How old is your helmet?

How-do people.

I've just bought a new helmet. A very lovely AGV K3 sv. Fits lovely, and looks mean in black!

I've only had my bike since January. But bought my cheap Nitro helmet 5 years ago when I did my test. It's kept clean, in its bag and in the box when not in use.

Just got me thinking if everyone replaces their helmet each 3 to 5 years as the dealers recommend or not?

I've always wondered how long the helmets sit in their boxes in warehouses & store rooms before being sold.

What say you?

[maviczap]

If its a cheapo helmet, then it won't last long anyway.

Depends how often you wear your helmet?

'Dealer recommend' is questionable!

[Kenzie]

My Caberg is about three years old now. Not planning on changing it any time soon.

The actual age of the helmet isn't important, it's how much you've used it. They can be stored on a shelf for years, then after someone actually uses them for say 5 years it ought to be replaced. This is because when your head sweats it ruins the lining and the fit is no longer snug, so if you came off your helmet would hit the floor, then your head would hit the helmet.

I guess that's pretty extreme case, but I think that's the idea (o:

So if you clean the lining kinda regularly it could probably last longer. Trouble is, there's no way of really knowing whether the helmet is still in good condition, not until you hit the road!

[Littlepeahead]

My Shoei is worn only at weekends, it's kept in a dark cupboard out of UV light, but after 4 years the cheek pads have compressed. I'm loathe to replace the whole helmet so I reckon a new set of pads will give me another year at least.

The head sweat thing is an interesting point though. I tuck my gloves inside my helmet but when I carry it but an (un-named) orger mentioned the other week that he wouldn't do this as his gloves were probably dirty. I pointed out that I regularly wash my helmet lining so think that is OK.

He then said he's never washed the lining of his lid even though he's worn it daily for 5 years - yeuch!!! He actually said he didn't realise you could clean the inside. Then again he also said he didn't know sleeping bags were washable either and I know he's had his one several years

[Bibio]

how long does polystyrene last before it starts to disintegrate? this is the main material in your helmet that saves your brain from getting scrambled due to it acting as a cushion during an impact, the outer is for abrasion and impact while the polystyrene lining is the actual thing that saves your brain. the polystyrene has a shelf life and while the outside of the helmet looks as good as new the polystyrene could be on it's way out. the more you wear the helmet the more sweat and oils seep into the polystyrene shortening its shelf life.

[NTECUK]

Some people who do the Snell test recon,
. "Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials. Hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, as well as normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Petroleum based products present in cleaners, paints, fuels and other commonly encountered materials may also degrade materials used in many helmets possibly degrading performance. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five-year period due to advances in materials, designs, production methods and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five-year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from a prudent safety philosophy."
But what do Snell know hey.
Because I get oily crap in my hair my work lid only gets a year of use. I was it once a fortnight. So it's not ideal.
On the other hand my Aria is now comming up to 5 years old.
But is used so lighty I'm inclined to keep it going

[Heorot]

I bought a new helmet in May after dropping the old one. The old one was a £50 Duchinni that I bought to learn to ride on. I commuted daily until I blew up the engine (Honda CG125). After passing my test, I bought the SV and continued to commute. All in All, I wore it constantly for four years.

After reading Bibio's comment on the polystyrene, I checked the Duchinni. The polystyrene has not degraded at all It is still in perfect condition. I once had an old sofa that had to be 20 years old and which was made with moulded polystyrene on the back and arms. When I finally threw it out, again, the polystyrene was in perfect condition

[Stuart42]

MCUI,Irish ACU,will only let you use a helmet up to 5 years from date of manufacture,whereas ACU allow 7.
I appreciate that racing is different to road riding but if they go by date of manufacture,then that is what I would go by.
Also at bike shows helmets that are coming to end of shelf life,5 years from manufacture,are sold of cheap.
Cheers Stuart

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Heorot

. I commuted daily until I blew up the engine (Honda CG125).

How did you manage that!

Starve it of oil?