So, I lend my brother my helmet - happens all the time. He taught me to ride and has always been responsible. Comes back - major scraping on the top. He and some buddies were messing around and he ended up having to take a detour under a deck to avoid an accident. Couldn't duck enough and hit the very bottom of the decking. He was fine and his bike was fine, but helmet got hit. Told him to start coming up with $$$$. He reminded me that Shoei checks helmet integrity and I should have it checked out.
I called C/S and one of their options is to learn about their inspection service. Simple enough- send it to them and the check it out in around 10 days. Packed it up and away it went. About 5 days later I called just to make sure they got it. They asked some info and told me that it had been inspected the day before and sent back. I asked what the process was and they said they do a thorough inspection and take it apart if necessary. They told me my damage was cosmetic and that it was safe to use. I had heard that they x-ray the helmets --they do not. I got my helmet back and with a couple of well placed stickers, it's as good as new.
What an awesome serivce. If they didn't offer it, I would have trashed the helmet and replaced it with the same. I have not worn a more comfortable helmet.
Just thought I'd pass along my experience.
Cheers
i have a shoei helmet too. good to know they have such good customer service.