Helmet Age - Do they "expire"?

OK - I was at the Cycle Gear store picking up some new riding gear. I also brought my Arai Quantum/f helmet to inquire about a new face shield. The guy proceeded to inspect the helmet and look parts up on his computer. He found a replacement shield but it was aftermarket and said he did not have access to OEM face screens for a helmet this old.

History - the helmet IS old - over 12 years by my count. I has been well cared for, never dropped or in an accident and appears other than a bit of wear inside to be fine. I estimate that I do have at least 70,000 miles on this lid.

The "expert" recommended that I look into a replacement helmet explaining that the helmet cores deteriorate with age and the common life is 10 years. Older helmets don't provide as good protection as "fresh" ones. I kinda looked at him weird and completed my purchase saying that I would research this.

Well, initial research on the internet revealed a bunch of marketing hype (replace every 5 years was the most common). Anyone out there have an opinion?

This is not a money issue - it is a safety issue. Should I look into a new helmet?

Don
PortlandZinMan
2014 NC700 DCT
Portland, OR

My opinion, the manufacturer says their product will degrade over time. Yes they want more of your money, but if I go down one time and hit my head I want the helmet to work to the best of its ability. For safety I would replace it.

Manufacturers of helmets have been claiming 5 years replacement intervals for about the last 40 years. With all the advancements in helmet design and materials, I find it extremely unlikely that the same old polystyrene liner that was used in the 1970s has not been improved upon.

For comparison, look at automobiles in general: Drive belts, gaskets, water hoses, plastics, exhaust system, etc. were once items that would last 2-5 years. Now most of those items last much longer, some even for the "life" of the car, due to advancements in the material. Now if helmet manufacturers are still stuck in the '70s and using the same old materials they've always used, then I'd say they have their priorities wrong.

I would agree that a helmet definitely needs to be tossed out at some age, but to me, an arbitrary 5 year replacement interval for a helmet that still fits properly is just a ploy to sell more helmets.

I heard that thermoplastic helmets (generally the cheaper ones) need replacing after 5 years whereas fibreglass mat built ones last 10 years. However, I also read that (some) cheap thermoplastic formed ones provide better protection than the most expensive fibreglass ones - something to do with the rigidity of the latter.
Mike

My helmet is about five years old, and while I think the helmet itself is ok, the chin strap is frayed and the clip won't stay closed. So I'm planning to buy a new lid this week.

In general it depends if you ride every day or just during weekends. If you keep it stored in daylight or in a closet. UV light is the aging factor of the shell. I have a Shoei fiberglass which have a lifespan of 5 years at daily use. I use it once a week and store it in the dark, replace it after 8 years to stay on the safe side.

Sent by Motorola Moto G 4G

I typically buy a new helmet every 3-5 years and am always amazed at the advances made in that short span of time. Even if you buy the exact same model helmet as a replacement after x-years, you'll be amazed at how much nicer the new one fits.

Snell Foundation - Helmet FAQ
http://motorcycle-central.com/why-do-motorcycle-helmets-expire/

Hmm... something to investigate further . I have my helmets a long time and must look up when I purchased. Both are stored in the airing cupboard in the dark in a gentle heat. One is only used three or four times a year but the other is used weekly.

From reading the various advice articles, it seems the most compelling argument is that technology advances sufficiently in 5 years that a new helmet is a good safety investment. Even at the price of a Schuberth, thats about $10-$15 per month for brain protection. In fact, now that I think of it, I wonder when the helmet mfg'rs will come out with a subscription arrangement where you get a new helmet every 5 years ... kinda like Apple's iPhone program.

I favor Shoei helmets and replace it about every 4 or 5 years. This is a primary helmet I wear about 80% of the time. Shoei recommends replacement after 5 years of use. I don't disagree - in the intensity and frequency of my use the helmet just doesn't fit as snugly anymore by this time because the EPS liner and other interior foam components have compressed a little during use and the fit is loosened up. To me this is two reasons to replace it - it doesn't fit properly anymore and the expanded foam liner that absorbs G forces in a crash have lost some of it's ability to perform at the highest level during a crash. I tend to accumulate 20,000 to 30,000 miles a year. If I did not ride as much I'd probably extend the replacement cycle as the helmet fit would last longer. I don't need Shoei to tell me to replace it due to age, I know the helmet does not fit properly anymore and usually I know this before 5 years.

Never hang a helmet on a rear view mirror or other object that creates compressed indentations or scratches in the styrofoam liner.

If wondering how old your helmet really is.........there is either a label on the insert or marking on the chin strap with that info:



This later one is an ARAI it's retired but too good ( too expensive )to throw away.........



Time does slip by.......

When I moved I did toss six helmets.

I wanted to thank everyone for the advice. I took it to heart and dropped a fair amount on a new Shoei Neotec. The poor guy at the Cycle Gear place had to put up with me trying on every helmet in the place and my ears are super sore from all the abuse.

Why I went for this helmet. I was at the top of the "best fit" category. It has really good support for wearing glasses. It is suppose to have awesome ventilation. I was on the fence about "modular", but I think I'll like that once I get use to it. Finally, the cool dark lens that flips down and it doesn't hit my glasses.

Again, I really appreciate the comments and advice.

GregC said:

From reading the various advice articles, it seems the most compelling argument is that technology advances sufficiently in 5 years that a new helmet is a good safety investment. Even at the price of a Schuberth, thats about $10-$15 per month for brain protection. In fact, now that I think of it, I wonder when the helmet mfg'rs will come out with a subscription arrangement where you get a new helmet every 5 years ... kinda like Apple's iPhone program.

Click to expand...

Good idea.
How 'bout a helmet leasing program, where you pay only if you crash or damage it at $5/months?

PS if you ask my wife, she'll say that is way too much for "head protection", she
pegs the worth at maybe $0.01/day

DCTFAN said:

PS if you ask my wife, she'll say that is way too much for "head protection", she
pegs the worth at maybe $0.01/day

Click to expand...

My wife says I shouldn't wear a helmet. That way if I have an accident she won't have to take care of a quadriplegic. Needless to say she is not a fan of motorcycles.

i think the "replacement period" is a kind of layer of " legal protection" for the manufacturer itself. in case,if you try to sue them. it's probably has nothing to do with deterioration or whatever properties of material used. UV argument is laughable, simply because there is a s**load of other protective layers on top of fiberglass. clear coat,paint,primer etc. common..uv? unless it's cracking on surface ,then-yeah..uv
i guess we all have only one way to find out the truth..
my helmet is made in 1998,looks and works like new.

however-there is a plenty of reasons why one should change the helmet. because they are simply getting better and better! smaller (less wind,if you use tall windshield),more comfortable,quieter,more advanced materials etc

Ok, I have just discovered that my Shoei helmet in regular weekly use is manufactured in 2008. I think I purchased later than that date though. As is said above, how time flies. I will now have to look at a new item also.

However my Schuberth and that of my Wife are of a similar age, and at the very most have only been worn for about 25 days of each year. That is not even a full twelve months total use in the intervening 7/8 years. They are properly stored and cleaned but the idea of replacing helmets with such little use is a dilemma, especially as they are in good condition.

I have looked for date of manufacture on my Schuberth but so far cannot find it. Anyone have any ideas on this ?

I also notice that despite such little use compared with the Shoei, The Shoei trim and lining is in better condition. This somewhat bears out my long held impression that the Shoei is a better quality item. I also believe the locking mechanism on the Shoei is better. However with regard to the subject of the thread, this is somewhat irrelevant.

This is what the UK Government's helmet testing agency has to say:


"Helmet Care


Your motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of kit you’ll ever own.

You never know when your motorcycle helmet may be called upon. So it makes sense to look after it. A motorcycle helmet generally has a life of around five years; three years if used regularly. To get the most out of the protection your motorcycle helmet offers, you need to keep it in the best possible condition.

SHARP recommends you always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the specific helmet you’ve purchased. If you only occasionally use your helmet we recommend you store it safely in a helmet bag, somewhere where it won’t be dropped or knocked. You should never store a helmet lying on its crown or near to a source of heat.
Once you’ve found your motorcycle helmet, the temptation is often there to personalise it with paint and stickers. This is a job best left to the professionals, who will use specialist paint and adhesive to ensure your new look doesn’t weaken the shell."

Personally I change roughly every five years - when buying my wife's helmet (she chose a Schubert C3) I was surprised that the store stated it was homologated for 10 years because it had a fibre glass shell.

I homologate the validity of your post.

Chris said:

This is what the UK Government's helmet testing agency has to say:


"Helmet Care


Your motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of kit you’ll ever own.

You never know when your motorcycle helmet may be called upon. So it makes sense to look after it. A motorcycle helmet generally has a life of around five years; three years if used regularly. To get the most out of the protection your motorcycle helmet offers, you need to keep it in the best possible condition.

SHARP recommends you always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the specific helmet you’ve purchased. If you only occasionally use your helmet we recommend you store it safely in a helmet bag, somewhere where it won’t be dropped or knocked. You should never store a helmet lying on its crown or near to a source of heat.
Once you’ve found your motorcycle helmet, the temptation is often there to personalise it with paint and stickers. This is a job best left to the professionals, who will use specialist paint and adhesive to ensure your new look doesn’t weaken the shell."

Personally I change roughly every five years - when buying my wife's helmet (she chose a Schubert C3) I was surprised that the store stated it was homologated for 10 years because it had a fibre glass shell.

Click to expand...

I like the Shoei Neotec and actually have two.
When I was a new rider I felt the modular aspect would help with any claustrophobia, and the sun visor is great.