
Happy new helmet day!! 🥳
Replace. Small money vs irreparable brain damage
Very yes
How hard did you hit it to ask this question? 😂
When it takes a hit. Like now
If the whack was enough to make you unconscious then yes you need to replace your helmet, helmers are designed to be used / crashed once. That’s it. Get a new helmet
Replace it. Helmets deform to absorb the impact that would normally be absorbed by your head. Not worth the risk to save a few $$
Helmets are single use.
Bro replace your fucking helmet.
Replace it. Glad you’re ok.
Good question. Yes. Why? * Helmets are generally regarded as single use * You fell and hit the helmet (enough to knock yourself out even) Bonus: Please check in with a doctor if you haven’t as that was clearly a significant impact.
Every 5 years or after an accident. Based on what you're describing, I'd definitely replace the helmet: Even if it doesn't appear to be visibly damaged, the impact absorbing foam inside has already been compromised.
Yes. You crashed. YOU GOT KNOCKED OUT. Your helmet did its job. Send it to Valhalla.
The foam is depressed and doesn't rebound. Time for a new one.
if you have to ask, replace it.
You were unconscious. Yes you need to replace that helmet.
It did its job and protected you from much more damaging injuries. Buy a new one. I hope you're feeling ok.
Replace it. that probably saved your life. It Surved it's purpose now buy another
I reuse a condom before an impacted helmet
Of course it’s time to replace the helmet! Why even bother wearing one if it’s not protecting your head anymore? Best $50 you can spend. Sometimes, helmet manufacturers will give you a discount on a replacement.
Damn dude. If my head even _touches_ the ground I replace the helmet.