Helmet replacement??

[zookey]

Was looking at helmets the other day and noticed the paperwork that was attatched. According to that company, you are suppose to replace your helmet: every 3 years, after a drop or impact, when the fit is no longer correct, when parts are broken, missing or worn (and a couple others that I can't remember right now)

So as I read this list it makes sense to replace a helmet after a drop or impact assuming that the helmet hits the ground with any great force as it may have damaged the integrity of the protective structure.

Also makes sense to replace if parts of the helmet are broken, missing or worn .... I am thinking the latching mechanisms primarily.

But this label also made some questions run through my mind so I thought I would ask here.

Do you guys really replace your helmets every 3 years? Would there really be a need to? and how do you know the helmet you are buying off the shelf has not set in a warehouse for more than 3 years?

How does a helmet no longer fit correctly? Unless you are talking about a youth helmet that needs to be sized up.....

So when you do replace a helmet, what do you do with your old one? Do you just throw it in the trash or is there a recycling place you can send it? (........or simply sell it on ebay to someone else? jk ) The reason I ask is we have a couple of old helmets around ...... they are undamaged but had non removable liners and the foam is just a black powdery mess in them. Too gross to ever wear, but can they be recycled?

[bikerphil]

I replace mine about every 5 yrs or maybe a little longer. I guess they get more brittle over time, ex. UV rays, and aren't as strong. Any new helmet you buy should have a mfg. date stamped on the inside somewhere. I just hang my old ones up in the garage for show or throw them out.

[CatatonicBug]

According to this poll I posted a while back, the general concensus is between 2-5 years. The foam and padding starts to deteriorate with exposure to the elements and sweat. If they are no longer snug, because the padding is "deflated", that can cause the helmet to not fit right.

Helmets are model-year specific. You'll notice at any bike shop that the prices on helmets drop at the end of the year, in preparation for the new model year helmets. So generally, you won't find one that has been sitting around in a warehouse for a few years.

I have never heard of a helmet recycling place, so I agree with Phil on the end-of-life plans - hang it up for show or toss it in the trash.

[WMarshy]

...Helmets are model-year specific. You'll notice at any bike shop that the prices on helmets drop at the end of the year, in preparation for the new model year helmets. So generally, you won't find one that has been sitting around in a warehouse for a few years...

That may be true with some of the exotic helmets but not with the average ones. Take the HJC CL-15 for example. That helmet has been on the market for many many years. Only minor changes made to it and hardly any noticeable ones year to year. I suspect they prices are lowered at the end of the year is to purge their inventory and so they dont have any on the shelf that are 2-3 years old as they do have a shelf date...

I've had my helmet for going on 4 years (CL-15) and I have replaced the shield and closure mechanism once because they wore out. I would not replace the entire helmet just because of those parts wore out, the closure mechanism was replaced months from buying the helmet! The pads are wore in but not to the point where the helmet doesn't fit correctly. I would much rather buy a new helmet at this point then spend the money to get new pads... one with less wind noise. If I ride all day my ears will ring like if I dont use my hearing protection with my riding lawnmower.

[CatatonicBug]

Actually, just like cars, ALL helmets are model-year specific. The names might not change, just like cars keep the same name for decades, but a 2011 helmet is going to be cheaper than a 2012 model.

[Cuda 69]

Just bought a new helmet,HJC IS-33,but I doubt I'll go 5 years before I'll buy another.

[Elevener]

Yeah 5 years is a long time. Guess it depends on how much you wear it. I dont do it conscientiously or for any particular reason but never go 5 years without buying one.

I have read something about donating them to fire stations, dont know though.

[planedick]

Old one

I got one I wear all the time that's at least 5 yrs old, but still in good shape. Firm rubber foam for support and not deteriated but I always use a "Do rag" under it to keep the sweat off the foam or liner.