I've been using a POC Omne Air Spin for the last year, and really like it. Definitely worth waiting for REI's 20% off coupons though!

Smart move. Helmet makers, retailers and others have been suggesting a 5-year expiration on helmets but that's just not the case. Old undamaged helmets are at least as good as new ones. Here's some information published in the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. Basically, it shows that old helmets (up to 26 years old) without damage provided protection.

Helmet Impact Performance Proven to Hold Up for Decades

There are reasons to replace your helmet, but simple age is not one of them.

Extensive testing of used (but not crashed) bicycle helmets shows that the foam liners retain their performance over many years. MEA Forensic announced at a May ASTM F08.53 technical meeting the results of their testing of 675 bicycle helmets, some as old as 26 years. "There is no justification for two to ten year replacement recommendations based on impact performance," said MEA's Alyssa DeMarco.

MEA and collaborator Collision Analysis collected 1,500 used helmets from consumers and eliminated any that showed damage or did not have date of manufacture stickers. The helmets studied had dates that ranged from 1987 to 2013. They crash tested them at 3 m/s (a drop of 1.5 ft.) and 6.2 m/s (a drop of 2 meters--the CPSC standard drop) on a flat anvil in the dry ambient condition. There were only four that exceeded the 300g maximum threshold: three of the oldest models made to meet only the old ANSI standard, and one newer model that had been recalled. So 671 of the helmets passed the current CPSC impact performance standard.

MEA's analysis showed that there was no significant impact performance change with age. Their 26 year data including all 675 helmets tested produced only a 0.7g per year increase in impact readings at the higher drop height. On average, road helmet models produced results 40g lower than skate-style models, and extra-small helmets were 21g lower than large helmets. Lower g's registered in the headform means less shock passed through to the head, but since they are averages they may not apply for a particular helmet model.

After crash testing the helmets on a standard test rig, MEA took core samples from an uncrashed area of 63 of the helmets and tested them at the equivalent of a 6.2 m/s helmet impact. This generated data based solely on the foam performance. They collected stress and strain data related to aging of the foam. Again, the findings indicate that helmet liner foam does not deteriorate with age.

MEA usually publishes their studies in a peer-reviewed journal, but that can be a slow process.

This is the first time anyone has applied rigorous science to assessing the effects of age on helmet foam liners. It is a welcome antidote to the strident marketing claims that foam deteriorates with age. There are other reasons to replace a helmet--crash damage, strap deterioration, improving fit--but simple aging of the foam liner is not one of them.

April, 2016 - the study is now published in the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

I just replaced my 10+ yo helmet with a Bell Formula. I like it a lot.

Light, comfy, with good ventilation.

https://content.backcountry.com/imag.../MATGLOGRA.jpg

I don't know about favorite (I actually hate helmets, but I like my brain more than I hate helmets, so...), but I just today replaced my 35 year old Giro with a new Specialized Align II. Stuck with purple-ish, though.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b39fdba4cd.jpg
Giro helmet, circa 1986
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d27c22c487.jpg
Specialized Align II, circa 2021
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f3e1a2e786.jpg
The old and the new...

Can't say I have a favorite, but the one I currently use is a Kask Rapido. Not only does it fit well on my big head, but it's Italian and red, so it's faster than your helmet.

Helmets
 

Anyone ride with Lazer helmets?? Seeing a bunch around.

There are a lot of good helmets out there that I haven't worn or ridden with. I'd consider Lazer a contender if I was in the market for another helmet.

I have a Lazer G1 MIPS. I like it.

We sell Lazer at the shop where I occasionally work. They're good, and I have friends who use them. Virtually every lid sold at a shop is going to be CPSC/ASTM certified these days, so you can pretty much base your choice on fit and style. I think the MIPS technology is worth getting on whatever brand you end up choosing.

Clearly a matter of taste. I think the Lazer Century is less "aero" looking than that Giro. Less pointy, anyway.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a59ff5f45d.png

I'm leaning hard towards buying a Lazer Sphere MIPS right now.

How often should you replace a helmet? I hear every three to five years. :innocent:

I found this to be a good resource:
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicyc...t-ratings.html

Lazer is a Shimano brand, like Pro, so they're pretty legit. I had one Lazer helmet that was for a time at the top of the VTech chart, crashed and hit my head on the dirt MTBing the first day I wore it. No concussion or other serious head injury. Would buy again if I could, but that specific model was already discontinued.

I don't know why many mid-higher priced helmets took design cues from anime for a 10 year period.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f247561684.jpg

Above is my favorite. This is the one for common use. What means ridin' on a racing bike or a mtb. On a 'normal' bike I don't wear a helmet.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f2f5baa259.jpg

I have a MET Rivale MIPS. Love it!

Helmet Questions
 

How do you know when your helmet needs to be replaced?

How long are they effective / safe (assuming no accidents)?

What’s the difference between a $40, $80, and $200 helmet?

Would you ever buy a “gently” used helmet?

Any recommendations on where to buy a helmet?

I've had the same helmet for 10+ yrs. Never been dropped/abused. Only the "sweat pads" have been replaced.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a helmet without trying it on first unless you're buying the exact same one to replace an existing.....

A more expensive helmet may be lighter and cooler, depending on design. No need to overthink, just get one that fits and looks good to you. Don't buy a used helmet, explanation above.

As with everything, there has been new technology developed. Remember when football players wore what was more of a leather head covering, than a helmet? How long a helmet will last depends on many factors, such as: was it left in a hot vehicle, garage, shed,etc. for long lengths of time--was it exposed to direct sunlight for a long period, involved in a crash? Styrofoam is not bulletproof, but will last for a while under good circumstances, but can deteriorate. So far as technology--it has advanced, whether or not you feel the need for the "best" protection is a judgement call to be made by you, but new tech is out there: MIPS Helmet Technology: What It Is and Why You Need It | Blog - Bicycle Roots Bike Shop as well as Bontrager Specter WaveCel helmet review | Cyclingnews. I would not buy a used helmet. And I would not buy a helmet from one of the "less than revered" overseas sites. Not saying what is "correct" or best for you, just hoping to provide some insight so you may make an informed decision.