At least there is no mandated "expiry dates" on helmets like on child car seats.
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Helmet life
- Thread starter xfactor
- Start date
right, the time to buy a new one is when you pick it up and it just turns to dust in your hands
on another note I just bought myself another RPHA 1 for the street. 1st one is for track and it's by far the best fitting one i've bought yet.
RichinOville
Well-known member
I finally broke down and got my new Shoei RF1100 helmet out. Bought while there was still a chance to get my size XXXL. It was the last one in Canada at the time. My old helmet is getting up there in age, probably 8 or 9 years. Tried on the new one and damn that thing is tight... Looked at the foam and the old one is pretty compressed compared to the new one. Didn't help that both the helmet and I got cooked in a 4.5 hour commute a couple of weeks ago when it was over 30C outside. It is getting tossed out. Won't wear it again.
For scientific purposes, could you tell us what date is from the manufacturing stamp on the "new" RF1100?
The RF-1200 came out in 2014.
That's a little out of my comfort zone for age. Helmet design has also come along ways since the RF1100 as well.
Relax
Well-known member
Some track day organizers mandate max age by using Snell years. It was sad that I had to buy a $100 HJC because my $800 Arai RX7 was a year too old. Then again, if it weren't for that cheap helmet, I never would have realized how much value HJC offered, and ended up replacing the RX7 with an FS-15 Carbon. That helmet lasted 12 years using it daily until I crashed in it. Some minor wear on the interior fabric where it drags when putting on/off, but otherwise the interior was in great shape for that many years.
RichinOville
Well-known member
Manufactured date 2015, purchased in 2017. Stored in basement since then.
matt365
Well-known member
In a closet, away from uv light, and drastic temperature changes?
If it was sweat-in, and left... maybe.
I bought an hjc rpha11(on sale) two years ago. Wore it once to test fit, then stored it until my rf1200 gets retired. Its certainly not two years closer to being tossed.
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What I read is that the foam hardens and becomes brittle over time, and then no longer protects your head as well. This is caused mainly by usage (sweat from your head, chemicals from products in your hair, etc) but even with no usage, time still plays a role. I'm just repeating what I read, I'm no expert myself. But when it comes to my head I'd rather err on the side of caution. I think it's a bad idea to buy a helmet years in advance of when you actually intend to use it.
Relax
Well-known member
Depends which foam you're referring to. There's the soft spongy comfort foam that disintegrates from looking at it, and then there's the EPS foam that goes between that comfort liner and the hard shell, which is comparatively indestructible. This is from a bicycle helmet test, but you get the idea: EPS Foam Helmet Liner Performance With Age
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No, what makes you think so?
But a brand new Schuberth helmet is safer than your5 year old 3C.
"You should buy a new helmet every 5 years."
"Says who?"
"The helmet manufacturers..."
Surprise, surprise.
My decision is based on my personal experience. My 40 yr old Nava full coverage is about 10 sizes too big because the eps liner has degraded and has shrunk. I have a 25 year old Shoei that is in the same state but not quite as bad. If a helmet doesn't fit properly, it's useless. Not my opinion, just fact.
Relax
Well-known member
I completely agree - it makes much more sense to gauge by the condition rather than just the age alone.
Relax
Well-known member
Just like the tire manufacturers.
The foam liner from your NAVA may not have been EPS at all .... 
EPS shinkage once in place is minimal to none.
Your hair volume however over 40 years.......
Liners and cheek pads certainly degrade and wear out...the EPS does not in any reasonable period of time.
The liners and cheek pads are usually available.
.I even found a set for my 10 year Australian convertible. Guy that bought was happy to get a convertible for $40 even with the surface rust on the buckle.
I always have a bit of room in a helmet for a thin balaclava - keeps the helmet line in better condition and keeps me warmer. Not an issue for fair weather riders.
I used one of these for years
EPS shinkage once in place is minimal to none.
Your hair volume however over 40 years.......
Liners and cheek pads certainly degrade and wear out...the EPS does not in any reasonable period of time.
The liners and cheek pads are usually available.
.I even found a set for my 10 year Australian convertible. Guy that bought was happy to get a convertible for $40 even with the surface rust on the buckle.
I always have a bit of room in a helmet for a thin balaclava - keeps the helmet line in better condition and keeps me warmer. Not an issue for fair weather riders.
I used one of these for years
I would have no issue using the same helmet today .....but bloody claustrophobic.
Factually wrong....your opinion is hardly humble....it is simply incorrect.
"EPS "shrinks over time " ...pardon my laughter....better check your house foundation.....gets expensive replacing the EPS there as it "shrinks".
Sources added since you can't be bothered to verify the facts of the matter on your own.
What is "useless" is insisting your unsupported anecdote has somehow more validity than easily ascertained facts about EPS, which lines the shell of motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets.
Go ahead throw your 5 year old helmets in the landfill since you seem to have money to burn.
"Stubborn" ???? sure when someone propagates a myth and thereby misleads others....I'll call it out everytime.
"EPS "shrinks over time " ...pardon my laughter....better check your house foundation.....gets expensive replacing the EPS there as it "shrinks".
Sources added since you can't be bothered to verify the facts of the matter on your own.
What is "useless" is insisting your unsupported anecdote has somehow more validity than easily ascertained facts about EPS, which lines the shell of motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets.
Go ahead throw your 5 year old helmets in the landfill since you seem to have money to burn.
"Stubborn" ???? sure when someone propagates a myth and thereby misleads others....I'll call it out everytime.
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