I've bought many things on Amazon, including an $800 camera, but I'm not sure if it is safe to buy something as important as a helmet there. I'm a new rider and found a helmet that is DOT approved, really inexpensive and that I really like. Are there any dangers in buying a helmet from Amazon?
Thank you in advance!
Well if it's a popular brand name such as Icon or Shoei I'd suggest you'd go to your local bike store and try on the helmet, because sizes vary between brands. Just to be positive of your size with that EXACT helmet before you purchase it online. NEVER by a helmet that's used (even if it doesn't look like it has damage, if it's been dropped it may have internal damage and would be useless in an accident) or that isn't DOT/SNELL approved. (You shouldn't skimp on safety just to have a cool looking helmet) Other than that I don't see why it wouldn't be alright to order one.
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14 users responded in this post
no
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I would say if its sold by Amazon themselves yes, but if not check the company out first
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its amazon not ebay. id assume its safe
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As long as it's DOT approved then you have nothing to worry about.
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Motorcycle training class.
If it is new then there is no danger.
The only downside is that you can't try it on before you buy it.
Make sure of what their return policy is if it is uncomfortable, too small, or just plain sucks.
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if its a new helmet in its original un tampered with packaging and from a reputable dealer..yes it is safe,there are no dangers if you follow what i said……………..
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worked at amazon
definetally…amazon is legit. i buy stuff from there all the time and nothing has ever been wrong with it. plus it not like amazon is making the helmet. whatever brand the helmet is, thats who made the helmet…amason is just the middleman.
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The only issue I have had is with fitting. Each company has its own sizing so if you have not tried it on it can be hard to tell how its going to fit.
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Well if it's a popular brand name such as Icon or Shoei I'd suggest you'd go to your local bike store and try on the helmet, because sizes vary between brands. Just to be positive of your size with that EXACT helmet before you purchase it online. NEVER by a helmet that's used (even if it doesn't look like it has damage, if it's been dropped it may have internal damage and would be useless in an accident) or that isn't DOT/SNELL approved. (You shouldn't skimp on safety just to have a cool looking helmet) Other than that I don't see why it wouldn't be alright to order one.
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if it is dot approved no prob..just beware of fakes..you should be able to hunt down a list of fakes.
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as with anything you buy be careful, if it is dot approved and looks to be in good condition it should be fine. we have bought both new and used helmets ourselves if it is used be sure you clean it before wearing good luck happy riding
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Personally, I feel much safer using a more expensive helmet. I know that they all have to be DOT approved and pass certain tests.. But through personal preference, I only buy helmets that I have tried on.. I replace mine annually, regardless of use, for piece of mind.
I bought a helmet a few years ago, which cost about £50, and was a big mistake, aftrer using it for a few days, it felt cheap, and unsafe. Even though it was perfectly legal, I didn't like it, and bought a new £200 AGV model…
You have to think, what price do you put on your life?
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Sure, just want to clear up a misconception though. The DOT does not "approve" helmets. The DOT allows helmet manufacturers to place a DOT sticker on their helmets if the manufacturer is confident the helmet meets ANSI standards. This way neither the manufacturer or DOT can be held liable when someone dies wearing a helmet with a DOT sticker.
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To answer your question in a word: NO! Why? Because you cannot return a helmet. Its like trying to return underwear, they will not take it back. Health reasons!!!
If you are trying to save money fine. Look at the manufacturer name and style and size, go to a local motorcycle shop and try on the same helmet. If it fits then you can buy it from Amazon.
Something I have learned in my 36 year riding career is most helmets are made in China using Chinese models. Not good for American or European riders. Why? Asian heads tend to be rounder whereas American and European heads are oblong or egg shaped, back to front. A helmet made in China is very tight on the forehead and this pressure begins to hurt after wearing it for a while.
Hope this helps.
jrrysimm is correct too. The National Highway Transportation and Safety Board (DOT) does not APPROVE helmets. They just determine the specs that a manufacture must meet. If testing proves the helmet passes the specs, then the manufacturer can place a DOT sticker on the helmet. If you get hurt, you are on your own.
From the NHTSA Website:
9. How does a helmet get added to NHTSA�s approved helmet list?
DOT or NHTSA does not "approve" motorcycle helmets, thus, there is no list of "approved" helmets. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the statutory authority to issue Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) applicable to motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment, including motorcycle helmets. The law establishes a self-certification process in which the motorcycle helmet manufacturers certify that their products are in compliance with FMVSS No. 218, which establishes minimum performance requirements that the products must meet. NHTSA enforces the standard by randomly selecting and purchasing motorcycle helmets from the marketplace and testing to the requirements of the standard at independent test labs.
Hope this helps.
tnsoftailrider
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U.S. Department of Transportation Sec. 571.218 Standard No. 218 FMVSS 218 - 49 CFR 571.218
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/FAQ%20Site/pages/page3.html
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