Helmet Longevity (Lifetime)
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 6
From: Route 66
I live around Lake of the Ozarks and I see that styrofoam around docks and washed up in coves that has been exposed to the elements for years and is still in good shape.
Odd that the EPA and scientists believe the styrofoam in our landfills will be around for 1,000+ years but the same will disintegrate after 5 or 6 years in my helmet.
Odd that the EPA and scientists believe the styrofoam in our landfills will be around for 1,000+ years but the same will disintegrate after 5 or 6 years in my helmet.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,352
Likes: 648
From: Vegas, baby!
I have two helmets currently in use. One with a tinted shield for daytime use and another with a clear shield for riding at night. I am too lazy to have one helmet and change the shield, apparently.
Does the 3, or whatever year, replacement apply if a helmet isn't used much. My 'night' helmet has only been used about 5 times.
Comments?
Does the 3, or whatever year, replacement apply if a helmet isn't used much. My 'night' helmet has only been used about 5 times.
Comments?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 116
From: Raleigh, NC
5 Years is a long time to have a helmet. With how often you take it on and off I wouldn't recommend going for longer than 4 years with the same helmet. You can drop it here and there, ding it, and it might actually affect the structural integrity of the helmet. Some companies even let you send the helmet back in after a bad drop just to see if it was cracked. If the helmet is cracked or damaged in anyway, it pretty much puts the safety and protection properties all at risk...
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
I live around Lake of the Ozarks and I see that styrofoam around docks and washed up in coves that has been exposed to the elements for years and is still in good shape.
Odd that the EPA and scientists believe the styrofoam in our landfills will be around for 1,000+ years but the same will disintegrate after 5 or 6 years in my helmet.
Odd that the EPA and scientists believe the styrofoam in our landfills will be around for 1,000+ years but the same will disintegrate after 5 or 6 years in my helmet.
Excellent point. I never heard of a "helmet shelf life" until I saw it on here. My helmet is about nine years old. I only replaced my last one because my dog chewed out the lining on it and the strap was broken.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
Most helmet manufacturers warranty their helmets from 3 - 5 years. The protective foam will degrade over time just as rubber and other materials do. Most race organizations do not allow participants to wear helmets older than 5 years. I would say 10 years max. Under normal usage the liner and chin strap will probably be worn out after 5 years not to mention extremely gross if they have not been removed and cleaned.
There is also the fact of safety standards which keep getting upgraded, and over all design improvements constantly being made. A helmet made in the 1990s was no where near as protective as today's helmets plus they did not have effective vented helmets back then.
There is also the fact of safety standards which keep getting upgraded, and over all design improvements constantly being made. A helmet made in the 1990s was no where near as protective as today's helmets plus they did not have effective vented helmets back then.
Last edited by fat_tony; Jun 16, 2014 at 04:09 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
Old helmets work just fine. Mine is definitely not "gross". Maybe I don't sweat as much as some do? And the strap is just fine. I have lost one of those snaps that holds the visor on, but no big deal, there are two more holding it on.
Still, I wouldn't put anyone down for wanting to replace their helmet every few years, it's their choice. Just not necessary for me.
Still, I wouldn't put anyone down for wanting to replace their helmet every few years, it's their choice. Just not necessary for me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 128
I live around Lake of the Ozarks and I see that styrofoam around docks and washed up in coves that has been exposed to the elements for years and is still in good shape.
Odd that the EPA and scientists believe the styrofoam in our landfills will be around for 1,000+ years but the same will disintegrate after 5 or 6 years in my helmet.
Odd that the EPA and scientists believe the styrofoam in our landfills will be around for 1,000+ years but the same will disintegrate after 5 or 6 years in my helmet.