Helmet age

[Jeff]

I replace my helmet every 2 seasons whether it needs it or not.

My question now is on manufacturer date.  The model I use hasn't changed.  The helmet I want, I can pull one off the shelf at my local sponsors shop which was manufactured on 10/04.  

OR, I can have them order a new/current production helmet of the same style/version.

The difference will be about $50 as the sponsor has more incentive to get rid of old stock on the floor.

Does it realistically make much of a difference if I get a lid that has been sitting around unused (environmentally controlled area) over one made in the last few months?

[Mark Bernard]

Jeff, I wouldn't think it should matter but I am no expert on the subject. I would think that if it was stored in a controlled climate, it should not matter how old the mfr date is. IMO

[MELK-MAN]

you can send it to the mfg. and they will inspect for you as well.

[r1owner]

I think most people agree 5 years is the age to replace a helmet in regular use that hasn't been dropped.

You're replacing every two anyway, so I'd think the one on the shelf should work just fine.

[Jeff]

Thanks guys.  I was kinda thinking the same, and also thinking that we (me or the shop) really can't control the mfr date on a helmet ordered, so I might end up getting something just as old...

[Super Dave]

Some organizations, like AHRMA, I know, check the manufacture date.  

I think, like tires, how it eventually "works" can be related to exposure to UV rays, etc.

Really, it all depends upon how much you value a $50 discount.  It might not make a difference, or it might.  

[Jeff]

The $50 isn't really the issue.  I'm going to get this brand/style of helmet.  If I can take the one that's on the floor collecting dust vice making them keep it there, I'd prefer to do that as a favor to them.  However, I don't want to compromise my own safety in the process.  Hence the question...

[cleezmo]

WERA has/had a rule that you can't wear a helmet that was manufactured more than 5 years ago, and they checked it at tech. I just checked the new CCS rulebook and it says nothing about the age of the lid in the Rider Equipment section, so in that regard I think you're fine.

I wouldn't think a helmet would go bad sitting on the shelf somewhere. My understanding is that the two things that cause a helmet to fail are 1. an impact/crash that uses up the foam liner (we all know they're designed to absorb all the engery from a single crash), and 2. the liner literally starting to disinigrate from age. I can't imagine an '04 lid that's been on the shelf it's entire life would have a problem with the liner deteriorating.

[Jeff]

Cleez, that was my thought too...  no radical element exposure, no sweat in the helmet, no impact, it should be just as good as a current month lid.

Thanks everyone for comments.

[chris_chops]

I replace my helmet every 2 seasons whether it needs it or not.

Yep, me too.  That means my current helmet is 50 helmet years old and I havent even had it for two years yet.  A helmet year is 36 human years. :P

[Team-G]

All good info to consider, especially when looking at ebay's "New in the box" auctions.  Never thought to inquire about manufacturer's dates.   ;)

[dave_anderson]

At VIR last year someone in tech was checking the date in helments and talking about a five year rule, but nothing in the rule book states that.