When do you replace an old helmet?

[Flaming Chainsaws]

I think I would need proof that the foam hadn't deteriorated before I'd trust my brain to it.
Foam needs to be soft to work, to collapse on impact so the brain doesn't have to. Our U.S. DOT or Snell specs require the foam to be too hard anyway, at least compared to European helmet standards that the rest of the world uses. Maybe they think Americans have harder heads, I don't know. Seriously though, old rubber, vinyl, plastic, or any other synthetic material that I know of gets harder as it ages, it seems a no brainer to me.

Here's another thing though, old helmets get nasty inside. Do you really want that old thing on your head? I like to treat myself to a new one once in a while.

Well said.

I'm looking at getting an Icon Variant helmet. Tried it on at a shop and it's perfect! For me at least. Although, I'm sure most of you guys don't agree on the looks lol.

[bwringer]

The EPS (hard) impact foam doesn't degrade much assuming that it has NEVER been exposed to solvent vapors. (In other words, never leave your helmets in the garage!)

What degrades, even without exposure to sweat or solvents, is the soft "comfort" foams used in the liner. These are very important to the helmet's fit and maintaining the correct position on your head.

I say bin it -- you can get a much better helmet nowadays for $100 or so, or treat yourself to a current model Arai. You won't believe how much better helmets are.

[tkent02]

The EPS (hard) impact foam doesn't degrade much assuming that it has NEVER been exposed to solvent vapors. (In other words, never leave your helmets in the garage!)

Thanks, I did not know this, mine have all been in the garage since I bought them.
Time for a new one. I've been looking at those carbon fiber HJCs anyway, maybe it's time.

[wacky941]

I think I would need proof that the foam hadn't deteriorated before I'd trust my brain to it.
Foam needs to be soft to work, to collapse on impact so the brain doesn't have to. Our U.S. DOT or Snell specs require the foam to be too hard anyway, at least compared to European helmet standards that the rest of the world uses. Maybe they think Americans have harder heads, I don't know. Seriously though, old rubber, vinyl, plastic, or any other synthetic material that I know of gets harder as it ages, it seems a no brainer to me.

Here's another thing though, old helmets get nasty inside. Do you really want that old thing on your head? I like to treat myself to a new one once in a while.

I think ddaniels was talking about the Styrofoam not the cloth covered soft foam. The styrofoam has a shelf life that will outlast mankind.

You do know that most helmet manufacturers sell replacement parts including all of the foam and padded foam pieces, chin straps, etc., right? I know Bell Helmets does.
Personally, if you can replace everything but the shell and the shell was taken care of over the last fifteen years, I would think that it would be the same as new, would it not?

[Darin Jordan]

Funny this topic should come up... I just finally gave up on my once VERY expensive Carbon/Kevlar shelled Bell, and ordered a new Bell. The cushioning foam at the forehead, and towards the back, the areas that generally absorb the sweat, just simply disintegrated. Time to replace!

[ddaniels]

I think ddaniels was talking about the Styrofoam not the cloth covered soft foam.

That is correct. Wasn't thinking about the liner, but I can see the point about it. I've always kept mine in the garage. Maybe I shouldn't. I did just buy a barely used Nolan N100 that was only used a couple times. I'm sure it's at least 5 years old. Doesn't seem degraded at all. Was it a waste of money?

[macbec29]

Funny enough I finally took a look at the stickers inside my Arai Quantum helmet (the one that started this whole thread in the first place) to see exactly when it was manufactured (dob was actually on chin strap, June 1996) and found a manufacturers recommendation printed inside that said you should not exceed 5 years use with this helmet.

So assuming that this is not just a ploy to get one to fork over the dough for a new helmet every 5 years, even Arai is telling me to replace my trusty old brain bucket. Saw a Arai RX-Q on line last nite from discount seller for $400, about $140 cheaper then anywhere else, so may go for that unless someone knows of a even cheaper online price.

[ptexotik]

Posplayr told me he scored a $400ish lid for $175ish on ebay.
Just have to be sure of correct size!
I'm in the same boat and will start looking sooner than later. Will let you know if I find any deals.

ps saw a great deal on some helmets (can't recall brand) at Road Rider (Monterey St) a few weeks back. fyi

[mrbill5491]

Helmets

Helmet Rules:
1. Replace your helmet every 3-5 years regardless how good it looks.
2. If you have ever dropped your helmet onto a hard surface...replace it, the helmet is only good for one impact.
3. NEVER EVER buy a used helmet. The foam only will conform to one head. A used helmet will NOT fit properly ever.
4. NEVER sell a used helmet PERIOD!
5. Do not wear a dew rag or anything on your head with a helmet on, the foam can not properly form to your head contours with either on.
6. When buying a new helmet you have to try them on to ensure a proper fit. Buying out of a catalog or off ebay will not do that! Go to a bike shop and try on helmets. One Med will not fit like the next Med and so on, you have to try them on.

Your head is priceless and can't be replaced, buy a helmet worthy of your head.

[ptexotik]

Helmet Rules:
5. Do not wear a dew rag or anything on your head with a helmet on, the foam can not properly form to your head contours with either on.
.

you may want to contact all those racing 'balaclava' idiots!!

[ddaniels]

Helmet Rules:
1. Replace your helmet every 3-5 years regardless how good it looks.
2. If you have ever dropped your helmet onto a hard surface...replace it, the helmet is only good for one impact.
3. NEVER EVER buy a used helmet. The foam only will conform to one head. A used helmet will NOT fit properly ever.
4. NEVER sell a used helmet PERIOD!
5. Do not wear a dew rag or anything on your head with a helmet on, the foam can not properly form to your head contours with either on.
6. When buying a new helmet you have to try them on to ensure a proper fit. Buying out of a catalog or off ebay will not do that! Go to a bike shop and try on helmets. One Med will not fit like the next Med and so on, you have to try them on.

Your head is priceless and can't be replaced, buy a helmet worthy of your head.

Can't say I agree with all of these statements.

[MisterCinders]

I thought the new helmets were good for at least 2 crashes?

[tkent02]

Can't say I agree with all of these statements.

I can't agree completely with any of them.

[MisterCinders]

I can't agree completely with any of them.

Because there is a price on your head?

[tkent02]

Because someone made them up who know nothing about helmets.