Not a mark on it? If there is not a mark on it I say you are fine. I've been told by two different Arai reps now that unless the paint has been gouged off don't worry about it. If there is a gouge - send it in and they'll examine it for you.

Look at it this way - If your helmet can't take a light scratch without being rendered unusable, do you really think it would be worth a crap in a real crash?

I spent quite a bit of time with the Arai rep this past weekend at the Dallas show. He told me it's not drops or scratches they are concerned with - it's old age helmets. The EPS shrinks over time, and can also get compressed with time, big hair, doo-rags, ect. One great reason to NEVER let anyone else put your helmet on, even once. The EPS forms to your skull rather quickly, especially the new Snell 2010 rated helmets.

 

If it didn't hit anything it should not have compromised the shell. I would use or sell it.

 

Yea, someone I was talking to recently said that I should sell it, but with full disclosure and at a really good price. So, list it for $100 or something, and give a complete account of the accident and detailed pics of exterior and interior (padding pulled out). I guess if full information is out there, I shouldn't feel bad about passing it on.

It was when I moved to a Shoei that I realized I'm definitely a medium, so I won't wear the Large Bell regardless, because it feels much too big. So the reason I started having this conversation with myself is because I really won't use it, regardless of how confident I am in the product.

Other thoughts?

tnr

 

You could always give it to me

 

I was wondering who would be the first to make such a selfless offer!:laugh:

How did you like the star? I am considering either a star or rs 1 just for the polychromatic shield.

The star is a top-notch helmet. The fit and finish on it are incredible, and the shield mechanism is as good as it gets. However, when I got my Shoei, I learned that the shape of the Star actually isn't good for me (it took wearing the right helmet to realize that the Star was the wrong one). It doesn't close down over my chin, so that even the medium feels loose. I don't feel secure in the Star. I'm sure that this is an idiosyncrasy, so you would just have to try it on. But I have nothing but respect for Bell.

i don't know if the Bell shell sizes are different - but i know at least in some Arais and Shoeis, you can just change out the liners to go from large -> medium.

Yeah, if it weren't for that last point above -- that I have learned that the shape itself isn't good for me -- I might look at different cheek pads. But like I said, even my buddy's medium feels too large on me because of the fit.

I'm beginning to think I might list it on Craigslist with full disclosure and see what happens. I'll probably throw it up in the classifieds here also.

tnr

 

i don't know if the Bell shell sizes are different - but i know at least in some Arais and Shoeis, you can just change out the liners to go from large -> medium.

 

How did you like the star? I am considering either a star or rs 1 just for the polychromatic shield.

 

Shoei rep told me they are getting ready to release a transitions-type of shield as well.

 

Hmmm any timeframe?

 

No time frame was said, just that they put several through the testing phase. From what I understood, there are not many defined standards on such a device, so they are taking it slow. If I were a betting man..... I'd say this spring.

 

Tnr4, check your PM's when you get a chance

 

Personally I wouldn't sell it unless you wrote up a contract saying that they can't legally come after you if they hit there head. I would keep it as a backup or give it to a close friend and still have them sign something saying they can't sue you.

 

Once I started wearing an arai I couldn't ride with anything else. Nothing has seem to fit better and feel as comfortable as my Arai. I came from an AGV which was a POS! Sucks cause it's getting close for a new Helmet but I am not ready to drop 600$ + for a new skid lid

 

I dropped my star before from my clip ons. Just call bell for an address to send the helmet to for inspection. It's no charge and they mail back to you for free.

 

Send it back to Bell to get a proper inspection. Take it out of the closet it hang it up on the wall or something. Keep it as a memorabilia.

 

Seems like the Bell Star is the mother of all venting helmets. I've been an Arai guy for a long time (long oval - Vector), which I love, but I would really like to get a helmet that vents better for those crazy hot days at the track. Are you Bell Star guys (or gals) pleased with the venting?

 

The star vents extremely well. To good if you ask me. I get dirt particles in my eye some times that fit through the large vents. Next year I'll eventually get a bell rs1 as that's supposed to vent just a bit less and have a nicer liner. But overall can't ask for more from a helmet.

 

The best helmet I've ever worn on the track is a Bell Star. Vents incredibly and is lightweight and aerodynamic with the rear deflector installed. Very little movement in the air.

If the helmet suffered a blow, it would have physical evidence. If it's a helmet you don't want to wear for whatever reason, send it to me. I love Bells especially. Even if I'm not going to wear it since I'm a size M anyway, I will put it on the shelf above my entertainment center along with the rest of my display helmets. Don't let it waste away hidden in a closet. It is a work of art. :thumbup:

 

Thanks for all the input guys! There was a lot of interest in taking it off my hands expressed very quickly, so apparently lots of folks aren't that worried about a possible bump. I have to admit that, if it fit me, I would continue wearing it. It does seem unlikely that a helmet could take an impact hard enough to affect its protective abilities without leaving a single mark.

However, some will say, 'it's your head, don't take any chances at all'. I guess those folks will spend lots of money in helmets over the years, but perhaps they will be just a little bit more secure.

tnr

 

Let me get this straight: you got off at low speeds, didn't damage your lid and then stopped wearing it because you thought it was broken?

Like it has some kind of sensor that goes off and breaks the helmet when it gets too close to the ground? Dude, its not an airbag. Are you worried about wind damage too?

 

Lol. Well, when you say it like THAT! :laugh:

Okay, so I was probably being stupid. But it was my first accident, there's all of this talk of 'NEVER wear a helmet involved in an accident', and so I bought a Shoei. THEN, I realized that the Bell never fit me (I had for years worn a size too big), and THEN, I started reading more and realized the helmet was probably fine. So that's why I started wondering what to do, because I would have worn it again, accept it no longer fit. But someone on here really wants it, as it's certainly a lot better than what he currently wears. So I'll pass it on to him.

tnr

 

I dont get it, why not just pay the $15 to ship it ups to bell to get inspected, then either wear it without a doubt its ok or just sell it knowing its a safe helmet to sell?