IVE HEARD the foam in a dot helmet loses its ability to obsorb impact after 3 or 4 years , it disintagrates or hardens or something . any body know if this is true? WE gotta wear them here in ga. and my wifes helmet is 4 years old. her life is in my hands when we ride, so im willing to get her a new one if necesary. mines 9 years old and i aint changing it.

 

ive never heard that. but it is true that if you drop youre helmet or hit it against anything, you are supposed to replace it. the tiny fractures in the shell, or the compressed parts of the foam can break apart easier on impact.

but i dont have the money to replace a 400 dollar helmet everytime it hits the ground...

 

Read somewhere that maximum protection lasts 5-6 years and then beings to decline.

At what point it's lost most of its protection I don't know.

Sammi

 

from the hjc helmet web site

Replacement (All Models)

Although your HJC Helmet is constructed with the best materials available to offer a long-lasting product, it will eventually need to be replaced. Immediately replace your helmet if:

• It has suffered an impact. Your helmet is only designed for ONE impact. An impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact absorbing liner. You may not be able to detect this damage. Any impact in a crash or a drop from as low as 4 feet is enough to damage your helmet.

• The shell, lining, or retention system is damaged. The helmet shell, the impact absorbing lining, and the retention system must be in good condition to provide you with the most protection.


Even if your helmet has not been damaged, it needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years depending on how much you use it. Over time, UV rays and adhesive and component aging will damage your helmet. Wearing a damaged helmet may increase your risk of serious injury or death in an accident.

If you are unsure if you need to replace your helmet, contact HJC America before using your helmet again.

 

We all know what they are gonna say if you call, reguardless of age, drops.....

 

Boy, consumers are a cynical bunch. If a manufacturer keeps silent and someone is injured wearing their product then everyone screams; nobody told me. If they recommend replacement then they are just trying to sell more product. Amazing.

 

I did call shoei one time and talked to a rep about a helmet .I was surprised they told me it was still good and no reason to replace it.

 

I'm thinkin' of going with a duct tape turban.

 

well we all know that duct tape will hold. screw all of these over priced helmet brands! lets start a duct tape revolution! and theres so many colors too chose from!

 

wasn't me that was hjc recommendation!!! lol