Helmet Replacement

[Dubs 0]

I got tripped up yesterday and landed flat on my back with my head hitting the ice first. Everything went black, then the lights turned back on and it was blurry for like 3 minutes. I have been dizzy ever since and am about 99% sure of a concussion. I was wondering after a fall with this kind of force should I replace my helmet. I think I should but I don't really see any cracks or signs of compression. What do you guys think?

Sorry if this was talked about before I can't seem to find it

[maverick81 0]

Depends on the helmet foam, if its EPP or some other form of it. How old is it? EPP foam is pretty resilient when it is new. But with age and and all the salts your sweat has in it, the foam can harden prematurely. Be careful!! dont hesitate to go to a Doctor! If you are sweating profusely this is a big warning indicator. Good luck man.. sorry to hear about it

[Dubs 0]

Its a new helmet its a RBK 6K I bought this year. And I have a Doctors apt scheduled for later today. Thanks for the help.

[pantherfan 0]

You'd be hard pushed to find anyone willing to suggest you keep that helmet.

[althoma1 575]

I can be cheap on occassion, but this is your brain. It's not worth saving a few $$ in this instance - I'd just get a new helmet to be on the safe side. However, you also shouldn't play again until you're symptom free and have the all clear from a doctor so you may have some time to shop around (hopefully not too long).

[duch 0]

I concur with the two other posters. Replace the helmet. Go to your doctor and get examined and mind what he says. Don't play again until it's absolutely certain you've fully recovered and your doctor has given you the green light. Your health is one of the most important things in your life so don't mess with it.

[fatwabbit 93]

get a new bucket regardless.

[jrhky36 1]

i know with bike helmets, car seats it is highly recommended to replace them once they have been in an accident. with that being said i concur with the previous posters in replacing your helmet. but keep the ear loops, screws, shin strap, always good to have extras around. as far as the padding and shell get rid of them in parts so they can't be used by some one.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

I got tripped up yesterday and landed flat on my back with my head hitting the ice first. Everything went black, then the lights turned back on and it was blurry for like 3 minutes. I have been dizzy ever since and am about 99% sure of a concussion. I was wondering after a fall with this kind of force should I replace my helmet. I think I should but I don't really see any cracks or signs of compression. What do you guys think?

Sorry if this was talked about before I can't seem to find it

Here is the best website for all your questions about Concussions.

http://www.thinkfirst.ca/programs/concussionqanda.aspx

I used to think I was cool with an old slim foam bucket. I was slu footed back in 2004 and I still have symptoms to this day that does not allow me back to play. I thought I was ok a couple summers ago and even now when I skate to hard with the kids at practice I have to go sit down.

DO NOT MESS with this..its not worth it.

I now work with people from Think First as well as other groups to hep prevent these injuries in the future.

Expect to see thet OHL helmet fit rule adapted in the NHL or a version of it next season.

[Dubs 0]

Thanks for all the responses. Im looking at new helmets. Im thinking Mission Intake any other ideas? I did kinda like my 6K.

Saw the doctor and I have to see him next week before I am cleared. So hopefully that works out.

[althoma1 575]

Dubs Posted Today, 02:35 PM

Thanks for all the responses. Im looking at new helmets. Im thinking Mission Intake any other ideas? I did kinda like my 6K.

Try on as many helmets as you can. You can narrow it down to the ones that are comfortable on your head. Some helmets, although great for some people, may not fit your head well and will be uncomfortable. If 2 or 3 helmets fit equally well then you can look at other things like ventelation, weight, look, price ect. depending on what's most important to you, but the fit should be primary.

Now, that's coming from a guy who bought a Nike 4500 helmet years ago because I liked the look and it was on sale...the time I used it wasn't pleasant as it was too narrow for my head and I would get headaches from playing with it. I lucked out when I bought a Large Mission Carbster on ebay...it was a gamble not being able to try it on, but for the price I paid I took the risk and it just so happens that it's the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn and I get no headaches after playing now. So I didn't take my own advice above, but for my next helmet I will as I've learned how important the fit is over the years. That should always be the most improtant factor - you'll be better protected and more comfortable during the game if youre equipment fits your body properly and no one has exactly the same shaped head (same goes with feet ect.).

[crazy-luke-finch 0]

If the 6K fit comfortably, an intake will not.

[Datsyukrulez13 0]

i dont know if it fits the same, but try the V10

[rampage 0]

i have a 9500 and love it. really light and i took a hard hit on the ice and hit my head. didnt feel a thing compared to my intake or 5500. if the price isnt really an issue i think you would benefit looking into this helmet...taking in account the fit

[Jarick 5]

Not to thread jack, but I got slew footed a couple weeks ago, and hit my head on the ice. Not terribly hard. Didn't black out at all, wasn't dizzy, it just hurt a bit for a day or so, then I was fine for a week.

Last week I had some headaches and dizziness, along with fatigue, glassy eyes, and stomache aches. I saw a doc and he thought I had a sinus infection, gave me antibiotics. But I completely forgot about the head hit.

Would being symptom free for a week mean it's likely not any kind of concussion?

[Dubs 0]

Doctor told me that I had to watch for some of the symptoms getting worse. He also said that some symptoms might not show up for awhile but I kind of though he ment a couple days. He told me that this monday I am supposed to get on a exercise bike for a short time and see how I feel.

[DevilsFan38 0]

Not to thread jack, but I got slew footed a couple weeks ago, and hit my head on the ice. Not terribly hard. Didn't black out at all, wasn't dizzy, it just hurt a bit for a day or so, then I was fine for a week.

Last week I had some headaches and dizziness, along with fatigue, glassy eyes, and stomache aches. I saw a doc and he thought I had a sinus infection, gave me antibiotics. But I completely forgot about the head hit.

Would being symptom free for a week mean it's likely not any kind of concussion?

Those sound like typical concussion symptoms, so I certainly wouldn't rule out a concussion. To be safe I'd go back to the doctor and tell him about the head hit.

[schrempsky 0]

do things slowly, gradually do light cardio exercise, make sure you have no symptoms.

then you can do light sport specific stuff like stick handling, same thing make sure no symptoms.

then you can go back to skating, and mke sure you have no symptoms. if you ever get symptoms, you need to start back at square one.

and always check back with the doctor, he will know best, ask if you can do little things like cardio only, and dont assume that if you do cardio ok that you will be good to play right away.

[Clark12 0]

If the 6K fit comfortably, an intake will not.

Amen to that, I went from an 8K to an Intake and had to do some modifications to get it to fit comfortably... voiding the warranty and possibly making it less protective!

[jrhky36 1]

Not to thread jack, but I got slew footed a couple weeks ago, and hit my head on the ice. Not terribly hard. Didn't black out at all, wasn't dizzy, it just hurt a bit for a day or so, then I was fine for a week.

Last week I had some headaches and dizziness, along with fatigue, glassy eyes, and stomache aches. I saw a doc and he thought I had a sinus infection, gave me antibiotics. But I completely forgot about the head hit.

Would being symptom free for a week mean it's likely not any kind of concussion?

no they can show up later. remember stev younr who played for the 49ers. he had somthing like 8-9 grade 1(they are scaled 1-3 with 1 being hte wosrt) concussions. he had problems for many years after he retired. i know its an extreme case but the fact remains the systoms still occur. its also been said that after your 1st you become more likely to have one. the case in point is eric lindros and pat lafontain, both had their careers cut short by concussions.

[phunky_monkey 6]

I'd replace the helmet if I were you. If you were happy with the 6k, why not get another one?

[Chadd 916]

You might want to check out the 4k if you like the fit but want to try VN padding or either vector helmet if you're looking for something a little different but with a similar fit.

[rampage 0]

I'd replace the helmet if I were you. If you were happy with the 6k, why not get another one?

thats probably a bad idea if he already got a concussion with the one he had.. IMO

[#44wannabe 4]

No helmet is concussion proof. Ive had concussions wearing a bauer 5000 and also nike 0004 and a an itech thing (the one that looked like the intake). There's nothing you can do to prevent them, just decrease the severity.

[DevilsFan38 0]

Another thing to consider is wearing a mouthguard (if you don't already), especially if you're already had a concussion. They can help prevent/reduce concussions.