Bike helmet lifespan / storage?
Discussion
Just looking to put together my first set of gear for when my bike arrives and been offered an Arai Condor at a good price. Thing is, its not new - made in 2005, used a couple of times use then the seller (whom I know well and trust) gave up riding, and its been stored since in the original box, in the protective bag.
Will this have been adequate protection for it to be used safely or should I get a new one - id be looking at about £100 worth of hat if buying new
Will this have been adequate protection for it to be used safely or should I get a new one - id be looking at about £100 worth of hat if buying new
They're supposed to be replaced after 5 years and I generally replace mine within 5 years.
Helmets do go off, but it takes about 10 years. I gave my old Arai to a mate to use for karting after it had been sitting in my garage for a couple of years after 5 years use. He then stored it in his garage only using it 3 or 4 times a year. When he wore it this year at about 10 years old, the inside fell apart with the polystrene crumbling.
The straps also fray after excessive use. Not sure about time though.
If I was offered a 2005 Arai that fitted snuggly from a mate I trusted, I 'd take it as it still has a couple of years service left in it. You can check the date on either the strap, or inside the lid.
If it doesn't fit snuggly though leave it, even it's brand new and top of the range.
Helmets do go off, but it takes about 10 years. I gave my old Arai to a mate to use for karting after it had been sitting in my garage for a couple of years after 5 years use. He then stored it in his garage only using it 3 or 4 times a year. When he wore it this year at about 10 years old, the inside fell apart with the polystrene crumbling.
The straps also fray after excessive use. Not sure about time though.
If I was offered a 2005 Arai that fitted snuggly from a mate I trusted, I 'd take it as it still has a couple of years service left in it. You can check the date on either the strap, or inside the lid.
If it doesn't fit snuggly though leave it, even it's brand new and top of the range.
m3psm said:
They're supposed to be replaced after 5 years and I generally replace mine within 5 years.
Helmets do go off, but it takes about 10 years. I gave my old Arai to a mate to use for karting after it had been sitting in my garage for a couple of years after 5 years use. He then stored it in his garage only using it 3 or 4 times a year. When he wore it this year at about 10 years old, the inside fell apart with the polystrene crumbling.
The straps also fray after excessive use. Not sure about time though.
If I was offered a 2005 Arai that fitted snuggly from a mate I trusted, I 'd take it as it still has a couple of years service left in it. You can check the date on either the strap, or inside the lid.
If it doesn't fit snuggly though leave it, even it's brand new and top of the range.
Its pretty snug, according to their sizing I should be the next one up, but its only a matter of a cm, and it feels fine if a wee bit snug at the cheeks - that said it really does seem in as new condition, certainly no fraying or anything and I wouldnt be surprised if it eases up with use. Helmets do go off, but it takes about 10 years. I gave my old Arai to a mate to use for karting after it had been sitting in my garage for a couple of years after 5 years use. He then stored it in his garage only using it 3 or 4 times a year. When he wore it this year at about 10 years old, the inside fell apart with the polystrene crumbling.
The straps also fray after excessive use. Not sure about time though.
If I was offered a 2005 Arai that fitted snuggly from a mate I trusted, I 'd take it as it still has a couple of years service left in it. You can check the date on either the strap, or inside the lid.
If it doesn't fit snuggly though leave it, even it's brand new and top of the range.
I think ill go for it - with the careful storage and lack of exposure to sunlight / moisture I cant see it having gone bad yet.
I wore a Roof Roadster helmet for 8 years until the foam lining started to deteriorate and it became loose. The original ones didn't have removable linings so I had to buy a new one.
If it's a fibreglass shell then I can't see it deteriorating as you don't see a use-by date on fibreglass hulled boats, and I'm sure they take more of a bashing than a helmet that hasn't been involved in an accident, which is the only reason I'd replace a helmet because of the shell.
Composite helmets are another matter though, I imagine, so it'll probably depend on what the shell is made of.
I have my original Stadium fibreglass helmet in the garage from 1965, but the lining has deteriorated in that one as well so I don't use that any more either.
If it's a fibreglass shell then I can't see it deteriorating as you don't see a use-by date on fibreglass hulled boats, and I'm sure they take more of a bashing than a helmet that hasn't been involved in an accident, which is the only reason I'd replace a helmet because of the shell.
Composite helmets are another matter though, I imagine, so it'll probably depend on what the shell is made of.
I have my original Stadium fibreglass helmet in the garage from 1965, but the lining has deteriorated in that one as well so I don't use that any more either.
The resins used in fibreglass helmets (and other composite systems) will degrade in UV light (sunlight), in the same way boats do, but a helmet that's been stored in a box should be OK and even in use a helmet probably only sees a couple of hours sunlight a day.
I usually change helmets every 4-5 years, when the polystyrene becomes compacted and the fit becomes loose, rather than worrying about the shell material degrading.
Can't see any reason to not use a 2005 helmet thats in good, unused, condition.
I usually change helmets every 4-5 years, when the polystyrene becomes compacted and the fit becomes loose, rather than worrying about the shell material degrading.
Can't see any reason to not use a 2005 helmet thats in good, unused, condition.
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