Topic: helmet question

[denter]

i bought a gmax helmet about 2 years ago and still use it today but,the rubber band behind the 2 metal loops has dry rotted and broken off,i"ve been looking for a replacement rubber band ,but can't find any.anysuggestions would be helpful .dennis[cb650c-1980]

[cub]

Actually you should replace your helmet every 2-3 years anyway since they age as well..=)

[SteveD CB500F]

I've not heard of helmets aging over only 2-3 years.  Does anyone have any scientific evidence for this? Anyone on this board from "the trade" who could comment?

Steve

[kghost]

The liner can deteriorate with age. Bad because its what sop's up the blunt trauma. But not in 2-3 years if cared for.

[cben750f0]

a helmet will last much longer if you dont lend it to other ppl aswell, had a nice shoi once... lent it to a bloke, and ended up giveing it to him, wouldnt fit my head afterwards.... ...peace

[cub]

I don't sell helmets myself but have been told by two not-related bikeshops that plastic helmets should be replace at least every 2-3 years even if it looks fine. The ones in glass fibre would last 5-7 years.

But hey, it's your head..

[SteveD CB500F]

When I said "the trade" I didn't mean the retail trade - bit of a vested interest there!

Anyone know anything about the science that backs up these claims?

Steve the Cynic

[Uncle Ernie]

Steve, I've read about it but don't remember the "science" of it. Allegedly, you're supposed to replace your helmet if you drop it from a height of 5 feet. The interior part hardens with age- just like a tire. I have an Arai because it fits me the best, but I admit I don't replace it when I should. I suppose something is better than nothing, though.

[SteveD CB500F]

I remember the "dropped helmet" issue from the '70s - but our Bell Star helmets were made of fibreglass and the interior was polystyrene with a fabric cover - are they not different now?

I have an Arai as well - a Quantum F which says "complex laminate construction" on the side.

[Bobby]

Y'all no the old saying, "If you got a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet".  I have been using Shoei helmets forever, they fit my coconut just right.  I usually replace my helmets when the inner foam either begins to turn into some type of black sawdust or it stinks so bad I can't keep my eyes open when riding.  I never kept track of how long it took for my helmets to get all nasty.  I just know when it's time for a new skid lid.

-Bobby

[phylo101]

Yep, its the polystyrene foam that actually does the shock absorbing. Its both compresses and hardens over time, until it wouldnt really absorb. Plus unless youre really vareful the outer shell, whether ploycarb kevlar or fibreglass, picks up scroes and dings, weakening the integrity. You'd be amazed how weak a score or deep mark makes a "stregthened" surface...after all  isnt that why you polish engine internals like rods, to remove potential stress focuses? (foci?)

phylo

[Uncle Ernie]

Steve, I was reading in Motorcycle Consumer News that Arai is coming out with a new lining made of goose down. When it starts to compact you just put the helmet in a dryer with a tennis ball and it fluffs back up. You should be able to keep it for years and years!
Uncle Ernie