How often should you change a helmet?
Discussion
Hello,
I damaged my regular helmet in a workshop accident (don’t ask). However, I have an old Shoei - undamaged, hardly ever used, good helmet when it was bought - but it was bought about 15 years ago(!). Cosmetically though, it presents as in new condition.
However, I've read that, after say 7 or 8 years, a helmet's innards have deteriorated anyway; and, in any event, what was state of the art over a decade ago will be pretty outdated now anyway.
So:
Q1: I imagine I should just get a new modern helmet?
Q2: For safety /quality, are the well-known brands (AGV, Shoei, Arai etc) still the best bet? I like the look of the more fashion type brands (such as Hedon), just not sure if they’re as good under the skin.
Thanks
I damaged my regular helmet in a workshop accident (don’t ask). However, I have an old Shoei - undamaged, hardly ever used, good helmet when it was bought - but it was bought about 15 years ago(!). Cosmetically though, it presents as in new condition.
However, I've read that, after say 7 or 8 years, a helmet's innards have deteriorated anyway; and, in any event, what was state of the art over a decade ago will be pretty outdated now anyway.
So:
Q1: I imagine I should just get a new modern helmet?
Q2: For safety /quality, are the well-known brands (AGV, Shoei, Arai etc) still the best bet? I like the look of the more fashion type brands (such as Hedon), just not sure if they’re as good under the skin.
Thanks
bgunn said:
Generally suggested to replace after five years. I find the linings are getting a lot softer/less snug by that age, the EPS liner has a limited life also.
Considering what it protects, I think it's a fairly small price to pay..
Sold, cheers! Considering what it protects, I think it's a fairly small price to pay..
[Remember years ago in my local bike shop, another customer complaining about the "high prices" of helmets on offer and the sales assistant, with a straight face, directing him over to the "cheap heads department" ... ]
bgunn said:
I think the most important thing (and oft ignored by the "pick one you think fits best" brigade of stores) is that whatever helmet you wear, it fits properly.
And that doesn't mean it's loose and 'comfortable'.
Good advice - bit like ski boots - "comfortable" at rest not v comfortable at speed ... And that doesn't mean it's loose and 'comfortable'.
Some people may wear a helmet 1 day a week and others 5 days a week, so how is the 5 year recommendation worked out ?
you can buy new liners for most modern premium helmets which are an easy way to get that new helmet feel for £30-40 which is not too bad on a £500-700 helmet if its otherwise undamaged.
I cant believe a modern carbon composite helmet worn once a week for 5 years is not "worn out" but manufacturers would like you to buy a new one as often as possible
you can buy new liners for most modern premium helmets which are an easy way to get that new helmet feel for £30-40 which is not too bad on a £500-700 helmet if its otherwise undamaged.
I cant believe a modern carbon composite helmet worn once a week for 5 years is not "worn out" but manufacturers would like you to buy a new one as often as possible
tommy1973s said:
Sold, cheers!
[Remember years ago in my local bike shop, another customer complaining about the "high prices" of helmets on offer and the sales assistant, with a straight face, directing him over to the "cheap heads department" ... ]
I'm sure that smug t[Remember years ago in my local bike shop, another customer complaining about the "high prices" of helmets on offer and the sales assistant, with a straight face, directing him over to the "cheap heads department" ... ]
t is no longer in business.It's surely not about the inners ..but the degradation of the outer shell. It becomes brittle and loses its strength so instead of absorbing impacts it shatters like a walnut shell. That's why one discards a seemingly good helmet that is in effect cosmetically good but structurally s##t
As ever, there are lots of recommendations to change/not change without any real evidence supporting that position. Mainly because such evidence doesn't really exist.
There isn't a defined time period after which helmets stop offering protection however, materials deteriorate over time due all sorts of things like sunlight, sweat, use stress etc. and helmet materials are no different. Deterioration of materials over time MUST reduce the protection offered by a helmet though I suspect that reduction in protection levels for most will likely be less than helmet manufacturers/retailers would perhaps like you to believe.
I tend to change my helmet after about 5 years. By then they've had a good amount of use, look a little "used" on the outside and have a slightly less than fresh aroma on the inside. Some helmets also tend to "continue to give" over time such that what a good fitting helmet 6 months after purchase is a bit on the loose side after 5 years, though, I've found this doesn't happen with the Schuberths I've used.
There isn't a defined time period after which helmets stop offering protection however, materials deteriorate over time due all sorts of things like sunlight, sweat, use stress etc. and helmet materials are no different. Deterioration of materials over time MUST reduce the protection offered by a helmet though I suspect that reduction in protection levels for most will likely be less than helmet manufacturers/retailers would perhaps like you to believe.
I tend to change my helmet after about 5 years. By then they've had a good amount of use, look a little "used" on the outside and have a slightly less than fresh aroma on the inside. Some helmets also tend to "continue to give" over time such that what a good fitting helmet 6 months after purchase is a bit on the loose side after 5 years, though, I've found this doesn't happen with the Schuberths I've used.
bogie said:
Some people may wear a helmet 1 day a week and others 5 days a week, so how is the 5 year recommendation worked out ?
you can buy new liners for most modern premium helmets which are an easy way to get that new helmet feel for £30-40 which is not too bad on a £500-700 helmet if its otherwise undamaged.
I cant believe a modern carbon composite helmet worn once a week for 5 years is not "worn out" but manufacturers would like you to buy a new one as often as possible
Probably correct, they'll base it off the minimum safe lifespan... Let's be fair, by the time you've had it 5 years you've got a good excuse for fun shopping you can buy new liners for most modern premium helmets which are an easy way to get that new helmet feel for £30-40 which is not too bad on a £500-700 helmet if its otherwise undamaged.
I cant believe a modern carbon composite helmet worn once a week for 5 years is not "worn out" but manufacturers would like you to buy a new one as often as possible
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