Can anyone throw some advice my way
When i came off on sunday hitting the tyres on the bomber straight, my head hit the tyres with a good whack. My helmet has some marks on from the tyres but there is no dents or cracks in it. Is it worth getting a new helmet even tho i cant see any damage on the outside? or am i over reacting? i have read the msa book and it says along the lines of if there is any doubt in the fitness of the helmet then its worth getting it checked/ get a new one, but i just wanted to get some views from you guys to see what you would do and if anyone has done the same. Emma

The only sure way of knowing if the helmet is damaged is to get it checked by a specialist - I think they X Ray it, and guess what that costs. Its only you who knows what level of imapct the helmet received, in some way the fact that you hit a tyre wall and nothing more solid (like bouncing along the tarmac) may mean that its OK. All helmets meet the same BS standard, but generally the more expensive helmets do offer better protection. I dont know what make of helmet you had or how new it was. Only you can really make a decision what to do, but to help you consider these questions. 1. How old was the helmet? 2. What make was it - quality brand or cheapie? 3. How hard was the impact? 4. Do you feel confident / comfortable to use it again? 5 What price safety.........?

I would say the helmet is at least 3 years old, its an OMP entry level cost me at the time £98 i think. The rear bumper was split as well as a stub axle being bent up, so it wasn’t to soft an impact but like you said i didn’t hit anything more solid. But like you go on to say in point 4 and 5 im not sure how comfortable i am using it again......

Emma, safety equipment is only as good as your confidence is in it. If you feel reasonably sure it didn't hit any solid or sharp object you're probably OK! Bear in mind that it isn't just the shell that took the impact but the protective foam inside, which is designed to decelerate your head in an impact by deforming. A bit like the crumple zones we all have these days around our cars. My advice is to give it a close inspection and by that I mean give it a good clean with soft wipes on the outside and watch for signs of cracks. On the inside take the cloth lining and the soft padding off if you can and inspect the impact protection foam attached to the shell. If there are signs of deformation I'd advise replacing it as this one has done its job (they're only designed to work once really). IMHO of course! Dan

Were you down there on the weekend Dan? found a couple tiny dents/scratches in the helmet, and there is a about a centimeter scratch in it which if you run your nail gently over it you can feel the grove. Ive decided that im just going to get a new helmet. i still felt sick and had jelly legs on monday and tuesday (less so today), so the helmet did get a good whack, and i think like you say its ony designed to do its job once, and i cant see if there is any damage on the inside, and i dont feel comfortable taking the chance. Any recomendations for a helmet? (£250 ish max price) ive looked at the omp superkart helmet. Em

Have you had a checkout at the doctors? Sounds like you had a mighty whack there! No, I wasn't at the track, I was working and couldn't make it down for my mechanic shift! What size helmet are you? Dan

yeah the paramedics seen to me on the day, and on monday i phoned the doctors, he said the sick feeling and jelly legs is normal and may last a few days, and just to keep an eye out if it gets worse ie if i am sick. I think i am an extra small, i went to fowlers to try on some helmets ( i know they dont have the proper sticker on it but it was just to check the size) and even tho i measure up as 56-57 cm my current helmet is a small and is a bit too big on me. so when i get one im going to get a xs if it doesnt fit i will just send it back. its a shame the stoneleigh kart show isnt before the next meeting because i could try them on till my hearts content then :)

Hi emma, just bear in mind that all helmets are different sizes and fit differently even though it may have xs on it. advice would be to try them on first. ps. your helmet should be fine as it was the tyres it hit and not tarmac, i saw the accident, you were quite lucky the kart took most of the impact.