I'm looking for a new helmet, and I've seen a few on offer that are 2005/6 age, obviously they're new, unused & boxed etc. But is there any issue just with 'age' of a helmet?
Bike Forum
[closed]
Do bike helmets 'go off'?
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Posted 2 years ago #
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I've just bought one much older than that so I believe not!
Posted 2 years ago # -
its UV exposure that "ages" the material.
If it's been stored out of the way properly it shouldnt have degraded substantially.
Posted 2 years ago # -
MET think their helmets last for about 8 years
Posted 2 years ago # -
motorcycle helmet manufacturers (which use the same basic materials) usually recommend a lifespan of 5 years for a helmet in use, whether its been crashed or not, due to the damage caused by UV, so suggesting they have a shelf life too.
I dont replace my m/cycle or cycle lids that often and am always dubious of manufacturers recommendations - they have a vested interest in encouraging replacement. I would buy a new old-stock lid if it was suitably reduced in price - my 661 from CRC cost £39 and from the colour scheme I knew it was a few years old.
Posted 2 years ago # -
The real killers are sweat and as mentioned sunlight. If you use it a lot and you would like to rely on it helping you out when you need it change it every now and then.
Something stored in a shop should still be fine unless its been in the window.I bought my xen in 05 its ferked... not its fault just used a lot, crashed in, de laminating cracked and definately fit for the bin.
Posted 2 years ago # -
BTW more on the subject in a thread I started last month
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/new-helmet-time-what-should-i-be-looking-atWhen inspecting the old helmet, before crushing it, I found there was quite a large crack in one of the main members, meaning it would have been almost useless in a good crash.
Checking is as important as remembering to replace.
Posted 2 years ago #
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