Is it worth it to buy used gear? E.I. a helmet?

[Jackstand Johnny]

It seems a cheaper route for sure, what should I look for? Is it even worth it? How can I tell if it's been structurally compromised?

[Jerka]

I'd say if the helmet isn't crack or seriously scratched, then go for it.  I'm all about used gear and good deals.  I would think that even a scuffed up jacket, pants, or boots would be okay as long as they didn't have any major holes or tears in them.  I think the helmet is the only piece of gear that can only do it's job once before it need to be replaced and you will know if it already has done its job just by looking at it.

Now go find some good deals...

[frankieG]

ask if it has been in a crash, i have sold used helmets before and one after a crash.  i let the guy know but he did not seem to mind.  my own rule of thumb is to replace the lid after a crash if it has hit the ground along with me.  it is not completely necessary to do but it is just one of the many weird things i do.  maybe for luck or out of caution, or a combo of both.

[danny_never]

Used leather? sure, why not. But a used helmet? hell no. Even a small drop can damage the liner. and you really want to stick your head in something somebody else has been sweating in? You can get a new HJC or KBC pretty cheap.

[spc]

Last seasons CL15 HJC's can usually be had for $100 at local shops.  Fairly comfortable and DOT and SNELL approved

[scottpA_GS]

No used helmets! 

+1 for HJC, they are low cost and VERY nice for the price 

http://www.cernics.com/catalog_keyword_search.asp?searchtype=keyword&keyword=helmet&Search=Search

Buy one from www.cernics.com and I can give you a discount and free shipping  I may even have some good closeout helmets and gear that you would like 

[philward]

How can I tell if it's been structurally compromised?

Very difficult - a helmet can take a knock, develop a crack and you won't necessarily be able to see it.  Also you have to remember that a helmet is made up with a sandwich of materials, that are designed each to perform a specific role.  The outside is designed for penetrative resistance, not absorbsion of shock - so just because the outside looks fine doesn't mean that the rest is fine.  The shock absorbing materials inside the helmet crush on impact and once used are cactus.

Of all the gear to be scrimping cash on, the helmet is not the one I would be picking.    Will the $50-100 you save be worth it in the long run?

Also, a helmet is something that you will be spending a lot of time having your head wedged in, sweating away.  You will appreciate having a nice new, clean, comfortable helmet from the start.

[wreckhog]

You can send some helmets back to the manufacturer to have them checked. My favorite $600 helmet was bought used for $50. Supposed to be a spare for people to borrow when they want to ride my dirtbike. Decided I like it.

[Ronin]

Well it's up to you...but I got a Scorpion Exo that was like new off Ebay for 45.00.Original box,even smelled new,had all the papers and acc.It was white,not many people like white.Was owned by a chick.
If you decide to go used ask alot of questions and if they have a return policy.If you use Ebay,never buy from anyone with less than a 99% feed back.And less than 50 or so sales.That way you can get a feel for the seller.

[pbureau69]

first of all, I would not buy used.

Now if you must;

1) pull liner and see date it was built. anything >2 years dont buy it. the materials dont last as long as you think,

2) as a safety, if the helmet has scratches don't buy it, chip of paint DEFINATLY not.

3) you can (most manufacturers do this for free) buy the helmet then ship it to manufacturer for inspection. They will tell you if the helmet has receive internal padding damages that would be invisible from the outside scutiny)

I have a KBC helmet a 6 inch peice of 2x4 slapped my head (propelled between 2 rear wheels of an 18 wheeler)  while riding on the highway at 70mph, the paint was lightly scratched, but I shipped it to KBC they checked it out, and gave it the all clear good to use as new, it only cost me the shipping cost to them, its a service I WOULD definatly use if I considered buying a used helmet.

if you use a helmet and drop to the ground and the helmet has internal invisible damage to the naked eye (without tearing the padding out)  you risk extra G compression on your head... and be a) vegetable b) die of internal emoragy

its your head after all... but those are my thoughs on the subject

read this link or used a used helmet purchase on google... plenty of good articles out there.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

[ohgood]

i've coughed, sneezed, and even spit up a little in my helmet. that's why i won't buy used.

sloppy seconds is way old school.

[Toogoofy317]

Very intriguing article!

I love my Shoei RF1000. I am also an XS so getting a good fitting helmet can be a pain somewhere else! I don't think I could ever bring myself to buy a used helmet. Jacket, pants, maybe boots yeah. Helmets, as you can see in the article can take some hits but for me I want it to be the first hit if it is on my head.

I've seen the aftermath of quite a few moto accidents as an EMT. The worse thing you can do is not wear your gear! So, if you are so poor you can't afford a new helmet well get a used one. Better than nothin'

Mary S.

[pbureau69]

i've coughed, sneezed, and even spit up a little in my helmet. that's why i won't buy used.

sloppy seconds is way old school.

I take you carry a "wet ones" handy for those "moments" so nothing remains sticking to your face ? hehehe

[510]

I won't buy a used helmet because of the whole 'used' feeling - someone else probably already has their crud all over the inside of it.

As for safety, I know that the EPS liner of helmets really is designed to mitigate a single impact, but I think that throwing away a good $300+ helmet over a drop from waist height is a bit much. According to the article pbureau69 posted, in the magazine's in-house test, none of the helmets tested, even a cheap $80 one, came close to bottoming out the protective inner lining from a 7 foot weighted drop. I guess for some people that extra bit of risk isn't worth the price for a replacement, and I can understand that too.

[dgyver]

I will not wear someone elses hat... would you?

[gmark]

or socks or underwear or cond.......   

[Jackstand Johnny]

or socks or underwear or cond.......   

True, but I also didnt plan on buying a used helmet after someone put their feet or dong in it.

[spc]

Then you really shouldn't buy a helmet from me

[gmark]

Here is a Bell Apex for $80. I have one and it is OK. Granted it is fugley, but it is DOT and Snell 2005 and well $80. 

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/11786/CITEM/Bell-Apex-Blitz-Helmet-Closeouts.aspx?SiteID=em_Apr_07_EST_Bell_Apex&WT.mc_ID=35448&WT.i_e_dcsvid=1272321466

[Toogoofy317]

They sell these at my local Wal-Mart. I tried one on very very heavy! Not sure on the quality but if they sell it at Wally World weeeelllll! I also have a half shell from GPX that I picked up at Pep Boys for 49.99 Again it is heavy but dot snell approved. I bought it before I got my bike when I was riding with my friend on his cruiser. For some reason I feel kinda dumb all suited up and everything riding on the back of my friend's '06 Honda Shadow. Why is that. I mean you can get hurt just as bad on a cruiser than on a gs! oh well!

Mary S.