How often do you replace your Helmet?

[GSKirk]

This is for non sponsorered riders of course.  I was wondering, barring impacts due to crashes, how often do others replace their helmets?  Just curious.........

K

[ronhix]

I've always crashed them and then replaced them.  Never replaced it if it wasn't crashed.

[spyderchick]

2 years. Or when it gets funky...if you know what I mean. ;)

[Ridgeway]

2 years barring any crashes sounds about right.  There's usually some shiny new model that I can't live without by then.

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

You mean to tell me you have to replace them?  ::)

[Court Jester]

I've always crashed them and then replaced them.  Never replaced it if it wasn't crashed.

What he said

[Xian_13]

I replace my helmet every year... (if it makes through the year)
For the 2nd year, I use it as a backup. In case I damage my primary helmet or for rain races.

Most of the time, the main helmet doesn't make it through a full season anyways.


XIII

[brotekind269]

I replace them when they crack, or when I can afford to - which is when they crack.

[PaulV]

Typically, anytime it hits the ground...replace it.  It used to be that the eps liners would start to degrade after 3 or 4 years so the manufacturers recom'ded to replace them then.  But liners and shells have come a long way so it would probably be best to follow your specific helmet manufacturers rec's for the model helmet you have.  Most manufacturers will evaluate a crashed helmet to determine its' worthiness if you send it to them.

For me personally, when I find one that I like, I like to keep it around for as long as I can...barring any real reason to replace it...:)

Paul
www.polar-optics.com
MW Ex 79

[Jeff]

I'm in the 2 year crowd.  I replace them every 2 years or if I fall and hit my head.  No head hit, no foul.

I figure that after 2 full seasons of sweat from my head, it's had enough. 

[spyderchick]

I figure that after 2 full seasons of sweat from my head, it's had enough. 

smell that funky helmet, white boy...

[Toves33]

When the helmet is dropped from waist high or above, the impact is dispersed throughout the helmet to absorb the impact. Once this happens, the helmet must be replaced. If the helmet has not been dropped or involved in an accident, I replace it after two years because your sweat will cause deterioration in the foam as well.