Crash helmets, how long do they last??

[kelpac]

May be a silly question but can anyone say how often you should change your crash helmet???
I've had my present one over eight years, never been crashed, just usual wear & tear!!
There are so many different opinions on the net.

[Rusty]

I believe for whatever reason that 5 years is meant to be about right ... Something to do with polycarbonates and sunlight, but to be honest unless you have chucked it down the cellar steps hang on to it ! 

[viper]

i agree with the above coment, but im sure thats for a helmet that is worn a few times per week , or maybe even every day, i replaced my last schuberths after 7 years as this 5 year rule was nagging at me, weve now got c3 's and as they only get worn once per week and spend their rest time in a dark cupboard im going to have these for at least 10 years plus, they are friggin expensive.

if you have cheapish helmet at the moment , sub £200 id change that after 5 years, but id hang onto expensive ones for longer ... just my 2 cents worth

[Winston Smith]

I would say about 5-7 years for a 'quality' multi-fibre lid dependant on useage.

Plastic shells, 3-5 maximum due to sunlight, heat/cold cycles and exposure.

Don't just think shell though.  The interior is subjected to your skin and hairs oil etc. which can effect the inner shell.

The polystyrene inner can become hard and lose it's ability to crush - therefore absorb impact.

It will also depend on mileage/hours worn.  I swap mine (Arai/Shoei) about every 3-4 years which equates to around 30k to 50k miles.

At 8 years old, I think I would be considering a new lid.

[O.C.]

Its a good question and one that is frequently asked, my 7 year old Arai Viper GT fell off my bike last week and literally rolled across the car park at Devils Bridge  , I'd been alternating between wearing it and my C3 which TBH is what I'd describe as an 'OK'  helmet 

I've just bought a Arai Tour X4 which is a different design but gives me better vision and is very very comfy and quiet

Another good helmet seems to be the Shoei Neotec, but its pricey

[Gonome]

I would say about 5-7 years for a 'quality' multi-fibre lid dependant on useage.

Plastic shells, 3-5 maximum due to sunlight, heat/cold cycles and exposure.

Don't just think shell though.  The interior is subjected to your skin and hairs oil etc. which can effect the inner shell.

The polystyrene inner can become hard and lose it's ability to crush - therefore absorb impact.

It will also depend on mileage/hours worn.  I swap mine (Arai/Shoei) about every 3-4 years which equates to around 30k to 50k miles.

At 8 years old, I think I would be considering a new lid.

  Most people always think about the exterior of the helmet when in fact it is the intereior that is most prone to deteriate assuming you do not throw it about and generally look after it. Any moisture, even sweat, will have a detrimental effect on the integrity of the helmet interior to the extent that it can rot stiching and other material depending on the quality of the helmet. I always store my C3 in a well ventilated room to ensure that any moisture is quickly dried out and the helmet is well aired. I would suggest that if you are using a helmet that is 8 years old it is time to think seriously about getting it replaced.

[Deon]

"Plastic shells, 3-5 maximum due to sunlight, heat/cold cycles and exposure".


Why would anyone even CONSIDER wearing a plastic helmet ???   

Deon

[mecki]

Until it starts to smell funny! 

[Debs]

I put the insides of my C3 in the washing machine on a regular basis.. Keeps it all nice and clean and give the rest of the helmet inside time to breathe..   

[Boomer]

I, along with Winnsworld and a few others wear a balaclava.
This absorbs all the smells/sweat and goes in the wash after a couple of days.

As for replacing lids, I replace after 5 years or after any crash, whether my head hit anything or not.
Polycarbonate shells are good for 10+ years but the limiting factor is the expanded polystyrene as stated by Winston.
A good article on helmets in general is here. At the bottom of the article is the section on when to replace.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-faq.htm
They also do some very thorough tests on a lot of helmets (USA site)

[Winston Smith]

"Plastic shells, 3-5 maximum due to sunlight, heat/cold cycles and exposure".


Why would anyone even CONSIDER wearing a plastic helmet ???   

Deon

AGV, Shark, Caberg, Nolan, HJC, KBC along with the likes of Boxer, Viper etc all produce plastic lids as they are the cheaper end of their ranges (AGV/Nolan/Shark/HJC) or the mainstay in the case of the others.

Not all are cheap, I have a £320 Shark Evoline 3 which is a Polycarb lid.

Nothing wrong with plastic lids, they are evenly made due to the injection methods of moulding, unlike the layering of multi compsites but are heavier and more prone to chemical/sunlight damage.

Painted ones are better (and more expensive!) and to be fair most are now.

[Rusty]

Whinny .... you are a little mine of information. 

[simbad]

AGV, Shark, Caberg, Nolan, HJC, KBC along with the likes of Boxer, Viper etc all produce plastic lids as they are the cheaper end of their ranges (AGV/Nolan/Shark/HJC) or the mainstay in the case of the others.

Not all are cheap, I have a £320 Shark Evoline 3 which is a Polycarb lid.

Nothing wrong with plastic lids, they are evenly made due to the injection methods of moulding, unlike the layering of multi compsites but are heavier and more prone to chemical/sunlight damage.

Painted ones are better (and more expensive!) and to be fair most are now.

How do you find the Evoline. I have just bought one and did a longer trip with it.  I love the lid but ...

I found the visor was loose and popped out of the housing;
In the rain I had a small amount of water coming down the inside of the visor and into my eye!

Is it just mine?

[doebag]

........... and into my eye!

Is it just mine?

I would hope so, do you share your eye with others? 

[simbad]

I would hope so, do you share your eye with others? 

Only the glass eye .... makes a great cue ball.