Buying used helmets and racing gear: would you/would you not?

I post this as a serious question which, imo, is above the type of oil you're running in your engines. Maybe above the radiator coolant vs water discussion for track day discussion.

There's a lot of used helmets (and other racing gear) for sale. Not just on this beeb but in other track/street motorcycle groups.

Used helmets, racing gear and protective gear. What's everyone's thoughts? And "why" or "why not"?

 

I'm sure anything but a helmet is fine. Given the condition of suit, boots, gloves etc. I'd never buy a used helmet.

 

@flewid, agreed.

I don't shy away from purchasing used leathers, boots (and, sometimes, gloves). For those, "it depends" on their condition.

The thought of buying a used helmet is another thing. I don't even think I would sell a used one. Might let someone borrow one of mine in a desperate pinch though.

 

Helmet's have a "born on date" and depending on age won't even be permitted on most tracks.

 

True, but "crash date" isn't. Not every org checks the helmet date. Some do at the beginning of the season only.

 

Wearing a helmet that has been on someone else's head just seems weird to me.
Just buy new unless your collecting them to put on a shelf.

 

Bought almost all my gear used... Except for helmets. Actually, my first ever helmet when I learned to ride was from my buddy. After that every one has been new.

Just not worth it to take the chance. Some good helmets out there that aren't too expensive.

 

Like everyone else, I'll buy anything used but helmets.

That's just nasty.

 

New helmet and current born date must be within 5 years if you plan to race. Everything else that hasnt touched the pavement in some form of a crash is fine.

 

No.

 

I'm with the "anything but a helmet" crowd, providing I get a chance to inspect prior to purchase.
I'd also throw back protector in the buy new category.

 

Used helmet is gross

 

Not the answer I expected.

 

Helmet new
Anything else depends on condition
Undersuit.....depends on the color

 

my first suit was used.

I didn't want to buy an expensive suit and not like the sport. I had very few street miles ridden before hitting the track, so yeah everything motorcycle was new to me.

Helmet nah bruh, first one was an Arai Oval shaped jobbie. After crashing that one, I went to Shark and then Bell. Gotta save somewhere. Now in a Simpson for Car stuff.

 

I’m grossed out by my own helmets, can’t imagine wearing someone else’s. I won’t even wear someone else’s hat.

 

I bought a used Arai once, and got a whole new set of liners.

Boots/shoes no, unless it's minimally used and has no funk. Not tryin to share foot funguses.

 

Is there also a used toothbrush thread?....


Bleah!

 

You two sound like those sissies who will hold it in instead of pissing in their leathers. You should take up knitting, with your weak immune systems.

(I don't think it needs to be said but I'm sure some will be miss it anyway: sarcasm.)

 

Along those lines...where is the mfg date on a Shoei x-14? My RF had it on the chin strip. I do not see one. No problem with used gear but I would prefer to know who I was buying it from just in case they had bad lice or were known to not take care of their stuff