When to replace a helmet?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by BondJamesBond, Oct 17, 2014.

  1. BondJamesBond

    BondJamesBond New Member

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    I'm sure this has been discussed.... Assuming no accidents, after how long should you replace a helmet? Does the material age over time to the point that it doesn't protect anymore? Not ptotect to the point it would not meet safety standards any more?
     
  2. Crazy Commie

    Crazy Commie New Member

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    5 years is the limit. The protection material does get older with age and harden up.

    May last longer, but 5 year is the rule everyone goes by.
     
  3. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I replace mine when it starts to feel loose, not wobbling around loose, but looser than when I first started wearing it. And that depends on how much I've been riding. I've never paid much attention to how old, or how long I've had it.
     
  4. dayreamer

    dayreamer New Member

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    After accident, after dropping, after 5 years, or after seeing a new one that you can't live without...whichever comes first....
    I'm still waiting for the helmet with HUD, rear view camera, and RWR (radar warning receiver)...LOL
     
  5. thx1138

    thx1138 New Member

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    When it looks like you have foamy black dandruff whenever you take it off.
     
  6. metallyguitarded

    metallyguitarded New Member

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    This one has a rear view camera. Radar detector would be an amazing addition. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...wk-JLsQOfElnwWPgkjUHSUd9rg5pLHlsQQaAu9a8P8HAQ

    black_matte_detail.jpg
     
  7. dayreamer

    dayreamer New Member

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    Yea...I know about that one...too pricey for a periscope mirror set-up that has the biker looking like a Klingon...
    "Need" a helmet that I can power up, the HUD comes alive, connects wirelessly to the bike aka Iron Man Suit, gives me bike dashboard, accommodates voice commands, and, almost as an afterthought, has a rearview camera (not mirrors, left and right are different). LOL
     
  8. metallyguitarded

    metallyguitarded New Member

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    Ahh...yeah, haven't seen one of those yet. Even the best voice commands can be a bit dicey. I say you hold out for one with thought control. Then again, I can only imagine what most of our HUDs would be displaying...
     
  9. dayreamer

    dayreamer New Member

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    Oh...and a Gweneth Paltrow voice instead of some random guy's voice like the Iron Man suit....never understood why a Machismo Guy like Tony Stark wouldn't have a sexy voice guiding his suit....
     
  10. MrSleep

    MrSleep New Member

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    Here is a helmet that is a bit closer to what you may be looking for skullysystems.com. http://skullysystems.com
     
  11. dayreamer

    dayreamer New Member

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    Now, I didn't know about this one...comes very close...now we just need to integrate it with the bike's computer, and we have the 2-wheeled version of the 5th Gen fighter...I'm starting to drool...hope they don't price it out of the realm of practicality....
     
  12. MrSleep

    MrSleep New Member

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    Just found out more info, the helmet is expected to be released next year for an expected retail price of $1500!
     
  13. bitterpil

    bitterpil New Member

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    And
    If it starts to be Ill fitting...loose, wobbly,etc.
     
  14. bitterpil

    bitterpil New Member

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    I'm not sure how I feel about rear view helmets camera or mirrors ... I wonder how much of a distraction and or focus robbing it will be.

    Opinions?
     
  15. Mohawk

    Mohawk New Member

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    When you feel like it really. Most manufacturers say 5 years but that is just for repeat business & based on old tech glass fibre lids from the 80's. They material, resins & processes used in fibre based lids has come a long way since the 80's. Thermo Plastic lids are also much better than back then, both in materials science & safety, many exceed the tests used for the most expensive helmets. unfortunately the EU has messed with this system & now set lower minimum standards, when what we really need is something like the cars N-Cap ratings.

    I normally replace an undamaged helmet after ten years or sooner if parts/lining get a bit rough. It also depends on how often you use it. If kept in the dark, to avoid UV effects & used randomly on sunny Sundays, then they will last a lot longer than one that is used everyday for a long period, exposed to sun, wet, seat & general wear & tear.

    In the end it's your head, do you feel lucky today ? I've never seen old helmets tested, so maybe that's something else we need where every 2 years a well used helmet gets tested as per new, until it fails for an age related issue.
     
  16. brucevfr

    brucevfr New Member

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    What's to laugh about? All that and more are available in the Lockheed Martin F-35 helmet. Problem solved.
     
  17. Knight

    Knight New Member

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    Why will not the mfr re-pack my un-damaged helmet? The plastic will last 10,000 years if I don't drop it...just put a new liner in it. This is sure a money maker.
     
  18. jojobeans

    jojobeans New Member

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    the rule of thumb I've heard is similar to what everyone is saying, but can't place where I heard this could very well be from a mfg'r web site, after any drop of more than 5 feet, or if the shell is in anyway compromised. Then 5 years based on UV exposure, etc etc. As far as a HUD helmet, check out this one, not everything but damn close, http://fusar.com/
     
  19. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Jojo...now that my friend would be very cool... $$...and a + she sounds hot........perv, I know...
     
  20. jojobeans

    jojobeans New Member

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    they are still taking beta testers riders, fill out a application, who knows may get a shot at the helmet for free
     
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