Life Span of Helmets

[bradmc]

Do helmets have a use by date?
I was looking at an old one i have and no longer use, it was made in 1997. I was wondering even if a helmet has been looked after and not abused/crashed, what is the recommended life span of a helmet?

[udi]

If it hasnt seen any abuse or crashing it should be fine. As far as I know the foam doesn't exactly disintegrate with time, as long as you haven't spilt any nasty chemicals on it (glues will eat the foam away etc..)

Generally after a few hard crashes is probably time to replace a helmet, but I think it's something you have to decide for yourself. One really hard crash might be time even. Obviously if theres a crack or more in it, its time to ditch it - but also, i'd assume during a crash the foam will compress a little, making it a little less head protective the next time it's hit in the same place, etc etc.

But I can't afford to get a new one all the time, so go on the principle that it's better I wear an old one than none at all. :)

-Udi

[October26]

If you look at hardhats there is a date stamped in those also. I know here at work you aren't suppossed to wear them after 5 years or so. Not sure why.

[miko]

Maybe one thing to check out would be if the plastic is UV stabilised. Some plastics if left out in the sun, degrade, and don't behave as they do when new. For this reason, harnesses in racing cars have a 5 year life span. It may be worth emailing a helmet manufacturer and asking them.

[Beena]

4 years from date of manufacture. It will be printed on a sticker on the inside of the helmet.
The Polystyrene foam becomes more brittle over time and loses its ability to properly absorb impacts.

One impact is enough to replace the helmet. They are designed to take one only. Skate helmets etc are a little better as their thick shell allows them to take more small knocks without damage. It's not worth the risk though, if you've had a big stack, replace the helmet.

[Juls]

4 years from date of manufacture. It will be printed on a sticker on the inside of the helmet.
The Polystyrene foam becomes more brittle over time and loses its ability to properly absorb impacts.

One impact is enough to replace the helmet. They are designed to take one only. Skate helmets etc are a little better as their thick shell allows them to take more small knocks without damage. It's not worth the risk though, if you've had a big stack, replace the helmet.

Agreed,

after 4 or 5 years, the foam would be starting to get quite brittle,
also the 1 Crash theory is correct, 1 crash is always enough to put small cracks and fractures throughout the helmet, Most of the time they are not visable, but next time you crash, the helmet will just snap and break into 2,3,4 ... lots of pieces.

X/C Helmets are less tolerant to large crashes, even dropping it can cause tiny fractures, DH Helmets and to a lesser extent dirt lids, can take a little more abuse before being damaged enough to be replaced.

Either way, with any helmet, if you have a Big Crash, and you hit your head hard, replace your helmet. It's your life your playing with, it's your choice, live or die.

Juls

[bradmc]

Well that about answers that. Thanks Guys.
I think it is important people realise that helmets don't last forever, so check your helmets and keep safe.

Cheers.

edit: Got a return email from a helmet manufacturer saying around three years is the recommended life span.