Just unknowingly bought a 6.5-year-old helmet. Keep it?

[Libby2563]

I just bought a IRH helmet from Chick’s. When it arrived yesterday, I saw that the manufacture date was August 2010. It was also loose in the shipping box with no manufacturer’s box, padding, or packaging materials. Is it safe? Would you be dissatisfied?

If SP or RW had sent it to me I would definitely be requesting a return at their expense but I have no experience with Chick’s customer service so I’m not sure if I’ll have to fight for them to pay return shipping. Before I do, I would like opinions on whether I have grounds. I have emailed IRH to ask them as well but their website has always struck me as a little low-budget so I don’t know how well they monitor the email.

I did some Googling and found contradictory information about when to replace helmets. Some say every 5 years, but presumably that’s when they’re in use. Some say if it’s stored at normal temperatures there’s no significant degradation with time. Anyone know anything about this?

[Laurierace]

I don’t “know” anything definitive but I personally would not take a chance with my brain. You also have no idea how it was stored or if it was banged around a lot in transport. I would send it back even if I didn’t get reimbursed for the shipping.

[MissAriel]

What does IRH say about 5 year replacement? That will be good info to have when you request a replacement or refund. And I would definitely be sending it back.

Hopefully Chick’s will step up and make it right for you.

[betonbill]

I’ve never had any problem returning items to Chick’s. If never used you might have some leeway. Depends on the price you paid and your general outlook on helmet longevity.

[ryansgirl]

Not worth the risk. Send it back. You only have one brain.

[high_hat]

Even if they wouldn’t take it back I’d trash it. As others have said do not take a chance with your head.

[ReSomething]

I replaced my beloved and well fitting Tip because it was over 5 and I don’t like the new one half as much, but I won’t take a chance. I would request a refund and regardless, toss it out.

[charismaryllis]

Nope, send it back; ask for a <1 yo one, or a refund. And suggest they check the mfr date of their shelf stock…

[knic13]

I believe ASTM certification requirements changes in 2015ish, I would send the helmet back based on the fact that it may not meet current manufacturing requirements.

[furlong47]

The fact that it doesn’t have the box, etc would make me extra wary. There’s no legitimate reason I can think of why it shouldn’t be in the original packaging. Was it used/returned? A floor model that got banged around? I’d return it and order from somewhere else after an experience like that.

[vxf111]

I would just return it. I bet Chick’s will take it back.

[Marshfield]

My understanding is that materials degrade with time and that this helmet should have been pulled off the shelves awhile ago

[mountainhorse]

Return it and make them cover shipping, etc. An unsafe product (out of date helmet) warrants that. Chicks has been very good, re: customer service, for us, so I bet you won’t have any issues getting a return/replacement.

[WhatzUp]

Return it immediately.

Hello,

Please return it immediately. Not coming with the box leads me to imagine it was some strange mistake on the store’s part.

Keep us posted !

[Libby2563]

Update: Sent an email to Chicks and they replied that I needed to call them. Called and the customer service rep was willing to send me a return label (I think? She said “order number” or something like that, which confused me. I asked, “Do you mean an RMA number?” and that confused her. So I’m still not sure what she was emailing me.) She also couldn’t say how much of a refund I would get because that’s not her department. I asked to speak to the correct department because I would prefer to know in advance. That person was not in the office so I left a voicemail and hope to hear back soon. Will update!

Thank you all for confirming that I’m not out of line thinking this is not acceptable. I’m glad to hear at least one person has had good experience with Chick’s.

[trubandloki]

I would definitely return it.

Some organizations do not let you ride in helmets that are older than five years old (like pony club).

[Dance_To_Oblivion]

Send it back!

[talkofthetown]

I’ve always had good results with their customer service. Good luck!

[Libby2563]

Another update: Spoke to the right person and he sent a return shipping label. Whew! I haven’t shopped at Chick’s much so I’m pleased with the customer service.

He did focus on the packaging issue and believes that the 5-year rule is basically an invention of the helmet manufacturers who want to sell more helmets, but it’s going back for a full refund so all is well!

[RPM]

I just bought a IRH helmet from Chick’s. When it arrived yesterday, I saw that the manufacture date was August 2010. It was also loose in the shipping box with no manufacturer’s box, padding, or packaging materials. Is it safe? Would you be dissatisfied?

I’d be dissatisfied. Since it came without its original box, for all you, the customer, know, it could be a used helmet somebody just threw in a box and shipped to you to get rid of it. For all you know, someone in shipping took out the new box in its original packaging, replaced it with this helmet, and sent this one to you.

I’d contact Chick’s and ask them how to return it.

Then I’d go down to my local tack shop and buy one of their helmets.