Helmet Question

[barry5k]

I recently purchased a new, never out of the box, open-face Shoei RJ Air helmet. When I got home, I looked at the manufacture date (should've done that before) and it was made in September of 02. Just wondering if it is still usable, even though it has never been out of the box. Please, just the facts! Thanks for your input.

[pat0021]

I don't have facts, but I wouldn't think it would be a problem.

[Mconfluence]

find a helmet exactly the same and see if it fits loser then look at the date.

[fmayko]

funny you should mention that about the shoei. I just ordered an HJC helmet, opened the box today and noticed the Manufacturer date on that helmet was sept. 2006. i was a little peeved; but i'm told it's not really a problem. did you order your helmet by mail? and was it a good deal? That's probably why it's an ''Older" helmet. IT was on clearance!

[Nalayah]

Motorcycle Helmets-motorcycle helmets sizing motorcycle helmet motocross helmets atv helmet Found that on Google. Personally I wouldn't take the risk if i could afford a new one, but if I were in a jam, I would still wear it. Old helmet > no helmet.

[rbentnail]

I'd still wear it. From what I hear, Styrofoam and plastic take about a billion years to degrade.

[herk]

Since yer wondering about it, call Shoei & ask them if their helmets have an expiration date.

[barry5k]

So I emailed Shoei with the following text:

Hi
I have three Shoei helmets and love them. I recently purchased a Shoie RJ Air at an estate sale. It has never been out of the box and is in new, perfect condition. The manufacture date, however, says 09/02. Is this helmet still safe to wear?
Thank you for your reply
Barry

Their reply:

We suggest that your helmet be replaced five years from purchase date or seven years from manufacture date, whichever comes first.

Patrick Houlihan
Technical Advisor
Shoei Safety Helmet Corp.

I said I had three Shoei helmets just so they would see I'm a loyal customer and I may get a straight answer. Their answer suggests that they quoted their stock answer as to not open themselves to a lawsuit if something should happen. There was no mention if that is years of use or years of in the box. Interesting! At any rate, I paid $90 for a good lesson - check the manufacture date!!!!!

[rbentnail]

I'd still wear it, at least for this year.

[lytninrod]

Originally Posted by barry5k

Their reply:

We suggest that your helmet be replaced five years from purchase date or seven years from manufacture date, whichever comes first.

This is an across the boards answer, You will find that all manufacturers will recommend this same "Life cycle" for helmets. I used to think that they just wanted to sell more helmets, but now I am aware that the technology is advancing so fast that every year is a significant increase in safety, and you may be doing yourself an injustice to go wearing an ancient helmet even though it has low hours of use.....would you be ok wearing your seven year-old helmet? probably, but ultimately it is your choice.....

M-------

[peregrine]

Originally Posted by barry5k

I recently purchased a new, never out of the box, open-face Shoei RJ Air helmet. When I got home, I looked at the manufacture date (should've done that before) and it was made in September of 02. Just wondering if it is still usable, even though it has never been out of the box. Please, just the facts! Thanks for your input.

No way... dude, it's old fashion!
Get a scorpion EX100!!! (Just kidd'in)