Assuming its just worn, interior padding is replaced as needed, how long can you expect your typical DOT/Snell helmet to be good protection? Does the foam break down with time?
My two helmets both say to replace in 3 to 5 years based on how much you use it. UV rays break down the helmet over time. As much as I ride, I'll be replacing my helmet in the 3 years or less time.
My first HJC lasted about 3 years. My heavy whiskers (about 3 day worth) wore out the cheek pads. We I tried to orders replacement pads, they no longer had them in stock and no longer made the helmet. Picked up a joe rocket and extra cheek pads abd ready for the next 3-4-5 years.
My first HJC lasted about 3 years. My heavy whiskers (about 3 day worth) wore out the cheek pads. We I tried to orders replacement pads, they no longer had them in stock and no longer made the helmet. Picked up a joe rocket and extra cheek pads abd ready for the next 3-4-5 years.
You could put some duct tape on your face before installing into the helmet. That would save the pads some wear for sure. :001_smile:
..... i don't buy that crap about the uv rays breaking down the helmet...
the thing that tears up helmets is the sweat and oil that comes outta your head.... if you wear a bandanna or do-rag *(i have a skull cap made by underarmour and it works awesome) to keep hair gels/oils etc out of the interior and wash the cheek pads fairly often you can keep a helmet for a surprising amount of time...
the helmet companies tell you to replace them often ..... because they sell helmets....
just keep em clean and replace them when they become loose....
..... i don't buy that crap about the uv rays breaking down the helmet...
the thing that tears up helmets is the sweat and oil that comes outta your head.... if you wear a bandanna or do-rag *(i have a skull cap made by underarmour and it works awesome) to keep hair gels/oils etc out of the interior and wash the cheek pads fairly often you can keep a helmet for a surprising amount of time...
the helmet companies tell you to replace them often ..... because they sell helmets....
just keep em clean and replace them when they become loose....
How have you determined the UV degradation stories to be false? Simply because the motive exists?
My first HJC lasted about 3 years. My heavy whiskers (about 3 day worth) wore out the cheek pads. We I tried to orders replacement pads, they no longer had them in stock and no longer made the helmet. Picked up a joe rocket and extra cheek pads abd ready for the next 3-4-5 years.
Good info - but if you couldn't get new pads, you could have stuffed cotton in your mouth before each ride...
..... i don't buy that crap about the uv rays breaking down the helmet...
the thing that tears up helmets is the sweat and oil that comes outta your head.... if you wear a bandanna or do-rag *(i have a skull cap made by underarmour and it works awesome) to keep hair gels/oils etc out of the interior and wash the cheek pads fairly often you can keep a helmet for a surprising amount of time...
the helmet companies tell you to replace them often ..... because they sell helmets....
just keep em clean and replace them when they become loose....
I have a helmet that was stored in the garage after 3 years of use. It had 3 years of use and 4 years of storage. I bet I could push my finger through the outer shell. It's so brittle now that one drop from about 2 feet put spider cracks all over the shell.
I have a helmet that was stored in the garage after 3 years of use. It had 3 years of use and 4 years of storage. I bet I could push my finger through the outer shell. It's so brittle now that one drop from about 2 feet put spider cracks all over the shell.
i know people with quality helmets (arais, shoeis etc) made during the late 90's early 2000's that are still solid and good as new...
i know people with quality helmets (arais, shoeis etc) made during the late 90's early 2000's that are still solid and good as new...
Yeah. Well I'm still using the same condom from when my wife and I first got married!!! Since it never sees the sun and gets washed often it should be good still.
Yeah. Well I'm still using the same condom from when my wife and I first got married!!! Since it never sees use and gets varnished often it should be good still.
fixed it for you
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'04 Honda 919, Candy apple red met., 17/44t sprockets,f-16 windscreen,delkevic ss exhaust,Tharbars,givi engine bars, billet alum. led turns w/ running lights,red adj.levers from china, bar end mirrors,grip heaters,adj. foot peg brackets,adj. bar risers,dunlop Q2(that are better than your pp 2ct,lol)bike wired for gps and phone charger
I have a helmet that was stored in the garage after 3 years of use. It had 3 years of use and 4 years of storage. I bet I could push my finger through the outer shell. It's so brittle now that one drop from about 2 feet put spider cracks all over the shell.
I'll second this had same happen to one mine. Both inner and outer shell worth nothing
I have a helmet that was stored in the garage after 3 years of use. It had 3 years of use and 4 years of storage. I bet I could push my finger through the outer shell. It's so brittle now that one drop from about 2 feet put spider cracks all over the shell.
What brand helmet?
Is there anything you can use to protect the helmet from UV - such as a good auto polish?
Degredation is/could be maybe an issue. But personally I like to change out my helmet every 5 years or so because I get tired of the same design. It is time for something new.
I have a helmet that was stored in the garage after 3 years of use. It had 3 years of use and 4 years of storage. I bet I could push my finger through the outer shell. It's so brittle now that one drop from about 2 feet put spider cracks all over the shell.
Must have been one top shelf helmet when it was new......
It still looks & feels like a good helmet, though I know I am well into borrowed time with it.
The bugger is that I like the Arai helmets and want to replace it with another high-end Arai, though the price is difficult. I'll be keeping an eye out for sales.
FYI - I wear a silk balaclava (thin ski mask) under my helmet. It helps keep the inside of the helmet much cleaner over time.
I bought my Shoei X-Tec helmet in 2002 (made in 2000). Road about 30,000 miles with it on from -5 degrees to 100 degrees(typical Wisconsin)
Schmucked it on the ground a little in my recent crash and it was fine. Took it apart and the interior crush zone is perfect still. Grabbed a hold of the interior and tried to pull it out too... it's still as solid as the day I bought it. There is still a white price tag($594.99) on the inside on the impact foam with pen writing on it... shows that head oil and whatever isn't destroying MY helmet... not sure how many gallons of oil YOUR head blasts out?
I DO remove the microfiber liner and wash it 2-3 times a year.
I value my head. That's how confident I am in the 3-5 year replacement rule being ridiculous.
shh my wife might hear you.....Yes dear I do Need a new helmet, they just go bad after a while.
Ha. Then there is that.
I bought a helmet that doesnt get old in graphical design like those that have objects on them (i.e, I'd get sick of seeing Rhino head on my helmet after a while).
Just as an example: Everyone has their own likes/dislikes but non-riding people often comment on liking my helmet. It always catches me off guard since I don't really LOOK at it so much as I did 7 years ago. But I attribute that to having a design on it instead of a "Rhino head". Plus since it's orange I can use it during hunting season!*
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