how long do helmets last?

**dawnrazor** · 28th February 2006, 07:32

Came across a date stamp stitched into the fabric of my helmet while cleaning it.

It says "06/98".

Which suggests thats when it was made which seems about right, as I bought it late that year.

However that means its nearly 8 years old. I have read and heard it said, that helmets have a finite life span of regular "non impact" use. I seem to remember this time frame being in or abouts 5 years, as over that time they lose their impact absorbing qualities can essentially fall apart on impact and not really do their job.

Is this based in fact or is it a cunning ploy by helmet manufactures to get us to buy new lids every 5 years. I know you can get helemts tested, but this means sending them away and I don't have a spare, so that would mean buying a new one , which defeats the purpose, as I don't need two (only the one head after all).

For the record it is an ARAI Quantum, never been dropped or been in a crash, just the regular wear and tear of 8 years of use.

What do you folks reckon, am I alright or is it too big a gamble to take, it is your head after all, or is it all BS.

Cheers

**Grahameeboy** · 28th February 2006, 07:40

I tend to replace every 4 years max which I have read is about right.......
The lining wears and loosens so the fit is not so snug which is important.
I also read that just exposure to elements over time can weaken the shell

**miSTa** · 28th February 2006, 07:42

Don't know too much about the dates but I've just replaced my helmet and my reasons were:
- chin strap was starting to fray
- the fit was start to get quite loose. With that I asked myself "if it was a new helmet would I buy it based and fit and comfort?"

My old helmet was about 5 years old.

HTH.

**sugilite:Me** · 28th February 2006, 07:45

As long as it is still a snug fit, I'd be inclined to keep it....

**dawnrazor** · 28th February 2006, 08:54

Well I hadn't really thought of the "snug fit" aspect of it, but now that you mention it, it does go on and off rather easily particularly after a haircut

Maybe I should be looking at a new lid, the thing is I need to get a decent leather jacket for the winter and had plans to kit the misses out with some decent gear as well. Crap. It always happens like that.

Have read good things about Shoei Raid, anyone got any first hand experience. Mind you the last time I tried a shoei it didn't fit very comfortably, but might try one again and see whats what.

**zadok** · 28th February 2006, 10:15

Originally Posted by sugilite

As long as it is still a snug fit, I'd be inclined to keep it....

Ditto. That's a good quality helmet from what I can remember. I'd be inclined to keep wearing it if it still fits well and no frayed strap etc.

**Lou Girardin** · 28th February 2006, 11:50

Time for a new one. see you in an hour or so.

**far queue** · 28th February 2006, 20:06

Originally Posted by dawnrazor

Have read good things about Shoei Raid, anyone got any first hand experience. Mind you the last time I tried a shoei it didn't fit very comfortably, but might try one again and see whats what.

You say you have an Arai at the moment, and I assume it's comfortable for you or you wouldn't have bought it in the 1st place. They say that people have an Arai shaped head or a Shoei shaped head - sounds like you've got an Arai shaped head.

Me - I've got a Shoei that's always fit real well, but is due for replacement. I've tried on a couple of Arai's and don't like them, so I guess I've got a Shoei head.

Arai and Shoei both make great helmets, but if it doesn't fit right then it's not for you.

**myvice** · 28th February 2006, 20:33

Got three weeks out of one...

**dawnrazor** · 28th February 2006, 21:26

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Time for a new one. see you in an hour or so.

When I can get a half hour away from work I'll be in, you working saturday by any chance?

**naughtygirl** · 28th February 2006, 21:34

hmmm, its ABOUT 7 years. but if u hav a crash, and hit your head, then replace it right away! Even tho it may look fine from the outside, it may hav enternal damage.

**dawnrazor** · 28th February 2006, 21:54

Originally Posted by naughtygirl

hmmm, its ABOUT 7 years. but if u hav a crash, and hit your head, then replace it right away! Even tho it may look fine from the outside, it may hav enternal damage.

Nah its closer to 8 years bearing it was made 06/98 and we are now 03/06. Either way I'm not sure I want to take that risk, its a bit like tempting fate really, theres some things you only get one chance at, maybe a new helemt is a better idea then a wide screen telly anyways, they are just SOOOO expensive. And as some one said already I reckon I've got an Arai shaped head (bloody typical).