Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: used motorcycle helmet, motorcycle helmet, inner padding

Question
Hi
I'm planning on buying a used motorcycle helmet from a stranger. Can I tell if the shell inside is broken or not? Or can I get any tips on what I should look for to inspect whether the helmet is in usable, safe condition?
Thank You!

Answer
I have mixed feelings on this. An helmet with an unknown history is a gamble. However, even a damaged helmet is better than no helmet at all.

A helmet is designed for one crash. The helmet "self-destructs" so your head doesn't have to when you hit something with it. After that, its protective quality is lessened. If a helmet has been dropped or abused (hung from a bike's mirror is the worst) then it's ability to properly absorb impact (self destruct) is compromised. Generally, I advise against it.

But not all used helmets are suspect. However, what makes a helmet good or bad is not easy to see for the layman like you or I. Look for any imperfections in the outer shell like scratches, scuffs, scrapes, dents, or chips. Remove the inner padding (if you can) and look for dents, dings, or imperfections in the curvature of the inner liner (styrofoam-like). Run your fingers across it.

There will be no guarantee that even if there is no obvious damage that the helmet is any good. But as I said, even a damaged helmet will protect you from common problems (wind, cold, sun, rain, flying debris) and provide at least some measure of protection in an impact.

You're better off to go buy a cheap, brand new helmet than any used one, if it's protection you're looking for.

Pat