Helmets growing old and unsafe

[gjg59]

I always hear manufacturers saying to replace our helmets every few years, which sounds like a sales pitch, however...................

My 1988 Nolan full face helmet was over $100 back then. I only wore it for a couple months back then and it has been stored in a box.

When I tried this very nice helmet on recently, I realized the interior was hard and uncomfortable. I guess this is what they are talking about when th efoam gets hard and becomes ineffective.

Does this sound typical ?

[JoyRider]

Even when you wear them alot the interior foam starts to go. Plus they can start to smell funny

[RichLockyer]

The padding in the comfort liner will break down, which is what you are feeling... but the protective foam inside the shell will also break down... actually gets softer.

Rule of thumb is to replace every 5 years, or immediately after an impact that's hard enough to "ring your bell" (jarred vision and ringing in the ears, indicating a minor concussion).

[OldPete2112]

I work in the wholesale marine business, and the foam we use is different, but it all seems to break down over time. Lifejacket foam gets hard, and the cells break down and hold water as the product ages, not what you need for a life jacket.

I am particular about helmets after losing a brother to a head injury. One good drop and I will retire it and get a new one. Replace them more than every 5 years.

Considering the job the helmet has to do, I spare no expense. Also the helmets now fit better, are lighter, and quieter. Upgrading every 3-4 years is nice really. I cannot imagine wearing the style of helmet I had back in the 80's, they have come a long way.

OP

[bikerphoto]

If you just drop your helmet on the pavement, say off the seat of your bike, do you think it needs to be replaced?

[OldPete2112]

Originally Posted by bikerphoto

If you just drop your helmet on the pavement, say off the seat of your bike, do you think it needs to be replaced?

That is what the manufacturer recommends. 3 foot drop for sure will kill it. It can put a crack in the helmet that you may not see, but when your head hits the pavement in it, it can split wide open.

I know some people will scoff at this, but it is right in the instructions. I think perhaps the manufacturers would know a thing or two about this.

I am pretty anal about this, but helmets are only designed to work for ONE impact, no matter if it is a drop off your bike, or a crash off your bike when you are wearing it.

Yes it sucks if you buy expensive helmets, and I always do as I only have one head and I want to protect it.

Pete

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

Rule of thumb is to replace every 5 years, or immediately after an impact that's hard enough to "ring your bell" (jarred vision and ringing in the ears, indicating a minor concussion).

That includes after a cast iron frying pan, right???

Yeah...that helmet is 20 years old. foam breaks down. I recall taking a 10 year old helmet off my shelf to put on and got showers with foam dust. You can find new ones at very good prices these days that are reasonably comfortable. That'd be your better bet.

[B-Bob]

Originally Posted by bikerphoto

If you just drop your helmet on the pavement, say off the seat of your bike, do you think it needs to be replaced?

Here's one opinion, with other good info, too:

Arai Helmet Rep at Jay Leno's Garage

[KZBob]

I used to keep a shell of an older Shoei at the shop, with all the guts (including foam) tore out. It was just a shell.

I'd use it to show people, on the outside there were a few nicks and scratches, but if you held it up to the light, you could see the cracks from impacts that weren't visible from the outside, enough that it would make people gasp.

Rich has it right, if that helmet hits the pavement, replace it.

It's not the manufacturers fault that we don't properly care for our lids.

Riding almost everyday, I replace mine every 2 years or so.

[KZBob]

My last one.

Hit head first on a high side at 45+mph because of construction.

Got up and walked away with a seperated shoulder and bruised elbow.

Not even a headache.