When to replace a helmet?

[Nozz]

Just wondering what practices other folks follow when it comes to replacing a helmet based on age. My Nolan N100 is probably seven years old, and I've been told they lose their ability to aborb an impact. I am not looking for a reason to go out and spring for a new one, but I definitely want my helmet to work if it ever hits something hard... What do you all think? Thanks!

-=Jim

[Anders]

Copied from the web but I agree on the conclusion... also the outer shell will deteriorate due to UV exposure or so they claim**.

"Helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation suggest replacement after about 5 years.

Impact protection comes from the outer shell, the styrene inner shell, and the comfort lining. The styrene inner liner crushes as it absorbs energy. The comfort liner compresses until it bottoms out against the styrene. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials, and general liner deterioration and helmet degradation can result from hair oils, body fluids, cosmetics, and normal "wear and tear."

From past experience there will probably be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, design and the standards. Therefore, regardless of wear, you will probably want to replace your helmet every five years"

**A 10 year warranty is the industry standard for polycarbonate sheet products though the working life is normally considerably longer. Actual performance depends on individual applications and local environmental factors, but 20 years and over is now becoming common. Most thermoplastic materials do suffer slow deterioration as a result of UV exposure, usually this initially manifest itself in a gradual yellowing of the sheet rather than a reduction in the mechanical properties.

[iceman]

Seven years old ? For a hundred dollars it's time,Scorpion has some great deals on helmets and are rated as good as helmets costing hundreds more.Never buy a used helmet as the new ones <last years graphics are so cheap> Best thing about the internet comparison shopping and almost always no TAX !
Tax only if the online store has a real brick and mortar store in your state.Hurry soon to change !

This seller has some good prices.I just got a current model exo700 for $125 everywhere on the net it was twice as much or more.I have one exo 400 and for a few $$ more the exo 700 is much better lighter with carbon and both feel as if you would survive a serious crash.

http://stores.ebay.com/dustymotousa_Hel ... ec0Q2em322

[DAVID THOMPSON]

any one know who make a 8 or 8 1/4
i am using a shoei rj air 7 7/8-8 that's not wide enough biggest thing i could find in shops
this one came from iron pony in columbus ohio
and is still a tight fit with half the padding removed around the ears
only thing i can find is half helmets and they suck if you wreck in one
the above is a newer version of helmet i had wreck wearing in dec of 07
the one i wrecked in is so old it needs junked but not going too till i find some thing that fits
any one make wide sizes

the rj- air shoei 7 7/8-8 fits if i take out the ear padding
if i do not remove the padding i have a headache in about 3 minutes
it clamps my head like a big vice
dave

[RiverDrive]

Replace your helmet every 5 years and when ever it receives an impact, it a crash or dropped to the ground. It's your most important piece of safety equipment!

[iceman]

any one know who make a 8 or 8 1/4
i am using a shoei rj air 7 7/8-8 that's not wide enough biggest thing i could find in shops
this one came from iron pony in columbus ohio
and is still a tight fit with half the padding removed around the ears
only thing i can find is half helmets and they suck if you wreck in one
the above is a newer version of helmet i had wreck wearing in dec of 07
the one i wrecked in is so old it needs junked but not going too till i find some thing that fits
any one make wide sizes

the rj- air shoei 7 7/8-8 fits if i take out the ear padding
if i do not remove the padding i have a headache in about 3 minutes
it clamps my head like a big vice
dave

I just got this one.It was too cheap not to.http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=1971 $40 for winter rides with a hat..fits perfect,