Helmets

[BLong]

I wanted to voice “my personal” opinion and experience in regards to helmets, in particular bicycle (BMX/MTB race vs. DOT or SNELL) helmets. Please read the entire article before you post your flames.

Like so many, I was involved in BMX and MX at an early age, you know, 70’s – 80’s stuff. In doing so, I shared a trusty Bell DOT open faced helmet with the face guard snapped in place between both sports. The helmet was fairly heavy and I did not like it much, but I still wore it and am probably alive thanks to it. In 1984 I suffered a violent crash while racing through a grass field at 60+ mph when I hit a log with the front tire. I have not idea how far I flew (while flipping head over heels several times) before landing on my head (ok, now you know my excuse – human lawn dart). Other than a broken color bone from my helmet impacting my shoulder, I checked out fine. And while I never experienced that type of impact on a BMX track, I still believe that if I ever had the unpleasant experience of flying off a BMX track head first into a tree (Armadillo Downs had plenty – wink to Curtis) or fence, I am sure I would have faired better than I would have with a BMX/MTB race helmet from today.

My personal experience was drawn upon when I chose Stitch’s BMX helmet. We started with a DOT/SNELL approved helmet. After some trial and error with cheek pads and hair cuts, we concluded that the helmet was a bit loose and should be replaced. Although Stitch had his eye on a Fly BMX/MTB helmet, I refused to go through with the purchase. Instead we purchased a DOT approved helmet for $8 more. A nasty crash in Idaho which resulted in a snapped visor, significant loss of helmet paint, and friction burns on his face from the goggles being pulled, was confirmation enough for me that I made the correct choice.

Yesterday at RC three riders (that I am aware of) had head impacts. One got up with little more than a mouth full of dirt, one resulted in cracked helmet shell, and one missed his races because he could not stay upright and is now on his way for a CT scan. To the best of my knowledge, no fewer than 2 of these three riders were wearing BMX/MTB race helmets. It is also worth noting that the rider on his way to the hospital did not even hit hard enough to break his visor.

The purpose of this post is not to blast anyone for their decisions, nor is it to cause concern. We all trust manufactures to keep our kids safe, and with so many others using certain products it is easy to say that DOT or SNELL helmets are overkill. However, based on “my” experience, the possibility of slamming your head onto dirt that is as hard as pavement at 20-30 mph (or better – Stitch, a 9I, runs at about 23mph) warrants a look at a street legal helmet, or at the very least, a properly fitting helmet. However, I also acknowledge that I may be over the top on the subject.

Thanks for reading, and again, I am not trying to dig on anyone. I just wanted to voice “my personal” opinion and share some of experiences.

-Brian

[crash]

Good Post
What price can you put on the safety of your child. It drives me crazy when I see a foam helmet on a kid or a Walmart plastic piece of crap strapped to a kid. Let alone something that is a brand name "performance rated" POS.
I am old school never had a helmet jumped 16 metal garbage cans and 3 1st graders on asphalt. Didnt know better. Probably ate lead paint too.
But we have the info now the helmets are cheap and good looking as well.
And you can even borrow one from regestration if needed. It is up to us to help the newbies as well.

[Todd S.]

I agree you can't put a price on the safety of your child. If you get a broken bone or scraped up during a crash it will heal. A head injury will last a life time. My son wears only DOT and SNELL approved helmets. It just so happen that I have one for sale. Check out the for sale forum.

Todd

[Barrious]

I agree with you guys as well! My son Guy will always wear a snell and dot approved helmet. One thing to always remember though once any and I do mean any helmet takes a solid hit. You really should replace it!

Since we are talking about past stuff. I had a Bell moto 4 helmet. I took a digger and cracked my helmet eye point to eye point! (left side of my brain swollen) First of my two life flight! Ouch!!! However, the helmet did exactly what is was suppose to do. (save my life)!

Like I said though I will always have Guy wearing a snell and dot approved helmet! Guy and myself feels more confident wearing it! Nothing wrong with the other styles of helmets. It is sad to say when it is your time to get K.O.ed it is your time.

See ya!!
Great post Brian!