helmet longevity

[Derk]

Hi everyone, I looked in the search menu, but didn't see this question, I hope I didn't miss it, but here goes. Most helmet manufacturers say to replace your helmet after 5 years. My question is, how many of us SpyderLovers do that? I have 4 helmets, 2 of which are now 5 years old, they have never been dropped or abused. They look brand new, is it best to not wear them anymore? What do you do with your old helmets? Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[Bob Denman]

Since I'm a cheap bugger; I change mine out only when the interior padding starts to deteriorate, and the different parts of the helmet are starting to malfunction... :shocked:

:lecturef_smilie: But please DON'T do what I do; your safety is more important than your wallet! :2thumbs:

 

[cuznjohn]

4 to 5 years tops

 

[asp125]

Helmets deteriorate from use: wear and tear, sweat, bumps and drops. They also deteriorate from sitting around in the sun, exposure to ozone, or contact with solvents. They do not however, expire like spoiled milk after the manufacturer's recommended 5 year date. (ie on the first day of the 6th year they go bad)

I have about 6 helmets of varying age. A couple of them are >5yrs old. I am of the opinion that the newer helmets would be preferred if I were to take them on a track day or long tour. My older helmets are special editions that I keep around for their special graphics, used as bookends in the rec room, or to wear to a bike night now and then. The rest of the old helmets get donated to fire departments for EMT training if they want them.

 

[Sam Mac]

How much is a head injury worth because you are ridding with an old helmet? Race sanctioning bodies require helmet replacement for a good reason. Your $$$ and your head, your choice. I've said all I have to say.

 

[BajaRon]

Rule of thumb is 5 years of service. But with care a quality helmet (Arai, Shoei, etc.) will go much longer. A cheap helmet may not go beyond 3 or 4 years.

If you abuse your helmet it may not last more than a day!

 

[ARtraveler]

Four to five years seems to be the stated norm.

I have six assorted--two are now going on five years and two are older, while a couple are at the three year mark.

I wear the newer ones. Hard to toss out a $400 item or to pass them on when they look like new. I know, its all about the safety.

I am going to break down and get us each a new one for 2016 riding season. Waiting on what color F3 I get so I can be color coordinated.

 

[Dan McNally]

How much is a head injury worth because you are ridding with an old helmet? Race sanctioning bodies require helmet replacement for a good reason. Your $$$ and your head, your choice. I've said all I have to say.

Well said. A five-year old helmet does not provide the same level of protection that it did when new - how much deterioration has occurred can't be determined without testing it, which, of course, destroys it - but why take the chance.

I get a new one every four years - and, usually, in four years, something with better features has been developed.

 

[cptjam]

Really?

Go pick up a styrofoam coffee cup from a vacant lot or landfill. Crush it, watch it crumble to dust. 4 years, pitch it. Might look okay, but, it isn't! Your head is worth protecting! A new 200 dollar helmet is better than a 500 dollar 5 year old helmet! Be real! Fancy graphics do not save lives! Pitch it, or donate it to firefighters to practice on. Joe
Cheap is stupid. You ride a very expensive motorcycle. Don't cheap out on gear!!!!

 

[TommyBwell]

My Arai is five years old and looks perfect but I'm about to swap it out. It is tough when they look so good and cost so much but I have had helmets save my life twice and if need be I want to be sure it I s three times.

 

[spookyluke]

I only recently bought my first arai. Cost me almost a grand. I've only ever had the cheapest lids I could find in the past. It's awesome and I love it. Man if I have to replace it after 5 years I'm spewing!!! I'll go back to cheapies


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[Trekster]

Just this past week I replaced my FF Scorpion with a new Nolan N104. The Scorpion was probably 5 yrs old and of course was not that expensive a helmet to begin with. The Nolan cost more but comes with lots more features and should be a lot more quiet than the old helmet.

What did I do with the old Scorpion? The garbage man took it away a few days ago, so I guess it lives in the landfill now.

 

[Ron2andia]

Fest off never heard tha about the 5 years... Have a Shoei helmet for the last 14 years... Yes the same one. Shoei will check your helmet for free if you send it in to them to see if it is still effective. Sending mine in a few days.:doorag:

 

[BikerDoc]

Rules of thumb were generated by for people who ride average miles (or not much). I ride every single day in all sorts of weather - now averaging 36000 mile per year, so I replace my helmets annually..... Several years ago I was in an accident where the helmet saved my life so I would rather continue to be safe than sorry

 

[DrewNJ]

5 years is a good general rule of thumb. If it gets minimal use and and not sweated up. Living in a garage it will obviously last longer. If it's been crashed its done.
I usually swap helmets every few years simply because I like some of the new features of some of the more modern helmets.

 

[cognaccruiser]

5 years is the rule of thumb. How the helmet is cared for may make a difference. Exposure to sun light etc reduces their life.

As Joe said, the Styrofoam breaks down even just sitting in a cupboard. An old helmet's Styrofoam is hard and brittle if you stick a fingernail in it. A new one is still somewhat soft and compresses. The owner of the 14 year old Shoei should just get a new one and not bother with sending it for testing. It's toast!

I also donate our old ones to local fire departments for use in training. Better than a flower pot, target or landfill item.

Gary

 

[garb55]

How do you know your helmet was not sitting in a warehouse for years before you bought it

how many people actually look for a manufacture date

 

[Highwayman2013]

My new HJC was made in June 2015, It will be changed out before 5 years, my old Scorpion was made in March 2013.

 

[Brian Kay]

Who to believe....

I don't know who to believe...the test results performed and sanctioned by the manufacturer who sells helmets for profit telling you to replace it every 5 years. Or someone that was in a bad accident that had a 10 year old helmet that still saved their life. If it comes down to the choice, I say if you store the helmet in an air-conditioned house/room with average humidity, the helmet should last a long time. If you store it in the garage, I would think you would want to replace it sooner.

Now, personally I can't sit around for 5+ years wearing the same old helmet...I get the fever to buy another one. So I look at it this way...as soon as you approach the 5-yr mark start looking for a new one if you haven't bought one already. I have 3 helmets that I use but prefer one over the others due to the style, graphics, and blue-tooth communications setup. Two Shoei's and one Icon Airmada...all XXL.

I do agree that the insides start to breakdown, but at what rate and how does that affect the impact absorption? Usually if you're in a high speed accident your chances of surviving a direct head impact is slim regardless if it's brand new or 5 years old. Just my opinions...

 

[DrewNJ]

Every abandoned street coffee cup I've ever run into has been soft and squishy as it breaks down. Not brittle. At any rate, outliving the styraphome in my helmet is not something I'd personally worry about. Comparing an old abandoned coffee cup to a modern day motorcycle helmet is just silly anyway.

The facts remain that the primary things that degrade styraphome rapidly are chemicals and UV exposure. Neither are a concern on a new unused helmet sitting in the box on the shelf, or one in the garage.
Also, don't overlook the condition of the outer shell. Life expectancy recommendations are just a rule of thumb. Do what works best for YOU.

To the OP. Keep your helmet clean and in good condition and replace it every handful of years as money permits or if it suffers damage. They aren't THAT expensive so no need to over think it.

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