Do Helmets Have a Shelf Life
#25
09-30-2009 | 12:30 PM
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From: Northeast of Indy..
they are given a shelf life because generally a helmet will have been dropped or the liner subject to contaminents within a 3-5 year period. there is no reason a helmet that has not been dropped and has been kept in an area away from paint/gas/etc fumes shouldn't be as good as it was new.
#27
10-02-2009 | 09:24 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,582
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From: North East
Wasn't trying to save a few bucks....
Wasn't suggesting a 27 year old helmet was or wasn't safe.....
Was just looking for input/opinions regarding one of those many questions that run thru mind on a daily basis.
And for petemac's reference to "reasonable money."
Isn't this the same forum with members that can go on and on about a $3 a quart difference in the price of motor oil that is changed how many times a year?
I love this place!!
Thanks again to everyone that responded with info.
#28
10-03-2009 | 03:59 PM
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From:
Shoei guarantees some, if not all, of their helmets for five years from date of sale or seven years from date of manufacture, whichever comes first so I guess they think they should be good for at least five years. Personally, I think it is a cover your *** way to sell new helmets. Mind you, this is from someone who doesn't wear a helmet. 
#29
10-03-2009 | 05:12 PM
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From: Joliet, Illinois
According to helmet manufacturers, helmets don't have a shelf life, and don't need to be replaced if they are dropped.
Helmets are designed to mimic your skull. Your skull protects your brain with a hard outer layer, and a layer of fluid between your brain and your skull. Fluid would be difficult in a helmet, so they use foam instead. If the shell is intact and undamaged, and the foam is intact and not compressed, the helmet is fine and will work as designed.
The only times you'd need to replace your helmet after dropping it would be if you happened to have a bowling ball in it when you dropped it (which would compress the foam), or, if you managed to drop it in such a way which caused a break in the outer shell.
Helmets are designed to mimic your skull. Your skull protects your brain with a hard outer layer, and a layer of fluid between your brain and your skull. Fluid would be difficult in a helmet, so they use foam instead. If the shell is intact and undamaged, and the foam is intact and not compressed, the helmet is fine and will work as designed.
The only times you'd need to replace your helmet after dropping it would be if you happened to have a bowling ball in it when you dropped it (which would compress the foam), or, if you managed to drop it in such a way which caused a break in the outer shell.
Last edited by MidnitEvil; 10-03-2009 at 05:16 PM.
