Helmet Life
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
Helmet Life
I did a search and couldn't find anything on this! I have heard and read that a helmet should be changed out about every 5 years give or take a year? What you all think about this?
thanks
Ranger Rick
thanks
Ranger Rick
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,014
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From: Northern California
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 963
Likes: 388
From: Indianapolis
I think it's designed to sell more helmets. As long as the foam is good, the shell will never wear out.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 938
From: Up a tree making meth coolaid
Can't say I speak from experience on the road.... But I do owe my life to a few helmets off road well past the 5 year mark. I assume your looking at new helmets and trying to justify the purchase. Whatever it takes to keep one on your head. As much as I believe in freedom of choice and personal freedoms, I know I'll never go without. Not yet at least, still have plenty of living to do.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 809
Likes: 1,144
From: West Texas
Composite materials don't necessarily "wear" out, but they do degrade. It you look at the plastic hard hats used in many industries you will find they have replacement recommendations for 3 - 5 years too. Some resin materials that harden through chemical reaction of a resin and hardener never fully quit reacting even though they are hard. Over long times they can become more brittle. Like sun breaks down clear coat on a lot of car paint jobs, exposure to sun light can break down lots stuff. While I agree that the shells wouldn't wear out with any kind of normal use, they do suffer effects of time. mmesa005 posted a good link with some good info. I don't think it is a bad practice to replace a helmet every 5 years.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
Most materials degrade and loose some protective quality (everything has a life span, even if it still looks good).
There is lots of information out there, you just have to wade through it.
https://www.smf.org/helmetfaq
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,874
From: Upstate New York
Not disputing any of this, but, if helmets didnt degrade, how would helmet makers stay in business? I mean, once everybody had one, how would they sell more?
Okay, cynical old man mode off. Back to your regularly scheduled thread.
Okay, cynical old man mode off. Back to your regularly scheduled thread.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,762
From: Omaha,NE
Composite materials don't necessarily "wear" out, but they do degrade. It you look at the plastic hard hats used in many industries you will find they have replacement recommendations for 3 - 5 years too. Some resin materials that harden through chemical reaction of a resin and hardener never fully quit reacting even though they are hard. Over long times they can become more brittle. Like sun breaks down clear coat on a lot of car paint jobs, exposure to sun light can break down lots stuff. While I agree that the shells wouldn't wear out with any kind of normal use, they do suffer effects of time. mmesa005 posted a good link with some good info. I don't think it is a bad practice to replace a helmet every 5 years.
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