| Author | Message | ||
     Tom_b |
I have so many different opinions on this while there are a few helemt discussions going on i would ask. How long does it take for the AVERAGE helemt to be considered unsafe assuming no damage, just breakdown of materials. I have heard 5 yrs. 8 yrs, 2 yrs it gives me a headache. I didn't used to wear one, so never cared, but ALWAYS do now. No i didn't crash(well at least not bad) just my son says he wants to see me grow old. (Message edited by tom_b on April 14, 2008) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I think it depends on how often it's used. If you ride rain or shine 365 days a year, the inside of the helmet is going to come apart as well as all the little components. Does it sit outside in the sun? Do you wear caustic hair products? Has it been dropped? I have 18,000 miles on an Arai. The exterior is fine. The plastic pieces are coming off the outside and the interior is falling apart. I would expect this from a helmet from Walmart. Not from a helmet that cost nearly $500. I guess the question is when do YOU want to replace it. If you bought a $250 helmet two years ago, how many miles do you have on it at that point? How are the interior and plastic components holding up? How much is it going to cost to "recondition" the worn components? If you had a car that cost $10,000 and required $5,000 to repair, you'd probably junk it. If you had a $250 helmet that required $100-125 to bring it back to new, you'd probably junk it too. Is there a new technology that makes buying a new helmet attractive (EXO-1000)? You can justify just about anything if you REALLY want it!  | ||
| P47b |
This might help. This is from the MSF. Replacing Your Helmet Replace your helmet if it was involved in a crash; it probably absorbed some impact shock. Some helmet manufacturers will inspect and, when possible, repair a damaged helmet. If you drop your helmet and think it might be damaged, take advantage of this service. Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every two to four years. If you notice any signs of damage before then, replace it sooner. Why replace your helmet every few years if it doesn't appear damaged? Its protective qualities may deteriorate with time and wear. The chin strap may fray or loosen at its attaching points; the shell could be chipped or damaged. The best reason is that helmets keep improving. Chances are that the helmet you buy in a couple of years will be better – stronger, lighter, and more comfortable – than the one you own now. It might even cost less! http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSI.pdf Snell says 5 years I can't find the DOT quote. Most of it is up to your discretion & if you want to send your helmet in or not. It's just cheaper to just buy a new helmet. | ||
| Rainman |
I have two Shoei RF-R full faces that I've had for eight years and they are still as comfortable and well built as the day I bought them, although considerably dirtier (they're both white) I have an AFX I bought last summer that has already had plastic parts fall off it and has an issue with the face shield. I bought the AFX 'cause I liked the way it looked. The Shoeis are higher quality as far as hardware and liners go, however. It just depends. When you helmet liner is funky and nasty, that's a good clue that it's time to get something else. | ||
| Tom_b |
I have been told that the integrity of the outer shell will deteriorate with age. With this deterioration the helmet will lose the ability to absorb impact. I guess that is what i'm questioning. This is one reason i've been told to never buy old helmets at sales and such even though they appear in great shape. the liner, straps and such (to me anyaway) are obvious wear points. I don't even want to talk about the funk from my sweat. rode on a hot day with a bad hangover, my helmet smelled really bad for a while. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I question the integrity of painted helmets... I would like to to paint my new lid to match the paint on my bike, but the agressive chemicals in in the paint scare me. I'm afraid that they may attack the plastics and reduce my protection if I ever need it. | ||
| Rainman |
I've read recently that the outer shell on most recent helmets doesn't really pose a problem unless it's been bashed. One reason they recommend not buying used helmets is that a plastic shell will rebound from a hit and not look damaged while the styrofoam liner is crushed and weakened. As for painting, I worry about that too. That's why I bought the AFX...it had what I wanted and I didn't have to worry about paint chemicals damaging the helmet. | ||
| Terribletim |
Here's a little added thought on the Snell recommendation of 5 years. I run a stock car and we have to have a Snell rated helmet. The Snell ratings are each 5 years, i.e. - Snell 2000, Snell 2005, etc. We are not allowed to use a Snell 2000 rated helmet even if it was manufactured in 2004, which would technically give it a lifespan of 5 years through 2009. At roughly $400.00 for a low end racing helmet and upwards of $1,000 for a really nice one, it gets irritating to have to buy a new helmet when you just bought one 2 years ago. Although, in a gnarly crash, I might not gripe so much about that new helmet. i just haven't had that gnarly of a crash yet. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Usually after 5 years, the outstide of my helmet is pretty rough and the inside doesn't smell like someplace I want to keep my head in for hours at a time. I am always amazed at how much lighter and more comfortable helmets get every few years. I want to take advantage of those improvements, so five years is a good cut-off for retirement. And there is nothing like that new helmet smell in the springtime. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I've replaced mine every two years, but this time I sprung and spent about $500 on a Suomy. I'm planning on keeping this one for a while. I like buying new shit that's bike related, so generally the desire to have something new is what gets me to do it. As far as painting - I woudln't worry all that much, especially if you use a helmet that comes painted from the factory. I know mine come with either vinyl grpahic overlays or solid painted finishes. | ||
| Slaughter |
OK - this has been driving me nuts so went and looked it up. Found my Arai RX-7 Corsair documentation and their recommendation is to replace after 5 years or first impact. Every different material has different shelf life. I'd check with your particular manufacturer. | ||
| Old_man |
The cost of a new helmet should be no deterrent to replacing it regularly. One of the motorcycle magazines (don't remember which) did a test on helmets, some of the inexpensive plastic helmets performed much better than the expensive helmets. For what it's worth. It seems that price doesn't always guaranty the best helmet. Get a helmet that's comfortable for you to wear and always wear it when riding. I wear a HJC Symax because I wear glasses and have difficulty with the solid helmets. | ||
| Tom_b |
Five years seems to be the general consensus. if snell and arai reccommend it i will probably go with that. I have one that is getting close to the 5 yr. time to start shopping. | ||
| Greenlantern |
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcyc le_helmet_review/index.html | ||
| Old_man |
Thanks Greenlantern' That was the test I had read. It's worth the read. |
