Helmet Change - How often?

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

I still think it is more commercially orientated than necessary to replace an undamaged helmet in this time scale

It is commercial, but probably not in the way many first think. Rather than simply to boost sales, it also avoid ruinous (and idiotic) legal activity.

"I crashed my 10 year old, home modified, helmet that has been kept in the microwave on the sunny side of the kitchen, and I got hurt. You never told me I shouldn't use it so I sue."

I will have had mine 5 years this year and replacing it.
Why? because the cushioning has flattened and it has been dropped a few times from knee height and banged about a bit. Personally I wouldn't risk it. I know the Nolan tech's recommend every 5 years here or 3 if you're in a sunnier climate due to UV.
IP changed his last year but thats cos he got a great deal on one. but I'll admit that we have always had a spare.

The lining in most more expensive helmets are interchangable. Just because a helmet becomes a bit loose does not necessarily mean you need to change the helmet. Just buy new lining. But I think a loose fitting helmet is as good an excuse to change it for a nice shiny new one anyway.

[Viney]

Originally Posted by Stig_Of_The_Dump

Not that currently my helmets have lasted anywhere near thinking about changing them because of age.

Ditto

Its apprently every 5 years according to erm, probably the Helmet manufacturers.

[Viney]

Originally Posted by johnnyrod

What are you supposed ot do with the old one that's duff?

Make em into hanging baskets for Mothers Day I'll be doing that with the 2 i have when i get the new one...

The idea was from Mrs Grinch

Using the bike most days means that after about 2 years my helmet is well past its best, and feeling really loose ... could change the liner as said ... but its nice to have a change ...

[embee]

It might have been mentioned on here, can't recall, but I remember someone saying the fire-brigade use old helmets in training exercises, always worth an ask at your local station if they want it before casting into the bin.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

According to my mate whose business it is to sell good quality helmets and gear to the likes of us, says it is recommended to replace a helmet within five years.

Not that people in that line of work would accept biased information