When to Replace a Helmet?

[DanPez]

I have a general question about helmet replacements.

My Arai Quantum e liner feels like its becoming compressed, so I may look into replacing the liner (if I find one?)
I know that helmet technology, styling and comfort features change fairly regularly over time .....
The one I have is over 10 years old and even though it has never been dropped or damaged it looks fairly new.

How do you go about a helmet inspection to determine if it is time to replace it?
By the year manufactured?
What signs should I look for that would suggest I need to start shopping for a new helmet?

Thanks

[Mi_ka]

It used to be 5 years for polycarbonate helmets and 10 years top for fiberglass helmets or so or after whatever crash it made contact with the tarmac at whatever force.
This was supposed to be a helmet's lifetime If it has been in top condition, never dropped etc
For regular use, 2-3 years for a polycarbonate one and 5 years for the higher spec materials.

[john zibell]

Actually, the composition of the outer shell doesn't matter. What does matter is the rate of degradation of the Styrofoam liner. The Styrofoam is what slows the rapid acceleration of the brain in an impact. Exposure to air and sweat will cause the foam to stiffen. Hard foam does you no good. It must give to absorb energy. A helmet in use that hasn't been dropped should be replaced in the 5 year span. That said, a helmet that has sat unused for ten or more years in a closet would be good to use for 5 years once put into use.

[Will]

I happened across a bit of Arai publicity on this subject recently. They say to change a helmet after 5 years and in Europe they offer free checks at their trade stands at major bike shows, race meetings, IoM TT etc.

[DanPez]

I think I'll be looking for a replacement shortly

I've worn Shoei and Arai most of my rides,
I made a mistake by purchased a KBC VR-2 through the web 2 year ago .... doesn't fit as well (too tight) and the finishing also needs some finesse. (I still use it as a spare)

Does Arai take back the old ones?

[IBA 270]

I'm offering this opinion as board member and not a professional;

The answer is...depends...on a lot of factors. Where the helmet was stored when not worn, how often it was worn (and in what conditions). It's difficult to tell how protective it will be in a crash as they do certainly break down.

I'm not as concerned about the helmet "condition" as much as something you stated however:

"My Arai Quantum e liner feels like its becoming compressed..."

My experience tells me that you might not have a helmet that fits you properly. While a helmet may "loosen" a bit, it shouldn't feel loose as it ages. If it does, it may mean that areas that were tight are now loose, and the loose areas are...for lack of a better term...looser.

You really want to get fitted by a professional if you haven't. I don't know if you have or haven't, but I do know of a statistic that states that up to 80% of riders are wearing the wrong helmet. Let me give you a quick example of what I mean; if you get a tape measurer and come up with say 62CM which corresponds to a (for arguments sake) Large in brand "S". You try brand "S" on, but it's too tight. However the XL in brand "S" feels better. The fact is (fortunately or unfortunately) brand "S" doesn't fit your head. It's likely the wrong shape (your head or the helmet, however you want to look at it).

The vast majority of retailers have you try a helmet on and as long as you can't pull it off your head, and it doesn't hurt for a few minutes of wearing it around, they call it "good". I call it dumb...(not you, them) but hey, what do I know?

[Series4]

Dan, you can't tell by looking. Replacement every five years is a good rule of thumb even if the hemet still looks good. In motorsport (from memory) it's five years from the date of manufacture. Even if the helmet's been kept in a dark cupboard the solvents in the foam still gas off, not as fast as in the hot sun but the liner will still harden over time.

Think of what you're protecting. Buy a new one.

[mickyvee_2010]

I recently bought a new Arai Quantum, and the lady at the shop spent a lot of time measuring me and making damn sure that I got the best fitting helmet possible. If left to my own devices, I'd have picked a helmet that was too big. My new one, which was tight to begin with, is now wonderfully snug. Go to a good shop, that sells a lot of helmets, and who know what they are doing.

[DanPez]

The vast majority of retailers have you try a helmet on and as long as you can't pull it off your head, and it doesn't hurt for a few minutes of wearing it around, they call it "good".

Well I guess the KBC I bought is not tight after all.

On the same subject of helmets ..... any opinions on Open-Face or Flip-Flop?

[john zibell]

On the same subject of helmets ..... any opinions on Open-Face or Flip-Flop?

Flip front only certify as an open face. The question is do you want to look good, or keep your looks? I'm of the full face helmet persuasion.