Originally Posted by
PeteHski
I usually replace my helmets every 5 years or so. Most manufacturers recommend doing that for potential UV damage, but I replace them mainly because the technology is improving. Every new helmet I get is lighter, better ventilated and more comfortable than the last. Then there's the newer tech like MIPS and similar systems. I always look at the independent crash test results too. My current helmet is a Lazer Genesis (G1) MIPS, which scores very highly in testing:-
https://cyclingtips.com/2020/04/virg...d-mips-on-top/
Here's the whole Virginia Tech site, with lots of good info. The safest aren't always the most expensive. OTOH, many of the safer helmets aren't that different from one another (in safety), so other considerations apply (weight, aero, style, color, street cred, whatever). But these days, all the top-rated helmets are either MIPS or Wavecell.
https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html