Anyone had an older Arai reconditioned?

[scootergmc]

My old Arai Quantum/f has seen better days. Chin spoiler has fallen out, trim coming off, a vent intake missing. But I really like it and it would be a good back up.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/382145803239

I saw this service on eBay offering Arai helmet reconditioning for $50- not including any parts. Apparently after they receive the helmet they give you a parts estimate and add that to the $50. They don't do lining replacement or shell damage. Anyone used a service or anything similar? Thanks.

 

[superhawk]

What do you need done? How old is the helmet? Model? Pics?
Depending on what you need done, you could probably order the parts and do it yourself

 

[nomi]

That $49 non refundable fee plus your shipping costs are nuts.

You can buy a pair of OEM Arai vents for $10, the interior pads are available also, not sure about the chin spoiler.

 

[TerryM]

The Service Pavilion has parts for the Quantum/f.

 

[scootergmc]

No, no, I get it, just wondering if anyone used a service like this. I know most parts and pieces are available.

 

[scootergmc]

The Service Pavilion has parts for the Quantum/f.

I believe TSP is the eBay link I provided.

 

[Whammy]

Whammy says do it yourself save the money.
Its not rocket science to do this.:thumbup

 

[NoTraffic]

Never tried it, instead I would opt to send it in to Arai to see if it still meets safety inspection.

 

[stangmx13]

isnt the Quantum/f >15yrs old? this sounds like a great way to pay $50 for them to tell you that your helmet is unsafe.

 

[TerryM]

I believe TSP is the eBay link I provided.

Yeah sorry, I hadn't checked your link. They've always been very helpful to me, but I haven't used their refurb service. By the time you pay shipping both ways, $50 for the service, ~$50 for cheekpads, plus vent covers and whatever else they think you need, you'll be into it ~$200. For comparison, their yard sale section has Quantum/fs in large for $329 and Q2s for $379 - $429. Just a thought.

 

[scootergmc]

isnt the Quantum/f >15yrs old? this sounds like a great way to pay $50 for them to tell you that your helmet is unsafe.

That would all be discussed prior to sending it in. Most everyone's scenarios have crossed my mind.


I don't need this helmet, it's just my old Haga, and I kind of like it. I figured around $200 to do what I need, and that's reasonable to me.

 

[R3DS!X]

Dont you need to replace the EPS liner? only good for like 5 years or so.

 

[bunnygoat]

You mean to tell me my Y2K Quantum is too old?

 

[nomi]

Dont you need to replace the EPS liner? only good for like 5 years or so.

That’s the big hurt, they don’t do that and that’s what degrades and makes a helmet unsafe after many years.

“Note services cannot be done:
· No Re-lining of the helmet. Meaning the EPS (expanded poly-styrene) liners cannot be replaced.”

 

[scootergmc]

That’s the big hurt, they don’t do that and that’s what degrades and makes a helmet unsafe after many years.

“Note services cannot be done:
· No Re-lining of the helmet. Meaning the EPS (expanded poly-styrene) liners cannot be replaced.”

If you have anything showing how EPS degrades I'd like to read it. Everything I've seen says "better to be safe than sorry," but there's no data to back it up.

 

[Yakko Warner]

Age Does Not Affect the Material Properties of EPS Liners in Bicycle Hel

If you have anything showing how EPS degrades I'd like to read it. Everything I've seen says "better to be safe than sorry," but there's no data to back it up.

I used my google-fu to see what would pop up. And I found this study on bicycle helmets:
Age Does Not Affect the Material Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Liners in Field-Used Bicycle Helmets. You have to pay to read the article, but from the abstract:

"the impact attenuation properties of EPS foam in field-used bicycle helmets do not degrade with the age."

 

[RVFRick]

I used my google-fu to see what would pop up. And I found this study on bicycle helmets:
Age Does Not Affect the Material Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Liners in Field-Used Bicycle Helmets. You have to pay to read the article, but from the abstract:

"the impact attenuation properties of EPS foam in field-used bicycle helmets do not degrade with the age."

I always suspected this and still have a 25 yo Doohan Arai that I wear once or twice a year. I did throw out a 35 yo Shoei because its adhesives dried out and foam parts disintegrated to dust. My point is, there are other helmet bits that will degrade over time.

I like to think I take care of my current Arai that is 4 yo. Surprisingly the fabric covers over the foam are tearing at the seams. Replacement parts are not cheap

 

[nomi]

Ok I’m wrong it seems. Now I can go back to using my older Signet GT that has a cool custom paint job. No...wait! I’ll stick with my newer Arai.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

Well damn, there goes my excuse to replace my helmet every 5 years. Then again, I'm a clutz and all my helmets end up getting dropped / falling off the seat a few times during their life so in my case, I've probably compressed enough of the EPS after four - five years to merit a new lid. Also, shiny.

 

[Blankpage]

I threw out a smelly old Arai just a couple of weeks ago. Was dirty and the glue starting to breakdown. Don't want any stinky old helmets.