Helmets age

[JayDee]

I heard a helmet is only good for a couple of years then they lose their ability to take an impact properly.

Anyone know anything about this or can I use my old skid lid for as long as I want?

Check out the last page of this link, the section "Replacing Your Helmet".

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSI.pdf

JB

[AdamWilliams]

In the MSF course I took a while back, we were told that 2-3 years is usually the standard life span before a helmet begins losing its integrity. If you hold that as your personal rule of thumb, its interesting to look at the manufacture date of new lids in the local dealership. I did some recon a while back, and found some pretty outdated (new) stock on the hat racks.

[JCourneyaP]

I think that may be a little BS just to get you all to buy a helemt every few years. I would just give it a good look over every year. Push in on the cushioning. If it nasty and crumbling apart replace. If you throw your helmet at the dog and it hits the Drive Way replace it. Helmet wont last forever but I bet you get good protection for more then a few years.

[GOMO]

Can you buy a new helmet with a date of 2003 and still wear it with confidence? Sure. When you look at the 3year rule you have to take a few things into thought.
A - How often that helmet was used during those years. Exposure to the elements (especially sunlight and heat) will help break down the composites of the helmets exterior shell.
B - Along with the use, you need to consider that your head leaks....... The sweat and moisture from your head will take its part in the break down of your helmets interior. Now add in the chemicals from any products used on your hair or skin and you have another part helping to weaken your linings.
C- And of course those oopsy drops. They may or may not have damage your lid.

So while you can still purchase a new helmet from old stock, I would keep common sense around to help you shop. A left over new Bell Star helmet with Evel Knevel graphics may look cool, but it probably would work best as a show piece on a shelf rather than a piece of your daily gear.

[EZE RIDER]

Nice take on the subject GOMO. The way I look at it I'm ready for a new one every two or three years anyway.

I had a nice FF Simpson in '84 and a friend threw a tri square at the wall near my helmet out of frustration about something. Anyway, it ricocheted off the wall and hit my helmet. Left a ding about the size of a match head. Within a year that ding was surrounded with a beautiful spider web pattern of cracks. I had read that if the gel coat if penetrated in any way the helmet is shot and should be replaced and after seeing the effects later I believe it.