How Often You Tend To Replace Your Helmet?

[Arctic Fox]

I have gotten idea that the standard recommendation by helmet producers is to change your helmet every 5. year? Have you really done that?

It will be 3. riding season for my AGV. As I have helmet specific system on it ... replace will not become cheap.

 

[Qship]

I have heard 5-7 years. If it takes a good drop, or even a light crash, then immediately, as you may not be able to see hidden cracks or damage. If you don't ride a lot, it may last longer as it's exposed to the elements less.

 

[Rocky]

I tend to use the 5-7 years schedule too.
I start thinking about it at 5 but it's usually closer to 7 when I make the change.

 

[atomsplitter]

When the bucket starts to feel 'loose' on my head, usually takes about 5 years with normal riding. As far as the integrated sound system, I just did that with my new Shoei, and yes it was over $1K for the set.

 

[SparkyMan]

Just replaced my Shoei Rf-1200 with an Rf-1400 after 5 years. Manufacturers and bike shops recommend every 3-5 years, but they do have a bit of interest in making money. It’s a bit tighter fit around the sides, but my head feels great after just returning from a 400 mile weekend, so it ain’t too tight. Only wish it wasn’t so expensive-especially with a Transitions shield.
-Sparky

 

[Lordmac]

I have gotten idea that the standard recommendation by helmet producers is to change your helmet every 5. year? Have you really done that?

It will be 3. riding season for my AGV. As I have helmet specific system on it ... replace will not become cheap.

Of course, If I was making helmets, I'd LOVE it if everybody would buy a new one every five years! I have four helmets at this time; one is a Schuberth C3 which I wear most often because of the cool drop-down shade-visor and the quietness of it, and two Bell 500s that are six years old and still in their boxes in storage and a new Bell Bullit that I just got. The thing about helmets that gets old is the liners: they compress and get all funky and old, and before replaceable liners, that meant the helmet went when the liner went. So, with such replaceable liners, why buy a new helmet, unless one simply wants the latest thing? I don't see the shell or the hard foam inner-lining going bad in five years, so I'd say replace a helmet every ten or twelve years, or, maybe thirty . . .

 

[nickjaxe]

If not damaged or tatty I cant understand why you would replace????

 

[PhilsTTR]

If not damaged or tatty I cant understand why you would replace????

Ive worn the same HJC for about fifteen years.... it always made my scalp itch, but I just lived with it... Because the colour of it didn't really suit the style of my Thruxton, I bought a new HJC, what a difference!... I think helmet design has really moved on... I love the internal sun visor and the slot to slide my glasses in (which I never used ti have wear). I wish I had done that earlier.
No more scalp itch either!

 

[Arrowbear rider]

The industry standard is 5 years and that's to #1, sell more helmets and #2, for protection from long term liability for the manufacture. I've seen a couple of "studies" on this and I've seen no reason for every helmet to be replaced at the 5 year mark simply because the shell is "breaking down" or the "shelve life" of the polymers.

Depending on frequency of use, storage & environment (humid v. dry air) and of course how you handle your helmet determines your helmet's actual usefulness/life span. I've seen riders with scratched up helmets and how they handle them when putting them down and some of those need replacing. My oldest helmet, which sits mostly on a shelve, still looks almost new, and I got that one as a hand me down from my brother over 7 years ago. It's an XL and after a couple of uses it was replaced with a better fitting helmet (LG) and rarely used.
Like I said, that one sits on the shelve most of the time, I have 4 helmets, three different sizes (SM, 2 LGs, & XL) and I'm currently looking for 2 more (XS & MD) so when I offer a lady friend a ride I have the right size for her. I think having the right size helmet in good condition is more important than it's age, assuming it's not showing it's age, discoloration or other signs of the shell breaking down; not being used enough for the liners to be a problem yet.

But how you handle your equipment matters more, my most used helmet a Bell, is three years old and it looks brand new.

 

[turbohawk]

I've kept an extra expensive custom Arai long enough to replace the entire liner set, and still wear it on occasion especially if I'm going somewhere that isn't exactly the most secure and might have to leave it on bike (I usually use gun-action cable locks for this situation...they can cut the strap though...but haven't had issue yet). It is kept in a closet off my living room. I'm positive that this 15+ year Arai shell/liner(the actual impact absorption one) will protect better than a NEW Bilt! lol. I hope I'll never find out in anycase.

 

[Arctic Fox]

I more like asked this question concerning the outer layer/layers of helmet. If I'm not mistaken, with some models you can even purchase and replace the inside materials if needed?

Things like can UV-lights etc. weakening the helmet as the time goes (like it ''destroys'' many plastics)? I think glass-fiber and carbon-fiber products seemed to be much better here, based on cross-country skis ans ski poles. We have some pretty old ones at home,and those are still very ok shape.

 

[turbohawk]

Yes, PLASTIC helmets do degrade MUCH faster than PAINTED fiberglass/kevlar/carbon fiber and the Industry has been recommending a new helmet every 5 years or less, and of course, if it's damaged in anyway they want you to IMMEDIATELY replace it. I've been in the industry decades ago for a decade and sold thousands of helmets and most people that are careful and it's a QUALITY brand (Arai is easily hands down the best IMO across the board but they are pricey) can get by longer than 5 years. However, It's a recommendation and of course selling more helmets is always a good thing for the manufacturers. The choice is yours but I've always emphasized that one should choose a helmet that matches the value of their head...

 

[rodsridin]

I replaced my old Shoei 1000 after 10 years because I could no longer find new lining. It was never dropped or damaged. On the other hand, my dirt helmet gets replaced not on a time basis but on a "it's done it's job" basis.