So what happens with a helmet when it gets older? I've seen you are to trash them after 3-4 years. I just replaced my 9 year old 3/4 that was great to me. I've got a ten year old full-face I wore for one year, like new, probably never wear again. Dump it?

 

Here is what Shoei has to say about it/

EPS Liner

As EPS is neither solvent nor heat-proof, the impact absorption liner must be treated with particular care during cleaning. As in all other cases, the EPS liner should be cleaned using only a damp cloth in order to avoid scratches or indentations.


Helmet Replacement

Ultimately, the useful service life of a safety helmet is dependent on the intensity and frequency of its use. Helmet replacement is recommended even if only one of the under-mentioned points applies:
1. The helmet was subjected to an impact.
2. The comfort padding or the retention system has become loose due to heavy use or display signs of deterioration. Test: with the retention system fastened, the helmet turns to the side when you gently shake your head.
3. The EPS liner has come away from the helmet shell.
4. The EPS liner shows signs of wear and is beginning to break up, or if it has been exposed to heat or a solvent and has melted. There are indentations in the EPS liner and/or white scratches can be seen on surfaces with black paint.
5. Even if none of these is applied, we, SHOEI, recommend replacement in 5 years after it's first purchased at retail.

 

Probably good advice, but remember, it comes from a company that makes money by selling new helmets and has to retain a staff of lawyers to defend themselves against the inevitable injury lawsuits. I would expect them to err on the side of caution for those reasons alone.

Then again, what do I know? I'm just a cynical old bastard.

 

Some dealerships have helmet trade in offers. That's how I got the helmet I have now.

 

I got a new helmet every 5 yrs when I was a motor. Those were Shoei RJ Air's
Sweat, stink, worn padding and sun exposure did mine in.

 

Don't throw old helmets away, repurpose it into a flower pot.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...pots&FORM=IGRE

 

I replace mine about every 20 years whether they need it or not...

I'm kidding, I still have my 40 year old Bell. I think it will outlast me, unless we check out the same time.

 

I'll use mine until the warranty is up. It's a Shoei so that's 5 years. The whole interior is washable and replaceable so I won't worry much about padding wearing out or getting stinky.

 

I generally replace mine when I feel they are past their prime - for my Shoei and Arai helmets, that's usually 5 - 7 years. I've stuck with those two brands due to their reputation and my experience (non-crash test) with them.

 

FWIW - I had an old Bell classic from the late '70's sitting on a shelf. The liner had disintegrated, so before I tossed I though I'd test it out. Dropped ii on the garage floor a few times, no worse for wear. Hit it with a hammer, still fine. Hit it with 10ld sledge, finanlly cracked after several hits.