Why replace helmets?

[crazyfool7711]

I was reading the thread from the shoei guy and saw that you shoud replace your helmet every few years. Why is that, and how often do you all recommend? Also, are Shoei's worth the price, or are you just paying for the name? Thanks,
Rob

[Bullzaye]

The standard seems to be that a helmet should be replaced every 5 years. This is if it doesn't take any hard drops from a height of more than 2 feet or so, in which case it may need to be replaced immediately, because the impact may have destroyed or seriously degraded the shock absorbing foam inside the helmet.

In a less expensive helmet the liner may not be removable, which means that after 5 years it probably needs replacing purely on hygiene issues alone. Also, the shock absorbing foam inside the helmet degrades over time, meaning that less protection is available as the helmet ages, and I suspect that the little bumps a helmet takes over the years cumulatively reduces the effectiveness of the foam inside.

I won't comment on the relative value of higher end helmets. Some studies have shown that some of the less expensive helmets are every bit as effective as some of the pricier helmets. One of the things you're paying that money for is theoretically better ventilation & comfort. You're also paying a premium for the better graphics & finish, and perhaps for removable pads, as opposed to the cheaper one, and of course...the name. I'd say whichever helmet fit your head properly, and had either the DOT or Snell rating, should provide adequate protection

[rexmitchell]

Ive head that whenever a new Snell rating comes out, I think we are at m2005 right now, that is when you need to replace them. Id say you are safe with a dot and snell approved helmet as long as it hasn't taken a beating

[ramtuff]

Also, UV rays from the sun can weaken the outer shell of the helmet over time.

[MirrorrorriM]

It is for these reasons that helmets on clearance should be avoided, or have the date of manufacture on the inside checked at the very least.

[PJL]

It is for these reasons that helmets on clearance should be avoided, or have the date of manufacture on the inside checked at the very least.
Good call. I just bought my Shark helmet on clearance. I should check the inside.

[Speedzter2000]

I get a new one about every year...Newer models, graphics...I get bored of the same ol', same ol'....Next one is the HJC FS-10. I give away my helmets to friends who are learning to ride, or may want an extra for a passenger.

[sirgilbert357]

I get a new one about every year...Newer models, graphics...I get bored of the same ol', same ol'....Next one is the HJC FS-10. I give away my helmets to friends who are learning to ride, or may want an extra for a passenger.

How bout we be friends? :D

[Speedzter2000]

LOL! :p

[OddOne]

I've always heard that helmets deteriorate over time and provide less protection the older they get. The attached link provides a brief recommendation from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSI.pdf

[MS_Steve]

A co-worker (who knows ooodles about bikes) stated, DOT was the gobermint rating (practically worthless)... while Snell was the rating the helmet makers came up with, so as not to get sued.
So I'm sure all Snell rated helmets also have a DOT rating.

When I purchased my bike a couple of weeks ago, I found my old 10 yr old helmet, was shedding the black open-cell millimeter thick neoprene (or something) from the inside, not the white inch thick foam.

MississippiSteve

[stuco]

If it's been dropped too much or is getting a little too old/well used, then replace it. Of course the helmet makers want you to replace them every other ride or so.

[rexmitchell]

A co-worker (who knows ooodles about bikes) stated, DOT was the gobermint rating (practically worthless)... while Snell was the rating the helmet makers came up with, so as not to get sued.
So I'm sure all Snell rated helmets also have a DOT rating.

When I purchased my bike a couple of weeks ago, I found my old 10 yr old helmet, was shedding the black open-cell millimeter thick neoprene (or something) from the inside, not the white inch thick foam.

MississippiSteve

All legal helmets will be DOT rated or you can't ride with them and most places won't sell them. Snell is what you want, most tracks require it and it is in general way way safer.

[silencerOMFG]

A co-worker (who knows ooodles about bikes) stated, DOT was the gobermint rating (practically worthless)... while Snell was the rating the helmet makers came up with, so as not to get sued.
So I'm sure all Snell rated helmets also have a DOT rating.

When I purchased my bike a couple of weeks ago, I found my old 10 yr old helmet, was shedding the black open-cell millimeter thick neoprene (or something) from the inside, not the white inch thick foam.

MississippiSteve

wrong

i can't post a link, so look up "snell memorial foundation" on wikipedia

[Dan631]

Here's some info on DOT and Snell.



http://www.smf.org/articles/dot.html

[LuciferR1]

I use to work at a shop, and I am about to open a place where people will be able to buy helmets and new motorcycles only. The thing is that you are told this because everyone wants you to keep buying. One thing I can tell you is that if you leave a helmet in the sun a lot, or it is dropped then replace it. Otherwise you should be ok if your helmet is kept in a cover, like Arai's come with. Keep an eye out on the foam inside the helmet also. See if it crumbles, if so then replace it. I have helmets that friends have borrowed from me that were 12, 13 yrs old and they crashed at speeds above 130mph and they kept their integrity. You just need to take care of what gear you ride with!

[Matt.knj]

Helmets not only deteriorate from the outside, dings,nicks, fading. They can also deteriorate from the inside. Sweat, heat, age, and it's the inside that really saves you life when you need it. The foam on the inside is made to absorb the energy of you head when you crash. It only does this once. Once you compress the foam it doesn't spring back. I replace my helmets about every three years. I wouldn't go longer that 5 years on a helmet that gets light use. Helmets older than 10 years are junk, the structural integrity is suspect even if they look new. Besides like everything else technology has come a long way in 10 years even for helmets. If you had a choice would you rather have a brand new motorcycle or a 1998 model, same with helmet.