I have a fairly new Troxel helmet. The outer shell has become very sticky and has horse hair stuck to it. It looks like a mess. What is going on? Is the surface melting? How do I clean it without affecting the integrity of the helmet? The helmet is kept at the barn. It has never been left in a hot car. Thanks in advance.
Well, can you wipe it with a mild soap and water? If there is something external stuck to it, that should remove it. Otherwise, if the outer shell is compromised I would take it into a tack store and ask their opinion. If you bought it at a local tack store, go there and try for a refund if necessary. But if you bought it elsewhere, I would still go into the most knowledgeable tack store in your area that sells Troxels and ask their opinion.
Might be you need a new one. if the tack store says it is compromised, maybe contact Troxel and ask them what they think happened with it.
IME the outer layer of helmets doesn’t melt even when left in a hot car. The worry is more about the inner layers deteriorating from the heat.
I’m assuming you are talking about a hard shell helmet, not a fabric covered one?
Did it come in contact with a fly spray that contained DEET? DEET dissolves plastic. How do I know? DH and I were hiking where the black flies were killing us. Used very concentrated DEET, which came in contact with the plastic thermometer and the handle of the Swiss army knife we carry. Plastic was turned into a gooey mess.
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I was sold a “new” Antares last year that turned out to have been manufactured in 2012, if I recall correctly. The outer surface was like you described–oddly sticky and attracting hair and dirt. Once I called Antares and the rep said she’d never heard of the stickiness, and we looked up the serial number and realized it was several years old, I was able to get an exchange for an actually new helmet, which doesn’t have the stickiness. So I personally am convinced there was something about the helmet that deteriorated or was affected by heat or a spill at some point or something weird.
So maybe check the date of manufacture?
Fly spray was my first thought too, DEET, if you or your horse uses bug spray, that could do it.
Thank you for the responses. It has a hard plastic shell. I contacted Troxel and this is the reply I got back:
“The sticky residue that you are referring to is typically caused by a chemical coming into contact with the helmet. The main culprits are products like fly spray, show sheen and other products that are sprayed on or near the helmet. Sadly, the residue cannot be cleaned off. It shouldn’t affect the performance of your helmet, but depending on the age of the helmet it may be a good idea to replace it so that you don’t have to worry about a deteriorating shell.”
I am disappointed that Troxel makes a helmet knowing that it is likely to be around these products without even providing a warning. I have not exposed the helmet to these products, but I’m in a barn with students and other boarders and obviously it’s been exposed. But I’ve noticed that the plastic helmets used in the lessons by some of the students don’t have this issue. I’ll be getting a new helmet, but it won’t be a Troxel.
Again, thank you for the responses.
I think all the spray products contain warnings about not using them around plastics or varnished surfaces.
It is also possible that (a) the plastic lesson helmets are newer and (b) the lesson students don’t use fly spray or show sheen or anything else on a regular basis.
Scribbler it’s possible re the lesson helmets, but they are kept in the area where the fly spray is put on the lesson horses. Plenty of folks at the barn use show sheen and similar products in that area. I had never noticed the warning on spray products. I’ll pay better attention now.
Fly spray with or without deet
I had a similar experience with my old Troxel helmet. FWIW, I have not had that problem with my Ovation, with basically the same environment and care.
I did this to my prescription sunglasses with fly spray, which was an expensive lesson!
My matte finish GPA Speed Air did this, too - it’s probably 6 years old, though. I’ve had hair brushes and other plastic things end up the same way, I feel like it’s just crappy plastic that doesn’t hold up.
