How often to replace Helmet

[ratatouille]

I've been one to replace my helmet when I feel mine is getting worn out. I lived in Florida for many years and when I left my helmet in the sun for so many days of commuting, I figured the sun beating down would affect the chemicals/resins in the helmet. Being in a more Mid-West type climate and that I keep my helmet less in the sun, I'm curious as to the length of time between helmet replacement. Research online says Helmets should be replaced every 3 - 5 yrs. I find it interesting that one manufacturer states that 2 yrs on the shelf is ok, the 5 yrs starts after its starting use date. Of course, a serious drop or accident - necessitates immediate replacement. I'm curious as to how often do you all replace your helmets?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

[Jedz123]

I replace mine ever 2 years which is about 50K miles or so.

Better safe than sorry IMHO.

[Nessism]

I think one of the main things that happens with use is the Styrofoam liner starts to compress/crush down. The fiberglass shell shouldn't deteriorate much.

[bwringer]

I always rotate between two or more helmets, and generally about three years is the limit; the liner just gets too loose, it's getting funky smelling, the face shield mechanism wears out, can't get parts, etc.

If I wore the same helmet every single day, it would be roached in a year or two. With two or more, they get a chance to air out between uses, and that really helps keep things far more pleasant inside.

It depends a LOT on how frequently and how far you ride.

Most people don't really ride much so five years from a helmet is no problem.

If you do a lot of miles and use motorcycles as your primary transportation to commute and run errands, helmets wear out long before then.

[NavyDad]

I'm in the three to five year zone. I have two helmets that I wear regularly. One has my Sena headset and it gets used during two up rides and the other gets use on my solo rides. I prefer HJC full face because they are very comfy for my head shape. When looking for a new lid I shop during the winter months and look for the sales. Lots of dealers will have big markdowns because a certain color wasn't popular and they have several they want to get rid of. I have purchased some very nice, but very ugly helmets over the years for a great price. I don't care about the color because I can't see it when it's on my head. This one was a dandy, but I got it for $90. The dealer had about ten of them.

IMG_20150915_155946789.jpg

[Gorminrider]

I've never seen any "crash-evidence" per "stale" hemets. I'd like to see a brand new 10 year old helmet crash tested versus a brand new helmet but it's not the first thing that pops up in a search....so beyond obvious damage, I'm left with:

1) the visors get scratched and hazy and replacements can't be found.
2) the inside cloth material gets funky and replacements can't be found
3) real safety improvements
4) comfort improvements...ie: lighter, quieter, comfier liners, better venting, better fits
5) just sick of looking at the same helmet or wanting a fashion upgrade

#1 and #2 pretty much mean a steady stream of helmets going to the dump.
#3 a judgement call but better viewing angles and comfort are going to help. helmets have been around awhile and I'd expect the major safety points have been covered long since.

[GSXR7ED]

I have 2 new helmets that are still in the box (only taken out to inspect & fit check). It's been at least a year since purchased so they should be ok on the shelf...until I'm ready to ride.

Good points all around about the fair wear & tear of helmet ownership.


Ed

[Admiral Beez]

I kept mine for ten years, always in its cloth bag, riding rarely in direct sun as I prefer cooler days. I eventually replaced it because the helmet manufacturers tell us 2-5 years so I figured even though the helmet looks good I should replace it.

I took the old helmet, Shark Fusion full face and put it on the cement in my yard and dropped several heavy bricks from about six feet. Bounced off, never cracked the shell. But anyway, Shark in the trash, now have HJC IS-Max

[Rob S.]

In my latest, a cheap Bilt full face, the interior cushions are removable and washable.

[jabcb]

I kept mine for ten years, always in its cloth bag, riding rarely in direct sun as I prefer cooler days. I eventually replaced it because the helmet manufacturers tell us 2-5 years so I figured even though the helmet looks good I should replace it.

I took the old helmet, Shark Fusion full face and put it on the cement in my yard and dropped several heavy bricks from about six feet. Bounced off, never cracked the shell. But anyway, Shark in the trash, now have HJC IS-Max

I had an IS-Max & now have an IS-MAX 2. The latest version is much improved, which is another reason to buy a new helmet.

[Admiral Beez]

I had an IS-Max & now have an IS-MAX 2. The latest version is much improved, which is another reason to buy a new helmet.

My new one is the IS-Max 2. I just wish the internal visor was darker.

[jabcb]

My new one is the IS-Max 2. I just wish the internal visor was darker.

The helmet comes with the “smoke” sun visor. A “dark smoke” sun visor is available.

http://www.hjchelmets.com/hjca/ismax2/

[bwringer]

Impact tests are only part of the story. Barring severe mechanical or chemical damage, the outer shells and the beer cooler foam in helmets will last for a century or more.

So I wouldn't really expect any difference in the impact testing.

However, everything else wears out and/or deteriorates with time, and that's what sends helmets to the dump. If a helmet won't stay in place on your head, or the visor is cloudy, or the mechanism is loose, or the adhesives are deteriorating (the foam is glued into the shell), then it's less safe for riding. If you crash, your helmet needs to be on your head and in the correct position to do much good, and if the liner is roached, it can move around easily. Plus, an old helmet is a dangerous distraction; you have to fiddle with the helmet and visor more to keep them in place, you probably can't see as well through the scratched-up visor, etc.

But it would still pass an impact test, no problem.

One other detail: do NOT keep helmets (or other gear, for that matter) in the garage. Ever melt styrofoam with gas when you were a kid? What do you think the gasoline vapors from your GS and your lawn mower and snow blower are slowly doing to your helmet, especially if you stir in summer heat? Plus, rodents and insects just love sweaty stuff.

[Hayabuser]

I replace mine every time I see a new shiny one that I can't live without! That used to be a couple times a year...

[argonsagas]

I used to swap helmets about two years apart.

Then my wife and i tried the Scorpion 900.... a flip-front helmet
She did not like it, but I tried the same helmet and loved it.

I have since come to really appreciate the flip-front, and the fit is delightful, largely due to the air pump that allows a custom fit.

It cannot last forever, but I love the helmet.