Helmet foam pads.....where to get them at sensible prices ??

[Dave7]

This is a follow on from my previous post.
My Giro helmet, generally, is in good condition.
I "lost" the replacement pads that came with it. They are not fancy shapes...........just simple straight pieces.
On ebay/amazon they are coming out at £10.00ish..........crazy for what they are. Similar from Wiggle etc.
Does anyone know where I can get some at sensible prices.
N.B
This is not an opening to suggest changing the helmet etc............just after some information

 

[vickster]

Try Giro direct? Or at least the UK distributor? I'm not sure what country they are from

Or post a request in wanted and see if anyone has some spare from a broken helmet for example

The manufacturers do say you should replace the helmet every 3-5 years so that's worth considering depending how old it is

That said if the helmet is fine, a tenner is less than most new helmets

 

[Dave7]

Try Giro direct? Or at least the UK distributor? I'm not sure what country they are from

Or post a request in wanted and see if anyone has some spare from a broken helmet for example

The manufacturers do say you should replace the helmet every 3-5 years so that's worth considering depending how old it is

That said if the helmet is fine, a tenner is less than most new helmets

Thanks.
I have just emailed Giro and await a response.
According to what I read (I know a little knowledge is dangerous ) The 5 year replacement is just a con to make us buy a new helmet.........apparently the poly does not break down???
I will post on the wanted section.

 

[vickster]

@Cunobelin is knowledgeable on the whys and wherefores of helmet manufacture and testing

What helmet is it, Google suggests the pads are a fiver up (potentially plus P&P if you spend under however much)

 

[Dave7]

@Cunobelin is knowledgeable on the whys and wherefores of helmet manufacture and testing

What helmet is it, Google suggests the pads are a fiver up (potentially plus P&P if you spend under however much)

Thats right......they want crazy postage for an envelope.........£4.99 etc.
Helmet is a Giro and pads are simple straight pieces of foam.
If they were complicated shapes I could understand it but these are, as I say, straight bits.
On one site I googled it suggested going to the local chemist/store........"womens section/feminine hygene" and buying pads from there..........may get my good lady to do that

 

[vickster]

which model of Giro? Buy some other bits to get the free postage

Get some felty foam and make your own?

 

[slowmotion]

Something like this?
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/single-sided-foam-tapes/2050861/
You could do an awful lot of helmets with one reel. It's used for cushioning, draught-stripping etc. There are loads of different foam tapes of different sizes and compositions. Electronic supply houses usually stock a wide range.

 

[ufkacbln]

Helmet pads tend to be more expensive as (in most cases) they are multi layered with a wicking cover for sweat removal

As for replacement it varies. Mavic removes the warranty after two years, others suggest 3 years and some 5 years

This is really nly a "guess" by the manufacturers. The only one I have seen with evidence is MET, quoted by the US based BHSI:

"We are often asked 'For how long is a helmet safe?', or 'how often should I replace my helmet?”' Until now it has been difficult to find any reliable figures to help answer these queries. MET have now developed a series of tests which are conducted on aged helmets to determine a 'best before' date (unless the helmet is involved in an accident. In that case it should be replaced immediately.). The results indicate that, if used properly accordingly to our owner manual, our helmets will still do their job up to eight years after they have been made. Not only is that good news for the customer, it’s great news for the environment!"

It is not all about the degradation of the helmet though as to damage.

The theory is that the helmet undergoes small knocks and bangs through everyday life - from the occasional drop to being in the bottom of pile of kit and thrown into a car boot

These gradually damage the micro structure of the helmet and may result in fault lines and weakened areas. These are invisible and within the structural material If you do have an off, then the helmet will not be efficient and may even fail

As with most of the helmet debate it is your choice - If your helmet has a "hard life" then by all means replace , but if it is taken care of then by all means use it fro longer

 

[Cuchilo]

Thats right......they want crazy postage for an envelope.........£4.99 etc.
Helmet is a Giro and pads are simple straight pieces of foam.
If they were complicated shapes I could understand it but these are, as I say, straight bits.
On one site I googled it suggested going to the local chemist/store........"womens section/feminine hygene" and buying pads from there..........may get my good lady to do that

You're going to stick sanitary towels into your helmet and put it on your head to save a couple of quid ?
What if it rains ?

 

[Globalti]

Er.... I'm not familiar with "sanpro" technology but I'd be willing to bet it's not simple foam! Probably more akin to diapers, which use some kind of hydrophilic polymer in granules.

 

[vickster]

You're going to stick sanitary towels into your helmet and put it on your head to save a couple of quid ?
What if it rains ?

You're ok as long as the rain is blue going on the adverts

 

[Globalti]

You'd certainly stay dry for longer than most.

But if you tried Tampax you'd be able to swim, ride a horse, go skydiving, caving, bog-snorkelling and a load of other sports in addition to cycling.

 

[vickster]

This is true, but I think attaching tampons to the velcro might affect the comfort of the helmet, even the newfangled slim line super absorbent jobbies and the strings might get in the way

 

[Cuchilo]

If you tied the strings together and draped them over your head you wouldn't need to attach them to the helmet . Kind of like a pre helmet pad . Tying four together would cover the sides front and back .

 

[vickster]

The strings aren't terribly long, might be ok with a very small helmet