Helmet Life Span
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 2
From: Planet Earth
Helmet Life Span
I have been looking for a new helmet. After doing some research I found that some places say that there is a life span on helmets. And not just helmet makers who of course would want to put that out to sell more helmets. They say 5 years from the purchase date and 7 years from the production date which is located under the padding. I have 3 helmets and they have production dates from 2005 to 2006. They appear to be in good shape but I was wondering what the forum might think about this?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14,262
Likes: 15,534
From: Tulsa
I'm of the opinion that if the helmet hasn't been dropped or taken a hit, it's fine. Having said that, I only wear one when I'm passing through a helmet law state anyway, so many would say my opinion is invalid. The 5-7 years you quote is from Shoei and for all intents and purposes, they are helmets. The question you're really asking is "Should I believe them?" I can't say. I do know they spend infinitely more money on helmet R&D than I do.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,764
Likes: 22,965
From: North Carolina
I ride enough that my helmets need to be replaced about every four to five years. They look rough around the edges and get a little worn and grungy on the inside. You know when it is time to trade it in.
If you have not dropped a helment or experienced an impact or damage I think you are okay as long as the internals still fit and provide cushion.
If you have not dropped a helment or experienced an impact or damage I think you are okay as long as the internals still fit and provide cushion.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
A helmet may look fine and have been taken care of with the utmost care; however, the issue is natural degradation of the materials. A helmet does it's job by absorbing impact rather than transferring that impact to your head. Over time, the material which absorbs the impact either "petrifies" [thus becoming hard] or softens. Therefore, your 5/7 year research is correct. Furthermore, that "crush" material is good for one (1) impact. Have a crash, strike the helmet - replace the helmet. That concept theoretically even holds true if you drop your helmet. No one may replace their helmet under such conditions, but it is what's advised.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
Although there are probably good reasons for replacing your helmet every few years, I'll admit to being suspicious when said advice comes from someone who makes money selling helmets.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
The protective liner inside of helmets are made of styrofoam. It takes over 500 years before styrofoam even begins to break down and can persist in the environment for over 1 million years. Unless a helmet is badly damaged from impact I say it's fine even if it's over 5 years old. If the foam and shell are in good condition you should be fine. Can't remember if it was an article or a video that I saw some time ago of either a Arai or Shoei executive/engineer that admitted a helmet is safe much longer than the 5 years period we're told.
My first full face was a slightly used HJC AC-12 that came along with my Z1000 when I bought it, and it fit perfectly, but they stopped making them sometime between 2009 and 2010. I tired on other helmets and didn't like the fit so I went on eBay and found two HJC AC-12's, one new in the box that was on a shelf and one slightly used. I bought both. Unlike some others, I'm reluctant to spend $500+ on a helmet that's not really any safer than my HJC.
You'll get conflicting opinions about this. This one is just mine.
My first full face was a slightly used HJC AC-12 that came along with my Z1000 when I bought it, and it fit perfectly, but they stopped making them sometime between 2009 and 2010. I tired on other helmets and didn't like the fit so I went on eBay and found two HJC AC-12's, one new in the box that was on a shelf and one slightly used. I bought both. Unlike some others, I'm reluctant to spend $500+ on a helmet that's not really any safer than my HJC.
You'll get conflicting opinions about this. This one is just mine.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 442
Likes: 110
From: San Jose, CA
From the Snell Foundation website FAQ:
http://www.smf.org/helmetfaq#aWhyReplace
Why should you replace your helmet every five years?
The five-year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. 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.
http://www.smf.org/helmetfaq#aWhyReplace
Why should you replace your helmet every five years?
The five-year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. 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.
Last edited by TroutBum; Aug 3, 2017 at 11:29 AM.
