Topic: Expected life span of a helmet?

[nomad]

I know what I'm about to ask/ say is the result of probably nothing more than salesman hype, but what's the life span of a helmet?  I just bought a Shoei RF-1100 and was told that the recommended life (before suggested replacement) of ANY helmet is 5 years (maybe a smidge longer if well cared for).  He said the materials (composites) will begin to break down at that point and the helmut will eventually become structurally weaker.

I know the warranty is 5 years (along with the sales pitch), but realistically, how many years can you REALLY expect to get out of a good helmut?

[super pasty white guy]

5 years... maybe a smidge less.

[Goofaroo]

5 years and destroy it when you dispose of it. Of course if it ever takes a significant impact, destroy it and discard it immediately.

[Roach]

yup 5 years is what they say if it hasn't been dropped or crashed. sad to think when you spend allot of money on a helmet...

[BLUE71TURBO]

 Here is a good read for anyone interested about helmets.  

                     http://www.bhsi.org/replace.htm

[seaweb11]

do you have to forward this advice to a soon to be ex, or is an 8 -10 year old helmet acceptable

[333]

I believe there is no limit where ex's are concerned, Seaweb.  But 5 years for all of us.  But I do disagree with Goofaroo.  Don't destroy it.  Make a lamp out of it.

[Roach]

I believe there is no limit where ex's are concerned, Seaweb.  But 5 years for all of us.  But I do disagree with Goofaroo.  Don't destroy it.  Make a lamp out of it.

good thinking on the lamp i will have to try that one some day

[flybox1]

but realistically, how many years can you REALLY expect to get out of a good helmut?

depends on how much headcheese builds up and how long you can tolerate the smell   

[BLUE71TURBO]

but realistically, how many years can you REALLY expect to get out of a good helmut?

depends on how much headcheese builds up and how long you can tolerate the smell   

          With the use of a head sock, you wont have to worry about contaminating the inside of your helmet. Also some helmets you can remove the inside padding so you can wash it.   

[lordmoonpie]

but realistically, how many years can you REALLY expect to get out of a good helmut?

depends on how much headcheese builds up and how long you can tolerate the smell   

          With the use of a head sock, you wont have to worry about contaminating the inside of your helmet. Also some helmets you can remove the inside padding so you can wash it.   

Still 5 years though
I did a lot of research into this a while back and both Arai and Shoei said that ifyou bought a boxed helmet from the store and the date in the helmet lining indicated it was up to two years old, youcould still expect 5 years of wear safely. So it seems to be that you can wear a helmet for 5 years as long as it's less than two years old when you buy it. That's why people sell off helmets cheap - the date is often over 2 years and so you should reduce your 5 years of wear accordingly.

Of course you can keep wearing it for 30 years if you want - it's your head! However, to paraphrase the instructor on my first motorbike course when asked "I can buy a helmet for £29 right up to £500, which is the best to buy?", he replied, "Son, if you've got a £29 head, buy a £29 helmet."     

[HondanutRider]

"Son, if you've got a £29 head, buy a £29 helmet."     

Good advise!

[78CB750CAFE]

The E.P.S. (styrofoam) portion of a helmet begins to break down after 5 years of use.

[nomad]

Five years and no more.  It sucks that they have such a limited life expectancy, but it is what it is I guess.  Thanks for educating me on the subject.

[Gordon]

"Son, if you've got a £29 head, buy a £29 helmet."     

Good advise!

I've never bought into that line of bs.  All helmet, at least here in the U.S. have to meet the same minimum standards for protection.  I'm sure it's possible that there are some shady helmet makers out there, but the likelihood of enormous lawsuits and government fines probably keeps them at bay. 

I'm a firm believer that as long as your helmet is from a reputable company with a good history, the extra tens or hundreds of dollars you're spending for the more expensive helmets is due to either the name itself, the fancy design or "carbon fiber" finish, and the comfort, fit and finish.  I buy my helmets from companies with good names, that have the features I want, that fit me well and are comfortable, and that don't cost an arm and a leg. 
 

[Johnie]

Can you just take the old helmet shell and have a professional company like Arai or Shoei put in a new liner and foam? Or who does that sort of thing? Some of those vintage early 70's metal flake ones are pretty cool and I would not want to toss it out.

[Gordon]

Can you just take the old helmet shell and have a professional company like Arai or Shoei put in a new liner and foam? Or who does that sort of thing? Some of those vintage early 70's metal flake ones are pretty cool and I would not want to toss it out.

I doubt you'd be able to find a helmet maker who would do that, due to liability issues. 

Part of how a helmet protects in a crash is by the outer shell cracking and absorbing some of the initial shock.  The shell of an old, used helmet has not only probably weakened with age but has undoubtedly become more brittle from UV radiation, which would cause it to shatter more easily and absorb less of the initial impact. 

[weekend_junkie]

Now that I think of it, I have 4 helmets with a combined age of 94 years.  My favorite helmet still has the 1968 DOT sticker inside... bummer.