Okay- - Today I replaced my trusty long time helmet, my HD Americana half helmet -- I figured that since the manufacture date was 05/00, it is time for a new one - - rode with it through thick and thin...never dropped (well, not from too far, maybe from the seat once or twice - -)

I read that a helmet should be replaced between 2-5 years depending on abuse..so, that in mind


...how old is your helmet?

 

Every 2 - 5 years? Wow... I had never heard that before.

I have had a Shoei for a long time. It has held up very well. I had a Nolan before it and within a year the lining was just trashed.

My wife's helmet is a Shoei as well... but it does not get a lot of use. =)

 

Does the core "meltdown" over time? I would think the only things that could ruin a helmet would be a bad impact or bad hygiene?

 

I guess the materials inside get brittle with age -- as that can also occur faster with heat/cold variations over time - - I stored mine in the garage when not in use - well, it saw lots of extreme conditions..just don't want to chance it...as nice as the helmet looks, it's the unknown that I cant see I guess that worries me


Here's an excerpt from the Snell Foundation 2005 Standards (page 9):


Here's one of the links I found out about it on....

http://www.smf.org/pdf/standards/m2005final1204.pdf

 

I replace my full face at a 3 year average. Been riding on the street for 30 years, not always with a helmet but as I get older, faster and in better touch with my mortality I wear it much more.


[sm=goodidea.gif]

 

I have one that is ten years old, one that is three years old and one that is six months old. The newest one is for the wife. The one I normally wear is three years old.

 

Bad Hygiene? Can you imagine....LOL

 

I just got my carbon fiber helmet a month ago. Got two quick rides in with it. Love the helmet and can't wait for the weather to get better. My old helmet is maybe 4 years old. Nothing wrong with it other then the mushroom look.

 

Yes, you are supposed to replace every 5 years. But if you are wearing a half helmet, I am not sure it really matters, as the 5 year guidline has to do with properties of the helmet and maximum protection. With a half helmet, you are starting at significantly less than full protection, so it would matter much less. I am not saying you have to ride with a full helmet.....just pointing out the rationale.

Bones

 

I have many helmets that I have collected over the last 30 odd years, just can't bring myself to part with them - they hold a lot of memories. They are all black, two are full face, five halfs (or sort of), one even has horns on it. The newest one is 10 years old, just a very basic novelty helmet but my favorite.