Quote:
Originally Posted by vtirocz
Regarding the helmet, I’ve got a full face helmet that’s been worn about 8-10 times total, but pretty sure it’s Snell 2005. Do I really need to get rid of a basically brand new helmet just to meet the ‘2010 and newer’ requirement?
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We post the current safety standards. According to the Snell Foundation:
The five-year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials. Hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, as well as normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Petroleum based products present in cleaners, paints, fuels and other commonly encountered materials may also degrade materials used in many helmets possibly degrading performance. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five-year period due to advances in materials, designs, production methods and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five-year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from a prudent safety philosophy.
It is widely accepted that age will deteriorate the materials that actually do the protecting, regardless of number of uses.
So technically? No.
But personally? I would suggest it. Even an SA2010 helmet is 8 years old at this point...I just retired my 2005 model last year.