Helmets & Helmet Suggestions

So I got knocked off racing on Saturday and have scuffed my Bell Star Pro :(

I love this helmet, it fits great and made me feel faster than my Giro Synthe and Air Attack ever did (positive thinking equals at least 20 watts).

The helmet is in good condition still. No visible dents or cracks at all. I've boosted the image to highlight the scratches. Would it be a bad idea for me to sand it down and repaint it using something like Montana Water Based spray paint? @hoops will probably have a good answer for me regarding this.

The bell crash replacement would cost £120 still for the same model and I can't justify that if I can save this.

Cheers

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I dont know about the design of the Bell. But most helmets rely on the outer polycarbonate shell as a structural component. The EPS foam will aborb compressive impacts really well. But need the shell for any shear.

So personally I'd wary of any deep skratches.

Suck it up and buy a new helmet.

It's in helmet manufacturers interests to say it needs to be replaced in case of the slightest scratch. Unless there's any cracks in the foam I reckon it will be fine.

Even if it's cracked inside, any crash strong enough to then smash it and still hurt you is probably one you wouldn't be walking away from anyway.

Even if it's cracked inside, any crash strong enough to then smash it and still hurt you is probably one you wouldn't be walking away from anyway.

/thread

If you want a place-holder @roboto I have virtually un-used kask in white ..

@hoops but the opportunity to paint some satanic skulls and shit bro!

@Sumo that is my thinking too. I've talked to our guys at Hub Velo and they're getting in touch with the distributor for me to see if there's any wiggle room to work with on the crash replacement cost.

@amey Not sure if Kask are the right shape for me, but I'll wait for a response from Bell first. I'm not in a rush as I'm off the bike for a month or two now anyway :/

I'm the R&D engineer for a polystyrene foam manufacturer.

I can tell you that if the skratches are significantly deep they will severly weaken the helmet. I'm not guessing here.

I cant comment on whether there'll be a difference in a real life crash. I'd argue thats true about bike helmets in general though.

It is, in general, not a good idea to paint bicycle helmets-- even stickers can be problematic. Part of the outer shell is to distribute the impact and, almost more importantly, to glide on impact. A painted shell, even stickers, can increase resistance and increase the risk of neck injuries.
Scratches? Try to buff them out and see if you can polish the helmet. If the scratches are very deep or there are tears in the shell you'll quickly notice. If they are just minor surface aberations it should buff out fine. Polycarbonate is a good material to buff out. Some people use an assortment of solvents but I'd steer clear of that route as it can easily ruin the internal polystyrene core (which is not as solvent resistant)...

I look so cool!

(by which I mean a twat).

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Thanks! Makes me now feel OK about looking like an escaped Space Ranger (or a missing 3rd Daft Punk) in my Casco SpeedTime :-)

Its very late 70s scifi.

I love it.

• It feels crazy light. I actually had to get the scales out.
  
• Your head fits quite deeply into it so it doesnt feel like its just perched.
  
• The retension system can be moved up and Down, yet feels solid.
  
• Theres a lot of channels and Space for air to circulate under that Shell.
  
• The medium goes to 60cm which is kinda Perfect for me, as I need to fit warm layers under.
  
  

Its definitely high volume though. So if you have delusions of not looking a twat in lycra, when out riding, to everyone other than the other twats in lycra. The bont, Spesh, and kask aero options are far lower profile.

FWIW- I just had to throw out a helmet that had cracked, having dropped it from hip height whilst locking a bike up.
Similarly to the above picture- it had a little scuffing from an off a while back.
Was a) a bit annoying (had become my commuter helmet), and b) slightly interesting (not really).

Thanks for feedback guys. I'm still going to see what Bell can do for me on the crash replacement, it's just annoying as my head didn't get knocked I just tested it against the Tarmac as I skidded along it.

Might still do painting as an exercise in gaining Instagram likes. We'll see

In the market for a new lid - my trusty Giro Monza is nudging 4 years old now.

On the list are:

• Catlike Mixino
  
• Giro Snythe
  
• Kask Mojito
  
• Lazer z1
  
  

Found the Giro mushrooms my head slightly, tried a Kask on and sat a lot lower.

Anyone got experience?

I have the Mixino, it's very light, great airflow, and has a cover that snaps in place for teh aeroz/winter. None of the other lids fit on my head - all too round, whereas I have a rather oval bonce.

Z1 is the comfiest (highly subjective), best ventilated of the helmets I've owned in the last few years (Bell Gage, Giro Aeon). Gets my vote 👍

Worth paying £200 for Z1 with MIPS over £99 for one without?

Really like the Camo version of the Z1 which I think has MIPS. Pricey though.

Nah - MIPS is marketing BS defined - a total money-making licensing initiative. Don't get sucked in. If you've got a decent head of hair then the hair and scalp provides all the slip-plane you'll ever need. There's a argument that when you combine MIPS with your natural slip-plane the helmet is able to move too much (leaving areas of your head you'd want covered potentially exposed)...

http://www.helmets.org/mips.htm

I can honestly say that the Z1 is in the holy grail of helmets, not too bulky, well ventilated, the retention/adjustment system is perfect, light, lots of cool gadgets (not important but cool), and with the shell mildly aero.

I'm comparing this to my previous helmet experiences of course: Orbea Odin, Mavic something and Giro Air Attack.

I've only ever used S-Works and have been more than happy with them, included putting a couple to pretty serious testing. Prevail and the old 3D? before those. This time thought I'd try something new. Torn between the Z1 and the Evade. Never liked the idea of aero helmets and they look so goofy, but then I keep thinking about free speed. And the fact I can get an Evade cheap in black. The only cheap Z1s I can find are red/white or silver. Never liked silver and although red/white goes with my club kit, the ponce in me thinks it'd be a vile clash with half my Rapha clobber.

I love my Mojito- fit and ventilation feels similar to my old S-works, but its slightly less bulbous, for what its worth. I'd like a Ballista though, but that's just cos I'm an asshat.

Also- if anyone wants an infinity.... I still have one for sale.

How does the Catlike Whisper hold up now for an older design ? Relatively cheap on Wiggle. I was considering a mushroom hat (POC Octal) but at £170 they're a bit rich for my tastes.

Hey - the helmet worked - did it's job - saved your head. It will be weaker having taken the impact. Time to replace it.

I've taken my Octal aero out for a test race.

Totally didnt notice I was wearing it. Its like 100g lighter than my previous helmet, and fits just so.

Seems to be airy inside. But doesnt allow to much breeze. Perfect for me.

Didnt suddenly become a speed god though.... :(