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Cruiser
Posts: 164
Quad Cities, IL | Hey all, I have always wondered about this. For those who choose to wear helmets, how often do you replace your lid?
I have heard that it should be replaced every 5 years, even if never dropped or impacted. Not sure if this is marketing propoganda for more sales or something that should truly be done. I know some folks that have been wearing the same lid for decades, and then some only if they see a new design they like.
I typically wear a full-face modular helmet, on the rare occasion a half-helmet. That said, my full-face is nearly 7 years old. Am I pushing my luck in case of an accident? I have been looking but have not pulled the trigger on the investment.
I guess I am seeking opinions, but would really appreciate any links to articles or studies as well. I always like having data.
Thanks! |
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Tourer
Posts: 337
san antonio, tx | I switch between a few different helmets, so I don't think there is a need to replace all of them every 5 years.
Because of the way they are designed to function, they can be considered a "wear out" item, much like your tires. Even if you don't put a single mile on a tire, they still need to be replaced after about 5 years or so. As for the helmets; they probably came up with 5 years more as a rule of thumb rather than a hard and fast time limit. A helmet that spends a large part of it's life in a cool, dry, and dark closet is going to probably be safe a lot longer than one that is worn everyday and exposed to the environments, even if it is taken care of properly.
That being said, if you wear a helmet for safety, a couple hundred bucks every half a decade is pretty cheap insurance. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 83
Bolivar Missouri | I use a Fulmer 1/2 with a visor added and HJC 3/4 both are carbon fiber , the liner can be taken out for cleaning , less than a year old and unbeleivable light . Every helmet is subjected to moisture and breaks down the internals so i agree with the mfg's IMHO . |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | And, like the old BELL Helmet wall ads said 'If you've got a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet' Mt newest is, and all future helmets will be Carbon Fibre Reenforced Plastic. After teaching the product, I was sold and find the helmet to be a great deal lighter to wear, it's more damage resistant, and will deform and 'return' where thermo plastics and Fibrreglass will deform and crack. In any case anytime to do a serious bang with the helmet, it's time to go buy a new one. Even when UV coated, a CFRP is good for about 5-6 years as UVA & UVB will attack the matrix and weaken it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 206
Lumber Bridge, NC United States | my last helmet was in great condition, it was over the 5 year mark, I was going to go for a ride and I dropped it on the kitchen floor and it cracked in half. I now own the scorpion half helmet and it is going on the 4th year. next year new helmets no matter what I am going by the 5 year mark. (NC helmet law state) |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I dropped my 6 year old Shoei 1/2 helmet on the garage floor last spring and it cracked in a couple spots..Have three different manfs. and styles now and I rotate them as I feel the need...Cannot ride with full face helmets as they make me feel claustraphobic and confined...Have a new HJC IS-33 and really like the quiet and fit........I have always been told anything over 5 or 6 years is not able to withstand normal impacts.....Whatever that means...... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | If I lived in a state that would allow me to wear my helmet of choice it would be a Skull Crush Gear half in natural finish. Carbon fiber kevlar blend with NASA stuff in it for cushion. Not DOT approved. Since Ga. has turned into a nanny state I use a Zox half. Not as good but DOT approved.
Wayne |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I switch between a half and full. about every 10-12 years. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 51
Edmonton AB, Canada | I guess the issue is that the inner foam degrades over time so the helmet has a limitedsafety life. I always check for a date inside when I buy them so I know I'm not buying old stock. Still though once I find one I like I wear it for years. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 164
Quad Cities, IL | Awesome, I appreciate everyones input so far.
I have read that the helmet inner EPS foam can degrade overtime time. I have been doing some more searching on the subject and have seen Snell recommend every 2 years and MSF every 2-4 years. I am sure those recommendations are on the conservative side.
Either way, I guess I should belly up and get a new helmet soon. I have long been wanting the Schuberth C3 Modular since the first time I put in on my head at a store in Germany. That and the Scorpion Transfromer have been tops on my list. There are other full-face helmets I like but I don't think I want to give up the convenience of a modular. |
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Tourer
Posts: 348
Sturbridge, Mass | I have used a Bell Mag 8 helmet and have enjoyed it.
I recently got a Shark Evo 2 helmet as a spare to take to Alaska (for the full face shiled) and love the helmet !
I change mine every 4-5 years.. |
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Helmet Replacement Opinions...