Helmets. Replacement time?

cowbellsandcoffee

Just wondering, what YOUR time guidelines are for replacing your helmet? How long do you keep yours?

I currently have two Giro Atmos helmets. One being 2.5 years old and the other going on maybe 7 years. I might replace the older one as it's showing it's age.

cloggsy71

I believe the guidelines are replace every 3 years, unless you've had an 'off'...

Now, whether these guidelines are produced by the 'Helmet Manufacturers Alliance' or not is another question...

TheBigYin

I've never managed to keep a helmet in serviceable condition for much over 3-4 years to be honest. There's usually been something - either i've bounced it off the ground (either by dropping it or with my head in it during an accident), or some tree branches while off-roading - but I'm pretty much a clumsy so and so, and I DO tend to buy the lighter, more racy (and hence slightly more fragile) ones

Though, I suppose 3-4 years of the amount of riding i've been doing could well equal 6-7 years for some people.

IIRC the original guideline of 3 years came about because older compounds of the EPS padding used to degrade due to UV exposure... I used to actually keep my bike lid in a drawstring helmet bag (it was actually one that my Arai motorbike helmet came with!) to keep the helmet from casual knocks and light exposure, however these days I'm not quite as organised - and, living on my own, I don't have to worry about anyone else "tidying" the helmet away from where I leave it...

Kupe

I tend to right helmets off quicker than they need replacing due to time. Last one being a prime example..LOL