When is it time to replace your helmet?

[Kaiser Soze]

Hey guys, quick question for you. I am getting back into riding after a 6 year layoff.

The HJC helmet I bought in '99 was going to come with me to the new ride I'm getting this year, and I hadn't really given it a second thought until reading an article about motorcycle gear recently. It had a bit on helmets, saying something like if your helmet was made in the 90's, it's time to go shopping.

Do they actually lose effectiveness over time? Is my 7 year old helmet offering me less protection now than it did brand new?

How often do you long-time riders replace your helmets?

[bok]

like anything, the components, padding, strap and such will break down over time so that's one of the reasons to replace.

another thing is in the 10 years since you bought yours there are better helmets out there for good prices. Better vents and removable padding etc. that some of the older helmets may not have had.

you are probably safe with your 10 year old lid, and you will probably not get into an accident any time soon, but replacing the helmet depends on how much stock you take in "probably"

[DivideOverflow]

I'd say every 5 years or so... $200 every 5 years isn't so bad for piece of mind. At least send yours in to have it tested to make sure it is safe.

[Keyoke]

It depends on who you talk to, I replace mine every year, but mainly because they're battered by that time! (I ride every day, my kit gets a LOT of abuse!)

Also I'm not sure how it works in the states, but over here, we have 2 classes of helmet - A & B. A B-class helmet is supposed to have a 2 year shelf life, and an A-class has a 3 year. After which, they should be replaced. That being said, some people are certain that there will be no problem with a helmet of any age, as long as it's been taken care of.

As said above, if you're at all worried about it, replace it. If for nothing else, the peace of mind has to be worth a coupla' hundred bucks!!

[flynrider]

One of the aging factors in a helmet is that the styrofoam-like material ( I'm sure it's some high tech material) tends to shrink and lose some of its elasticity, and therefore, some of it's ability to absorb shock.

I have a 10 yr. old helmet and I'm currently looking for a replacement. Not only does it stink from riding in 100plus degree weather most of the year, it's also substantially looser than it was when I bought it. Either my head has shrunk (no, I don't see a psychiatrist), or the interior padding has shrunk.

A removable, washable liner will be tops on the list this time around.

[CNF2002]

I also have read that 5 years is the average life of a helmet.