When do you replace an old helmet?

[MisterCinders]

Not sure they are Gospel, but they follow the warnings in the warranty/instructions that came with my helmet. Especially the dropping, fitting etc.

Of course, those instructions may be aimed at selling more helmets, but I'd hate to be the corpse or vegetable that verified the sales pitch.

The used helmet stuff follows logically from the fitting/dropping concerns. If a drop ruins the helmet, a used helmet would have a big question mark. If age weakens foam, a used helmet probably has more age than you want. If the foam shapes to your head, again the used helmet is suspect. Plus, wearing something full of some other dude's hair grease and halitosis is enough to keep me away from used helmets.

As for mail-order fitting, I would order a helmet online, but only if I could return it if the fit was no good. I do the same thing with shoes. So long as there is a return option (which there may not be given the fitting stuff), that is just a sequencing issue. That said, I bought my helmet from a shop in person. It was my first helmet, and head sizing is not something I know as well as ordinary clothing.

Even if a poor fitting helmet is not a technical danger, it increases the annoyance of wearing one. You are less likely to blow off putting on a comfortable helmet for that short ride to the store. IMO comfortable fit equals safety in that regard.

[jknappsax]

Maybe the manufacturers should label helmets...

... with an expiration date!

[macbec29]

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

Standing alone this is a incontrovertible statement, but what does it mean in the real world? Generally the better quality helmets, such as Arai RX-Q or the Shoei QWEST are well made, with no cheap parts and comfortable but they are also top dollar. Isn't there a off or less well known brand with the quality of a shoei or arai but without the 4 or 5 C note price tag? I've looked at some other brands (HJC, AFX, KBC) at half the price but so far they all seem to have some sort of flaw, skimping on the quality of vent parts or flimsy face shield mechanisms or cheap linings, which leads me to believe that the parts of the helmet I can't see may have cheaper parts in there to. So come on all you bargain hunters, who has found a helmet with the quality of a Arai or Shoei but without the "paying for the name" price tag?

Oh and whatever happened to Bell. Back in the day (you know, before disc brakes were invented) they were the bomb, but now they seem to be heavily disfavored. Anyone know why?

[MisterCinders]

Provided the helmet is DOT or Snell approved, the pricing is usually for chrome (style, bluetooth, etc.) or comfort (more vents, better linings, etc.).

I don't buy into the $$$ = safety. But I would spend a few dollars more and take the extra fitting time to obtain the most comfort in helmet.

[Tom MLC]

Mark, go see Greg at Santa Clara Cycle Accessories. They always have excellent prices and closeout specials. That's where I got my Scorpion and my HJC.

Another option is Cycle Gear on Meridian & Hwy 280. If you catch them in a good mood, they will match on-line pricing. I got my riding pants there after they matched a price from newenough.com.

As far as your old brain bucket. GET RID OF THAT STINKY OLD THING! Thank you.

[7th day]

New Arai

Just retired my 10yr old Arai Signet GT and got a new Arai Profile Hot Rod White graphic on closeout from Competition Accessories for $299.99. I wasn't crazy about the graphics but couldn't beat the price and the long oval Arai head shape is the only one that fits me comfortably. Don't like it as well as the Signet but still a nice helmet. I've spoken with engineers I work with and they say the helmet materials wouldn't degrade in a 3- 5 yr period and it's just a ploy to sell more helmets or cover the manufacturer in the event of a lawsuit.

[evanparker]

i usually replace my helmet when it's time to replace the visor the 2nd time through. usually comes out to once a year.

[tkent02]

I've spoken with engineers I work with and they say the helmet materials wouldn't degrade in a 3- 5 yr period and it's just a ploy to sell more helmets or cover the manufacturer in the event of a lawsuit.

This is as likely to be true as anything in this thread, especially the lawsuit part.

[ddaniels]

i usually replace my helmet when it's time to replace the visor the 2nd time through. usually comes out to once a year.

Sheesh! I wish I had your helmet budget.

[macbec29]

Hey Tom, probably good advice. So available to ride late morn or early afternoon on Sat.?

[Nessism]

Just retired my 10yr old Arai Signet GT and got a new Arai Profile Hot Rod White graphic on closeout from Competition Accessories for $299.99. I wasn't crazy about the graphics but couldn't beat the price and the long oval Arai head shape is the only one that fits me comfortably. Don't like it as well as the Signet but still a nice helmet. I've spoken with engineers I work with and they say the helmet materials wouldn't degrade in a 3- 5 yr period and it's just a ploy to sell more helmets or cover the manufacturer in the event of a lawsuit.

You paid $300 for a helmet built to the older, and less safe, Snell 2005 standard. The new 2010 Snell standard is a big improvement over the old standard since it lowers the allowable impact force to your head.

[Tom MLC]

Hey Tom, probably good advice. So available to ride late morn or early afternoon on Sat.?

No. Busy with the wife until late after noon on Saturday.

Sunday, late morning is better.

Give me a call. You got the number?

[Big T]

Since you're talking about an Arai, you can send the helmet to them for an examination

Contact them and see if it costs

[Griffin]

You paid $300 for a helmet built to the older, and less safe, Snell 2005 standard. The new 2010 Snell standard is a big improvement over the old standard since it lowers the allowable impact force to your head.

I guess he's as good as dead once he puts it on.....

[Tom MLC]

I guess he's as good as dead once he puts it on.....

He's a lawyer...no big loss.