The truth, if you drop your lid, it's still usable
 

Another myth put to rest!!!! I read a thread a while back where the general consensus was if you dropped your helmet, it was trash.....Arai helmets say it aint so......In the video, the counter showes remaining seconds....go to 2min 53sec remaining and learn the truth!!! http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=160

I had one fall off my rear view mirror back in the mid seventies. When I picked it up and looked at it, I was quite dismayed. My next stop was to the scooter shop for a replacement. Some do fair well, and some don't. I've been riding with my high dollar Carbon kayaking helmet, and it's slammed a few rocks over time and it still looks almost new. So much so, I feel quite comfortable on my scoot with it on.

Usually not with just a fall from a few feet. But if you are in a accident where the helmet took a good lick. Replace it.

Doesn't surprise me at all. Mines fell off someplace it shouldn't have been more than a couple of times, it's fine, tho it's not like I had it x-rayed or anything... now if it got dropped with your head in it, I'd get a new one. Arai makes good lids... wish I could still afford to buy 'em. I get a couple new helmets every two years (a half and a full) or so whatever works for ya is good.

It generally has to be a pretty good "drop" to cause actual damage. Just keep in mind that many times, the damage goes unnoticed (not visible). So if you feel insecure about your helmet after a fall, it is always better to replace it and have peace of mind than to risk having a now faulty helmet that won't protect.

I have dropped my helmet a couple of times, but each time was 1-2 feet off the ground, and happened to be on something softer than concrete (rug). So, I still feel pretty safe with my helmet.

I currently wear a Shoei. I LOVE that helmet. However, I have to say that if money were no obstacle, I'd have an Arai in a heartbeat. Shoei is a great company that makes top notch helmets. But, that's also where my budget stops.

I think it makes a difference also whether the helmet is fibreglass or polycarbonate. A poly lid is lighter and more comfortable but is more fragile. My rule is that you can get away with a drop or two with a fibreglass lid but not with the poly. Also what was said in the video about painting the lid only applies, I believe, to fibreglass - can't paint a poly in the same paints.

Perhaps someone who actually knows could advise.

I bought an Arai last year and love it - had used Shoei before

Couldn't care less even if the video said "you couldn't use it again"! If i dropped my helmut accidentally, there aint no way im throwing it away. Its going right back on my noggin, :D there aint nothing in there anyway!!! :icon_clapclap: :icon_headbang:

My do-rag blew off and hit the pavement at about 70mph but I still wear it. WTF, those things can cost as much as $10. :)

I have an Arai and love it. that was great video, thank you for posting it. im sure i have the wrong size after seeing that. but 600.00, im not going to be trading it in anytime soon.

It's my understanding that it's the strap you need to watch for wear.
Teamster