With horseback riding gear so expensive, it can be tempting to save money any way you can. While buying tack and horse supplies used may be perfectly fine if done carefully, you should think again before you buy a used riding helmet.
The problem with buying a riding helmet used is that you don’t know its history. Helmets have to be cared for - throwing them into the back seat of a hot car can compromise their effectiveness. Riding helmets also have expiration dates, generally between four and five years. Assuming that a person buys a helmet and uses it for a few years, it will probably be near the end of its useful life by the time that you buy it. If you look at it this way, you’re not saving much money at all by buying a used helmet, so why not buy a new one and get the full value of its usefulness?
Even more importantly, when buying a used helmet you don’t know if that helmet has been in a fall. Many riders don’t realize that helmets need to be replaced even if they’re involved in a fall where the impact of the rider’s head may seem insignificant. Damage to a riding helmet doesn’t always show outwardly, and if you use a damaged helmet, you won’t be protected as well as you should be if you fall.
If you’re still not convinced, think about the wide range of prices that helmets are available for today. You don’t have to buy a $400 helmet - many quality helmets are available for under $100. Plus, trying on new helmets in tack stores is a great way to ensure that the helmet you by is comfortable, fits you well, and matches your style.
When it comes to your safety, buying a used riding helmet is not the way to save money. Your brain (and your life!) is worth more than what you'll save. So please, don't buy a used helmet - stay safe and buy one new.
The problem with buying a riding helmet used is that you don’t know its history. Helmets have to be cared for - throwing them into the back seat of a hot car can compromise their effectiveness. Riding helmets also have expiration dates, generally between four and five years. Assuming that a person buys a helmet and uses it for a few years, it will probably be near the end of its useful life by the time that you buy it. If you look at it this way, you’re not saving much money at all by buying a used helmet, so why not buy a new one and get the full value of its usefulness?
Even more importantly, when buying a used helmet you don’t know if that helmet has been in a fall. Many riders don’t realize that helmets need to be replaced even if they’re involved in a fall where the impact of the rider’s head may seem insignificant. Damage to a riding helmet doesn’t always show outwardly, and if you use a damaged helmet, you won’t be protected as well as you should be if you fall.
If you’re still not convinced, think about the wide range of prices that helmets are available for today. You don’t have to buy a $400 helmet - many quality helmets are available for under $100. Plus, trying on new helmets in tack stores is a great way to ensure that the helmet you by is comfortable, fits you well, and matches your style.
When it comes to your safety, buying a used riding helmet is not the way to save money. Your brain (and your life!) is worth more than what you'll save. So please, don't buy a used helmet - stay safe and buy one new.
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