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Helmet Replacement Intervals

davec113

Monkey
May 24, 2009
419
0
My D2 says it needs to be replaced every couple years, but I only have had a couple minor impacts. Is this a bunch of crap or do the materials in the helmet really degrade that much over time?

I was thinking of replacing it with this, a Shoei VFX-W, it has a 5/7 year warranty (5 yrs from purchase or 7 from manufacture):

Amazon.com: Shoei VFX-W Solid Helmet - 58/Black: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31D-lwJsWsL.@@AMEPARAM@@31D-lwJsWsL

The construction quality looks good:

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Safety_ActiveSafety.aspx

Can anyone comment on how they fit compared to a Troy Lee? The D2 and SE2 fit me perfectly, but I can't find a Shoei to try on around here. A couple places that carry them say they won't get more until spring, and want me to order at full retail without a test-fit... sorry, but no thanks
 

jonKranked

Detective Dookie
Nov 10, 2005
85,562
24,182
media blackout
My D2 says it needs to be replaced every couple years, but I only have had a couple minor impacts. Is this a bunch of crap or do the materials in the helmet really degrade that much over time?
Yes. And even minor impacts degrade the material*.


*Degradation in terms of impact force transmissibility.
 

IH8Rice

I'm Mr. Negative! I Fail!
Aug 2, 2008
24,524
494
Im over here now
ive gone way longer with my D2 than i probably should have. 6-7 years i think with two whacks to the head.
thankfully santa is bringing me a new one
 

snowskilz

xblue attacked piggy won
May 15, 2004
612
0
rado
Some snowboard company was spouting you should replace your helmet every 2 years because the interior foam slowly degrades.
 

gemini2k

Turbo Monkey
Jul 31, 2005
3,526
117
San Francisco
6-7 years for a helmet like the D2? Are you serious? That thing is barely enough protection to begin with.That's really rolling the dice IMO. 2 whacks to the head, also impressively small amount. I rock moto helmets and still replace them every 18 months or so. I'm kind of a crasher though. Just look for them on sale. Got my 661 Flight II for $100. That and handlebars, not worth taking chances.
 
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DirtyMike

Turbo Fluffer
Aug 8, 2005
14,437
1,017
My own world inside my head
Standard Bicycle helmet is one hit... new helmet time. You cannot always see the damage to the helmet. But yes, all bike helmets degrade over time even if they never see an impact. Just how it goes sometiems.
 

stoney

Part of the unwashed, middle-American horde
Jul 26, 2006
21,519
7,067
Colorado
XC/Roadie - 12-18 month max
DH - 12-18 months, or one head impact*
Moto - 3-4 years, or one impact*, as I only really use it for Karting now.

*defined as anything which scuffs the paint, so light impact as well.
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
Expanded Poly Styrene has an approximate shelf life of 1-year in bead form. Once made into headform of a helmet its more like 3-years. I wouldn't trust a helmet much if any beyond that. There's no need to spend big money on a high-end MX helmet just make sure you get a downhill certified bike helmet. There are plenty of good ones to choose from on the market this year and they're all about a pound lighter than even the lightest moto helmets.
 

KavuRider

Turbo Monkey
Jan 30, 2006
2,565
4
CT
Interesting...
I have a TLD SE, took a good digger this summer. Went off a jump wrong, lawn dart onto my forehead, slid on my face about 10 feet. No visible damage to the helmet, but boy, I was sore.
I bought the helmet last September...time for a replacement?
 

davec113

Monkey
May 24, 2009
419
0
I checked TLD's site, they have a 3 year warranty. Shoei has a 5 year warranty, even if you buy it 2 years after the date of manufacture. I realize I'm likely to hit the helmet and have to replace it before 5 years, but it looks like the Shoei is better engineered than their competitors based on the propaganda on their website. They have dual-density eps liners that are unique to each helmet size (smaller helmets crush easier than larger sizes), and fibers that can only be cut with a F'IN LASER. I'm sold. :D
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
I checked TLD's site, they have a 3 year warranty. Shoei has a 5 year warranty, even if you buy it 2 years after the date of manufacture. I realize I'm likely to hit the helmet and have to replace it before 5 years, but it looks like the Shoei is better engineered than their competitors based on the propaganda on their website. They have dual-density eps liners that are unique to each helmet size (smaller helmets crush easier than larger sizes), and fibers that can only be cut with a F'IN LASER. I'm sold. :D
All snell 2010 certified helmets have varying EPS densities dependent on helmet size, not just Shoei. Most high-end helmets have a tri-matrix shell with carbon/kevlar/fiberglass weave as well. Shoe is a great choice though and they're known to fit most people very well and be comfortable.