How old is too old? Arai Helmet

So I have a 10 year old Arai Quantum F Haga that has seen about 3 years of use and has not been used in 6 years. Never dropped and in near perfect condition.

I was ready to buy a new white Quantum 2 or Shoei 1000, but then I looked my old Arai over and thought I didn't really need one. Fits right and seems safe enough.

I know there is supposed to a be a 5 year expiration on these helmets...what's general rule of thumb for all of you guys out there? I wouldn't mind a new helment and I am not opposed to spending the money, but this old one fits better than anything else I've tried on.

For safety's sake, new or old?

Your feedback please...thanks!

 

I honestly don't think there would be anything wrong with it if it's been stored inside the house and away from solvents and fumes, but 10 years is pretty old. I don't know whether the plastic would be come brittle or whether there could be other issues. If it was my head I think I would get a new helmet. But that's me.

I usually replace my helmets when the fit starts to get a bit loose, or a neater model comes out. LOL

 

10 years is too old... 4-5 is max, dont trust your noggin to anything but fresh

 

I loved my shoei x-9 troy lee, but by the time it was sreading to peices inside and stunk like a goat, it was time...

 

5 years, eps deterates over time

 

I'm not even reading the responces..... Part of my armed forces A-School training was on helmets ; Shelf life is 5/7 years (shelf life means the amount of years since the helmet was made), and has no bearing on if it's being used or not. It's based on normal deterration.

Next, After 5/7, it should be checked to see if it can still be used safely. There are 2 ways for this to be done #ONE- Send it to the manufactor for them to check (after they check with their lawyers), Then they will give you their results. #-TWO Check it yourself..........Things to look for, outer shell-Flix;cracks;fading (flex should not be much, should feel firm; cracks toss it; fading is UV damage.........Inter-Shell (the soft stuff should be extremely hard to dint with your thumb or handle end of a screwdriver; also no oil exposure(Keep liner washed).
These are what we can do.....The helmets are getting better every year and with proper care can last longer...........How long ask a lawyer.......Myself I'll toss mine when I think it's no longer useful...... But not before I find one that's comfortable......Monk

 

Since Arai was the #1 quality helmet of that time, it must still be good, and i doubt that any actual deterioration has occured.......not to say that a new $500 lid would not be better, if you have $500 sitting around.

Quality is Arai's goal, not marketability or style, and they did and do know how to make the best.

Your 10 year old Arai is probably superior to 90% of the helmets on the market now.

 

Why dont you call Arai and ask? I think they are at

ARAI Helmets Marketing
Roseville, CA 95661 zip code
(916) 780-3046

guessing with the #1 piece of safety equipment dont cut it.

 

Doohan

My Doohan Arai is 16ish years old. Pulled it out and the foam and lining was like snow on my shirt.That is to old. Stored inside and never damaged. I am thinking too old must be less tha 16.....ish.Damn shame....good lookin helmet.

 

Don't bother calling Arai since I guarantee they will say replace the helmet. The rule of thumb is 5 years of use or 6-7 years from date of manufacture.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

You don't have to give them any details, just ask them what the sell by date is on one of their helmets, as you are considering buying.....the guy who wins the pot, isn't always the guy with the best hand.....

 

Thanks for all of the great responses. I can buy a new helmet, but if it wasn't necessary, then I was happy to wear the old one and spend the money elsewhere.

So, with all the great advice, the new helment quest is on.

Arai quantum 2 or Shoei RF1000...who knows...depends on the fit I guess...then what color? I think I'll get white...but then again my bike is yellow...who is going to miss that?

Thanks all!

 

STANDARDS like Snell/Dot may have changed and gotten higher over time, so MAYBE newer helmets are built to better requirements......but i doubt it!

JUST exactly why would a helmet deterioriate just by sitting on a shelf for a few years???

There is NO manufacturer that has higher standards of quality than Arai !!

 

I have an Axis Yellow RF1000. Great colour and high visibility, very comfortable but also very noisy!

The visor lock lever just broke off and I just shelled out $5 plus don't-ask-me-how-much-they-charged-me-for-shipping...

I'd replace the helmet. Plasticizers evaporate and polymer chains cross-link with age making the material more brittle. Instead of absorbing impact, brittle plastic shatters.

 

OH GOD, i was just gazzumped by a polymer, evaporation, cross-link and plasticizer expert !!

I must be a fool: my newest bike is a '97 VFR, and everyone else is riding newer....poor me!

 

Here is a source of information you might want to consider. Even if you are looking to purchase a new helmet or just get some good info. MSF Rider Coaches should be aware of this information. There are also lots of facts available from manufactures and government agencies. Some folks don't beleive any information about the benefit of helmets, their age, fragility or ability to protect. What it comes down to is....it's your head. With what do you feel comfortable. Satisfy yourself!

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSI.pdf

 

Based on the feedback from all of the folks here (thanks!) and other folks at local dealers, I've decided to purchase an Arai Profile in white.

Word of advice...it seems that more expensive helments might sit around in the showroom for some time...the oldest "born on dates" I saw dated back as far as 2004. Now, some people have said my 9 year old Arai is no good...used it 3 years then went back on my shelf. Why am I going to pay $500 for a "brand new" been tried on by dozens of people, 5 year old helmet? No way.

I found a dealer that would order a new Arai and had them check with the distributor to make sure I get the newest production run helmet they could find in the warehouse. So, after a I try out the new lid, I'll provide a little update.

 

free helmets

It is a buyers market for helmets . Stole my last one for less than half no tax no freight.All I can say is shop and be a ....little rude...justa little.:thumbsup:

 

don't know about that experation date i see guys wearing world war 2 german helments riding harleys and leather helments. If it is in good shape hasn't hit the ground and padding is tight its good. if padding wore out and doesn't fit right its bad....I would call naussa they keep reusing brokin space shuddle just sent a crew to glue it back together it will be fine:thumbsup:no exp date here...

 

bikes yellow you must go with pink or mango.........:thumbsup: