Helmet Age ?

I was thinking about getting a new lid my Arai Quantum 'F' was manufactured in 01/03 so it makes it over 5 years old now....Not that there is anything wrong with it......Does anyone replace there helmet after a certain time frame ? Or do you keep using you tried and true helmet no matter what the age ? Just curious as to what you guy's think about the subject any input would be appreciated.....

 

I would replace it since every manufacturer recommends 5 years. There are things in human perspiration that conspire to degrade the liner over time. It's possible that the helmet is just fine but I personally am not taking chances with my sputnik.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

Absolutely agree. When you spread the cost of a helmet over 5 years why would you not replace it as recommended.

 

Hmm my 8 year old Shoie then isn't worth much Huh? even thou I bought new insides. My take is yea if you have a opps and theres the slightest chance the helmet as been bounced, it's a no brainier. but other wise if you take good care of it I don't see problem.

 

I might use it a few more years. I mean 7~8 years in total, however,
I will be not using it after those years. Inside foams eventually will brake down
and turn into crumbles or powder 8~10 years after manufacuturing.
That happened once to my Shoei GRV helmet.

I checked Japanese sites and most of sites suggest to replace after three
years from purchasing date and should never thinking of wearing after five years.
They (manufactures) all say main reason is due to delamination of outer shells. It is caused
mostely by UV, although the most of helmets are usually covered by gel coats
to slow down degradeing process.
My excuse for 7 years is riding in polar bear country and I ride for 6 months,
1200km per year. After reading many articles I now have to start saving money
for next year(fourth year).

 

The Snell rating on your helmet is a time based certification. I think it is 5 years. It may be 3. There are environmental effects on your helmet that dictate this . Perspiration, Exteranl items like polution also fitment. Over time you compress the internal liner and degrade it with youre perspiration etc. You sould look into another helmet.

All that said, to some folks the Snell rating doesn't mean much. To me It does. I figure if you have a $50 head get a $50 helmet. I don't know about anyone else in here but I am kinda partial to my head.

 

5 years max. I ride dirt bikes year round and have tested a few helmets. The reason for 5 years is, to my understanding, the fact that the liner in the helmet is made of expanded polystyrene or EPS. This material crushes at a predictable rate and it does not store energy and rebound, which would be bad. Now over time this material gets harder and therefore loses it's predictable crush rate which means the most important part of your helmet is failing. The outer shell is design to protect against abrasions and must be a balance between stiff enough for a impact but not to stiff to offer some energy absorbing effects.
The perfect helmet would be about two feet wide with a huge liner in it, however, the reality is there has to be a sacrifice between function and safety. So the margin of safety and function is extremely small, hence, the somewhat short life span.
Considering your brain is like warm jello surrounded by a fluid, you need your helmet to work properly to protect your brain, sometimes in a accident the helmet has never been tested for. Buying a new helmet should be looked upon as the cost of riding safely.
.

 

The Snell rating doesn't mean squat. Motorcyclist magazine proved this in 2005. They lost almost 75% of their helmet advertising as a result of the article. The ECE rating is the best in the business now.

Motorcycle Helmet Design, Helmet Standards and Head Protection - Gear Box - Motorcyclist Online

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I just use a time frame to justify buying new helmets. Of course, I use a yearly time frame.:wink:

 

I've always read the 3 year rule and just tried to abide by it. I usually go by the manufacturers suggestions based on UV exposure, etc. But ,sometimes if I find a good enough deal I'll break that rule and buy a little early. Just got a new one as a matter of fact. The other helmet had just had it's third birthday, give or take a few months.

Vs

 

what about a 5 yr old helmet never been used still sitting on shelf at local MC shop less than half price is that a good deal or a bad deal ?

 

And what do you do with your old helmets, just trash them or try to resell them?

 

"5 yr old helmet never been used still sitting on shelf "

What I read from Japanese manufactures' articles were counting for three years from purchasing date. Those articles also mentioned helmets being bagged with silicagel, antioxidant and boxed... so I guess we probably should not buy those helmets. I also read there used be helmets without gel coat. Those helmets were adviced to throw away after one year. Helmets for construction etc. do have neither gel coat nor fabric and they are plastic alone, so they will last for one year.

 

Is "usage" a factor to consider?
I have a 5 year old Quantum F that hasn't been used much.
It's been sitting my a closet well protected.
I'll start using it now that my other helmet was dropped and now is in the trash.

 

My Age + My Vfr Age + My Helmet Age = 1 Century.....
Well, Time To Change My Helmet.
My Son Paid Me A Nive New Helmet With Sunglasses Built In.
Now The Aforesaid Sum Is Lwer Than A Century..
Change Helmet Not Later Than 3 Years.
Lamps, Carmine

 

I think many of you must have seen this article.
Arai News


Sorry I failed putting URL
Arai America has an article of the helmet after an 140m/h accident.

I don't like wearing other than Shoei or Arai helmets but if I can find one from
other manufactures I might be able to change helmet more frequently. I tried
HJC and AGV before, however I thought they were too narrow for me. I have
been wearing Shoei XL. Do you know any helmets fit similar to Shoei?

 

OK here is what the MSF course guys recommended for old helmets. Cut the straps off. Personally I have done drop test with some of my old helmets for fun. Take it to the roof and drop it onto concrete. See what happens. Do not resell it, to me that is just downright criminal. If it is not safe for you to use why would you let someone else use it.

 

Put it on a tray for under plastic pot.
Put some soil in it.
Lift viser and plant something like trailing annuals.