Thread: Which is the Safest Helmet?
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Old 06-05-15 | 01:22 PM
  #62  
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gugie
Bike Butcher of Portland
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From: Portland, OR

Bikes: It's complicated.

Snell Foundation: The five-year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials. Hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, as well as normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Petroleum based products present in cleaners, paints, fuels and other commonly encountered materials may also degrade materials used in many helmets possibly degrading performance. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five-year period due to advances in materials, designs, production methods and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five-year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from a prudent safety philosophy.

Bell: Bell has a general recommendation of replacing your helmet every three (3) years.

Giro: Giro has a general recommendation of replacing your helmet every three (3) years.

All are just recommendations. Where is the documentation to support this? Data?

Just to reiterate, there has been zero evidence (data) that supports swapping out helmets on a time basis, even a usage basis. I have stated that I get rid of a helmet when the "fitting" portions of the helmet start to break down-the foam inserts, the nylon webbing as it gets gunky and hard to adjust, the plastic adjustable thingie in the back, but never because I thought the expanded polystyrene was breaking down from age. Crash and your helmet hits the ground, chuck it, it's hard to quantify the reduction in thickness or see interior cracking. If use is making it hard to adjust or fit correctly on your head, chuck it.


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