WOMBAT TRADING HELMET WARNING!!! Caution!

[annguyen1981]

I purchased this helmet on 8-10-05
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/showCustom-0/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2000123/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2000123/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=modular%20helmet
There was a warranty card in the box addressed to WOMBAT TRADING, INC.
This second site sells an M2R helmet model #901.
http://www.m2rhelmets.com/2006/Fullface/901.htm
See the resemblance?

Anyway, I've been trying to find contact info for warranty work.  I finally found a number on another cycle forum.  I called last night, and a lady answered the phone, "Wombat Trading".  I told her about my helmet having some minor defects, and since I wasn't gonna ride for another couple months, might as well get it fixed or replaced.  She asked me what helmet I purchased, and I said I'm not sure.  Immediately she asked if it was the "901" helmet...

Hmm...  That got me thinking.  Anyway, I got an RA# and will ship out tomorrow.  Here's a list of problems with the helmet:

• A month after I got it, the visor wasn't ratcheting correctly.  I thought I damaged it, so I purchased another visor.  I opened the flip-up chin piece, and notice two small "tabs that help the ratcheting process, both worn down a bit.
• I also noticed that there is a black piece in between the flip piece and the helmet.  One side came loose.  The glue didn't hold.
• The black triangle piece in front is a vent.  A couple weeks after I replaced the visor, I was having a hard time opening the vent by pushing the designated area.
• When I went riding to the motorcycle show this past Sunday, I noticed that the rubber "gasket" between the flip piece and the helmet was coming loose.  Again the glue wasn't holding.
• I also noticed on Sunday that the red button on the inside to flip up the chin piece was a crack near the screw that holds the button in place.  It looks like someone over-tightened the screw, putting too much stress on the plastic.

I'll let you know what the company does and how the process is overall...  One thing I don't like so far is that I have to pay for the helmet to be shipped to them.  But most companies do this, so whatever.

[that_guy]

probably shouldn't buy helmets from JC Whitney.

[annguyen1981]

They do have some good helmets, just like anywhere else.  You just gotta pick the right one.

[weaselnoze]

modulars scare me. never will i ever..

[pantablo]

annguyen1981,
are you warning others to not buy JC Whitney helmets?

[Daniely]

2 things, looks like a case of get what you pay for, kinda. Course i would NEVER advocate a modular helm.

Working at cycle gear I see alot of used helmets. A customer brought in a KBC FFR Modular helmet to send back to KBC for warranty work. She said her husband dropped it off the bike, and from my examination, the whole face bar/ratchet/visor system like exploded, completely breaking off the helmet, just from a 3 foot drop, with no force behind it.

Just my two cents. Im sticking with KBC full face, or Arai/shoei.

[annguyen1981]

annguyen1981,
are you warning others to not buy JC Whitney helmets?

Sorry...  I forgot the most important part.  I'm warning others about WOMBAT TRADING helmets.

[rtcpenguin]

Please tell me you didn't spend $95+ shipping on some no-brand, piece of crap helmet.

My HJC AC-11 was only $100 brand new, and its awesome. I'd recommend checking ebay and reputable cycle websites for closeout deals. When a manufacturer discontinues a helmet, say a 2005 model, stores usually try and clear out their stock and the prices drop 50%+. Personally, I don't care if I'm wearing last year's model if its a good helmet.

[annguyen1981]

Please tell me you didn't spend $95+ shipping on some no-brand, piece of crap helmet.

My HJC AC-11 was only $100 brand new, and its awesome. I'd recommend checking ebay and reputable cycle websites for closeout deals. When a manufacturer discontinues a helmet, say a 2005 model, stores usually try and clear out their stock and the prices drop 50%+. Personally, I don't care if I'm wearing last year's model if its a good helmet.

OF COURSE I DIDN'T SPEND $95 +s&h!!!

(I spent $85 +s&h...)  Hey!  Give me some slack.  I was just getting into riding, and didn't know much about stuff like this.  Oh well.  I still like the helmet when it is in 100% working order.   

[blue05twin]

I have a KBC modular helmet and had an accident at about 20 mph.  The helmet impacted the road on the left side right where the visor and lower part of the helmet meet.  Only thing that happend to the helmet was some major scratches a few gouge marks and a visor that was no longer good.  I replaced it with another one.  For me I the modular helmets.

[blue05twin]

God I need coffee.  For me I like the modular helmets.  And replaced the helmet with the same one.

[pantablo]

Please tell me you didn't spend $95+ shipping on some no-brand, piece of crap helmet.

My HJC AC-11 was only $100 brand new, and its awesome. I'd recommend checking ebay and reputable cycle websites for closeout deals. When a manufacturer discontinues a helmet, say a 2005 model, stores usually try and clear out their stock and the prices drop 50%+. Personally, I don't care if I'm wearing last year's model if its a good helmet.

OF COURSE I DIDN'T SPEND $95 +s&h!!!

(I spent $85 +s&h...) Hey! Give me some slack. I was just getting into riding, and didn't know much about stuff like this. Oh well. I still like the helmet when it is in 100% working order.

whats done is done. at least you'll wear the helmet.

[Blueknyt]

cant say ive had alot of expierience handleing a modular helmet, i like the idea of it but unsure of the lock works.

[annguyen1981]

Thankz Pantablo.  Honestly, I think I'd buy another modular.  I love how easy it is to put on my fat, ugly head.