Helmet age

Is there a limit on how old of a lid to use? I was once told to replace it every two years just because the internals of a helmet break down. Is that still true with the removable\replaceable liners?

I'm sure if you ask the manufacturers, they will probably say something to cover their own @$$ and sell more.

This is, of course, without dropping it, or using it for it's intended purpose.

 

I was told when I was researching this a couple of years ago, that as long as a helmet is not dropped, it should be replaced every 5 years.
This is supposedly because of the breakdown of the padded liner components and the integrity of the outer shell.
My .02 worth!

 

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!

2-4 years seems to be what I come up with online.
If only a few years old you can just replace the inner liner if helmet starts to feel loose.
If it is removable that is. I have to replace mine on my CL-15 HJC for next season due to loose fit after 2 seasons.

 

I'm commenting to back you up...... I was trained in the U.S. Navy about everything there was to know, about the life and proper fitting of aircraft helmets.

The Navy gives a 5-7 shelf life out of the sun. Sun protective coatings are better now.

You have covered the question well..... There are a lot of interesting things I could get into just on fitting them to the wearer..... Any helmet I wear, I could leave on all day and not have it be uncomfortable, much less have Hot Spots. That's why all the pilots liked me....:biggrin:

 

That was going to be my addition, more or less. The only thing I remember reading/hearing was that UV can make the outer shell brittle over time, which could compromise the shock absorbing qualities (or lack thereof...:biggrin.

That's why I only ride in the dark or on cloudy days. JK, of course. I wear them until the plastic/vinyl components start looking tired, which seems to take about 5 years in my case. I'm sure that the daily and high-mileage riders see them degrade much more quickly.

 

Uh-oh

 

LOL Yep I knew the 6 year rule of thumb, well thats what I used, there is something to the UV thing too, but the new helmet technology has em in pretty good shape, even in 6 years, it's more of a case of how well it is being taken care of. Yes any hit shouldn't even be considered being worn again, Ah gee, man does this mean I need a new helmet??



I'm a kinda liking this one at the moment, all though I'm not sure If I'm an Arai head, I need to go try one on.

 

but if it had not been in use, or still in the wrapping, does that make a difference?


The reason that I am asking is because I sold my old Nolan to my uncle for $50. I have not work it a whole lot, and not at all since I got my new lid. It's been in the closet, in a box and in the cover for almost a year now. Does that count against the age? Would getting the lining & pads replaced help?

 

yep. that would be a helmet dying for it's owner, doing what it was made to do.

 

how old was the nolan??
is the foam inside falling apart?
once the inner starts to fall apart it should be relaced.

 

I still wear my only helmet that made it without any crashes from my racing days it is 17 years old and I don't worry about it. Granted it is only from time to time.

if the sun has fadded the paint I would start to worry.

I can't find the site but from what I have read that any new helmet in the box would start from time of sale.

 

The Nolan I got in probably 2003, and everything was intact. It was in a closet, inside my house, with coats, the vacuum, other crap like that.

 

no problem then Keager
50 bucks huh?
I have to send you PM next time i need a helmet.

 

I get a new helmet every two years or when I saw the one I like.
This will give me more choice! Just like clothes I don't wear same color everyday

 

+1
I have heard the same thing

 

Shoei warranties their helmets for 5 years from the date of sale or 7 years from date of manufacture, whichever comes first.

They also have new RF1100 and X12 models just released for those shopping.

 

Ragnar Thorkelson pictured here has been wearing the same helmet to Sturgis since 1948

http://www.indianchiefblowers.com/wp-content/viking-remember.jpg

 

One more thing that helps for many reasons, but I'll just cover the one that is relevant to this age thing (5 to 7 + in my book)......... And that is, to get some type of skull-cap(or two) so you can wash it more often and keep the oils away from the inside materials. Also buy helmets with removable liners for washing. Take the skull cap with you the next time you buy a helmet, for sizing.