How long do your helmets last?

[dpotter58]

Hey folks,

This thread was about how long your helmets lasted. It's starting to veer off course into political ( use/don't use ) opinion area, and some folks feel very strongly for both sides. We would like to avoid discussions like this because they often turn into arguments resulting in hurt feelings, warnings issued, thread closed, etc..

The actual owner of XS11.com (the mods and I are caretakers) provided the Member's Lounge for respectful courteous OFF topic discussions. We are responsible to keep things that way. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Threads on this forum have meandered off topic for years. Do you consider anything that has been said to this point to be out of line?
Are you saying this discussion is better suited to it's own thread? Maybe with a poll as in " do you think riders should be mandated to wear helmets?"

[Rstyduck]

Hey folks,

This thread was about how long your helmets lasted. It's starting to veer off course into political ( use/don't use ) opinion area, and some folks feel very strongly for both sides. We would like to avoid discussions like this because they often turn into arguments resulting in hurt feelings, warnings issued, thread closed, etc..

The actual owner of XS11.com (the mods and I are caretakers) provided the Member's Lounge for respectful courteous OFF topic discussions. We are responsible to keep things that way. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Hey, this is about how long helmets last not about it going off topic.
What does your post have to do with how long your helmet last?

If you didnt disagree, nobody would argue, get hurt feelings (boo hoo), and you wouldnt have to warn people or delete threads or, gawd forbid, BAN people.

So if you dont like discussions like that and dont allow them, is this a communist site?

Do what your told and dont think for yourself. You have no opinion.
Is that it?

Ok, My helmet has lasted 17 years. The End. No more disscusion.
Since ive posted, there is no reason to return to this topic as any reply further would start a discussion that is frowned upon.

[Sirplus]

5 or a bit more if the foam holds up

Wore my last helmet for 15 years. Looking back, I recall that after a few years it had lost the foam resilience, became very loud inside, and got looser as time went on (unless my head was shrinking). To comply with the DOT approval requirement, I replaced it 2 years ago with a cheap European full cover 'Shark'. The nice new fit is already fading, it's drafty and noisy and the rain leaks in. I am planning to keep it to the 5-year mark and maybe go for a nice high-end model I normally wear a dew rag to minimize the sweat migration into the foam and with no fairing I have also become a fan or ear plugs.

[jmnjrpa]

5 Years?

If you have a removable/washable padding. If not those are flies around your head, not stars. Crash or impact and it's time for another. Even if it still looks serviceable it will have developed issues and may not protect the next time around. JM2

[cywelchjr]

Hey folks,

This thread was about how long your helmets lasted. It's starting to veer off course into political ( use/don't use ) opinion area, and some folks feel very strongly for both sides. We would like to avoid discussions like this because they often turn into arguments resulting in hurt feelings, warnings issued, thread closed, etc..

The actual owner of XS11.com (the mods and I are caretakers) provided the Member's Lounge for respectful courteous OFF topic discussions. We are responsible to keep things that way. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Hey TC,

I can't say that I could see even a hint of the conversation going in that direction. I could understand your warning if things were heading in a heated direction, but this has been a very reasoned and calm discussion of the related issue. Now I understand the owners (and your guys as the mods) right to run the site the way he wants, and I'll certainly abide by it by not posting things contrary to the owners wishes once they are known, but if it keeps going like it appears to have been going, pretty soon it will not be possible to have a meaningful conversation on here, in which case I'll go somewhere that I can have a meaningful conversation with others.

This is sad, this is NOT the site that I found and started participating on almost two years ago. It used to be a fun place to chat and exchange ideas with those with a love of their rides similar to mine (yes SWMBO is jealous of the bike).

[cywelchjr]

If you have a removable/washable padding. If not those are flies around your head, not stars. Crash or impact and it's time for another. Even if it still looks serviceable it will have developed issues and may not protect the next time around. JM2

You can wash out the lining of those that are not removable. Remember, that's stryrofoam under the liner, it's not going to be hurt by some water. Just wash it out like you would any other cloth that cannot be removed from where it is. A wet cloth with a little soap, followed by a wet cloth with just water until all the soap is out. You would be surprised how clean you can get it that way.

And IMNSHO a drop from the handlebars or seat (unless it onto the edge of an axe or something sharp like that) does NOT count as an impact. This was confirmed by a helmet manufacturer rep at a bike show (don't remember which one he was from) and is why they will sell you repair parts for the cosmetic parts of the helmet (including the visor hinges) which are almost always damaged by that kind of drop.

Now if your on the bike, or even walking and fall and hit your head with the helmet on, then I agree with you, the helmet must be replaced because it has now done it's job, and it does that job by self destructing to absorb the impact.

[DeanR]

I sent my helmet back to Shoei to be inspected after a crash. I looked everywhere I could see for any problems, saw nothing compromised, but was not about to where it without their OK. It is a free service they provide, you just need to get it there. They said it was fine.

[strom]

I had a bunch of used ones (could not afford a new one) at first. Bought a new Schuberth Concept when they first came out. It lasted 8 years.
My head shrunk a bit and the rubber seals were worn out.
Bought a C3 and cannot be more happy with it.
I have it for the 3rd year now I think... should last another 3 I hope.

These are higher price range helmets, but I like to keep my noggin safe and comfy.

I did buy a chinese flip helmet for 23€ (new). The manufacturers website says their paperwork complies with some sort of a standard and that the helmet coating should be UV resistant. It is total crap, but it was cheap. I bought it so I wouldnt get oil stains on my 500€ helmet while test riding up and down the street the bikes I am wrenching on.

[old_chopper]

I used to race cars in a circle. I bought a new but blemished Simson Super Bandit at the Chili Bowl races in Tulsa. A buddy gave me a never ending load of crap about buying a "defective" helmet when all it really had was a bad paint spot. It was even more ironic when I noticed his ice age era Bell, must have been from 1983! I occasionally wear the Simpson when riding, I like it because few other riders wear a nomex lined helmet with tear offs!
I also have a 10 year old Icon but it's getting to be in sad shape. I rarely wear a helmet but I'm also one of those outlaws who doesn't always wear a seat belt either. I used to set too close to the TV as a kid, guess I've always been a rebel...

[jimbyjimb]

Scorpion EXO-400, 5 years used. One saved my noggin in 07 and a week after the accident I bought a new helmet before I bought a new bike, the exact same helmet in a different color. If it worked once I figured it was a sure bet for next time. Been a great helmet and will for some time.

I just got a modular from my old man though, so I'll be doing a ride with that this weekend just to try it out. I tend to prefer the safety of the full-face but the modular seems pretty nice. Maybe my ear-buds will fit better in it!

[Bonz]

I'm a day (or years) late and a $ short getting into this thread...

To me, the main reasons to spend $$ on a higher end helmet are interestingly some of the same ones people say they DON'T care about when arguing why a cheap helmet is better...

Lighter weight (in many cases), vent better (since I wear it all the time, it better keep me as cool as possible, that keeps me sharper and more alert on the bike), they are quieter in most cases (why would you want a NOISY helmet when you wear it all the time??) and they have nicer interiors that are more comfortable, period, once you find the right size and fit it properly (not just finding one that's close and saying "for this low price, it'll work").

What's the word on how the Moto GP racers end up with the higher end helmet brands on their noggins compared to one that costs 2/3 less (I know, they don't pay to use them, but cheaper companies can give away stuff too for the riders to use) with the same rating?

For those that were at the Durango Rally last summer, I had an HJC helmet that I thought was a comfortable helmet, and it cost about $110-$125 when I bought it 5 yeas ago. Now I have a Shoei Qwest helmet, and I ain't going back to anything else, EVER. Quieter, lighter, even more comfortable, vents better than the HJC. So it cost $325. I saved up enough by not eating out as much for lunch, riding a mountain bike to work a couple days a week instead of the car or cycle, etc. I really wanted a nicer helmet and was willing to do some things to make it happen. So, I am in better shape from eating less junk and the exercise from riding a mountain bike, plus I have a sweet helmet.

Saving my head is the goal, for sure. But enjoying the ride is even more likely to happen than being in a wreck, so in that sense, I buy my helmet for the RIDE.

[TheFrugalTech]

Since my wife rides with me most of the time, we have switched to using Bluetooth modular helmets. Because, being the typical XS rider, I just love to listen to my wife talk ... and talk .... and talk, for hours. And they're great for hands free phone. If I could swing for one of the helmets that also has HUD for my GPS, I'd be set.

Anyway, we seem to buy new helmets once there is enough improvement in the systems that I can't resist the new tech. Which seems to be about every 4 years. I highly recommend Blinc Bluetooth systems for helmets. They are seriously a good investment if you ride 2 up much. Saves you from having to constantly flip your helmet up and turn to hear the wife. And it never hurts to have a second set of eyes when riding in deer country.