age of your helmet - and subsequent question

[spanner]

So this is a two part question.

You can vote twice so that you can answer part one and part two as they are closely linked and I would like to see the results together.

I have heard many remarks about how often you should change a helmet and if you drop it you MUST change it etc. 

I want to see what people actually do and am also interested in comments about the whys and wherefores of the justifications of your choice.

as always be respectful of peoples choices.

[Biggles]

The resin is supposed to be good for 5 years of sun exposure.
If I was unlucky enough to drop it from seat height to bitumen, I'd check it for damage and if nothing visible, would keep using it.  I buy plain white ones, so would expect to see damage, possibly hidden by graphics.

[Kev Murphy]

Last replacement was Sept last year, after Emu misadventure on the way to Balranald. I sat for a breather and a smoke after Emu attack, and then forgot to strap on my helmet. Result was scratches all over, from helmet bouncing along the road behind me.

 I have a spare full face helmet at home, but rarely use it... It's about 8 years old. Occasionally used if I have a pillion.

[StinkyPete]

Here's some other discussion dealing with helmets, including the results of a deliberate and severe "Drop Test" that I undertook.
http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=9149.msg107391#msg107391

[Brock]

I once read of a comment by a helmet manufacturer, along the lines of " If a helmet can be damaged by a small drop, like off the tank of a bike, then i wouldnt wear it in the first place."

In modern helmets, a lot of the impact is absorbed by the liner ( believe me, I know). The outer shell provides abrasion resistance, protects the liner from damage holds the whole package to gether, and most importantly gives you somewhere to mount cameras and intercom units.

I replace my helmet when the chin strap get abraded, when the helmet gets loose on the head, or impacts something solid with my head in it.

[Gadget]

I'm like Brock. If the foam inside starts to collapse and the helmet gets loose, then it's time for a new one. Tested my dropped one out in my acco and no head damage, not even a bruise.

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[DavidP]

Same as Gadget and Brock. Or when the lining gets really funky & worn (+/- 5 years, and I ride mist days)

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

[Shiney]

Part one:
I ride an average of 6 days a week (in all sorts of weather) and I replace the helmet when ever the internals start to breakdown. (I find this occurs every 3-4 years.)

Part two:
I will replace a helmet if I crash in it hitting something hard. If this happens the helmet is replaced regardless of if I do or don't see 'damage'.
If there is a drop from a seat I'm just pissed the helmet dropped but I'll keep using it

I've always been of the same opinion as Brock:

" If a helmet can be damaged by a small drop, like off the tank of a bike, then i wouldnt wear it in the first place."

Anyway that's my answers

Cheers
Shiney

[Bluey]

I would replace my helmet more often if finding one that fits wasn't such a big pain in the A. That's the trouble with having a big head.

[cravenhaven]

I bought an ALDI helmet a while back to replace my 13yr old Shoei, but the ALDI one was impossible to alter the sunvisor and then the chin strap retainer fell off on the way back from Canberra so I packed it back into its box and took it back for a refund. Back to the Shoei now till I find another one.

[alans1100]

I bought an ALDI helmet a while back to replace my 13yr old Shoei, but the ALDI one was impossible to alter the sunvisor and then the chin strap retainer fell off on the way back from Canberra so I packed it back into its box and took it back for a refund. Back to the Shoei now till I find another one.

We bought some off of an Australian eBay store about 18 months ago - had all the relevant AS and Euro standard stickers/labels on so must be ok. We still have our old HJC helmets which we bought in 2009 and still look ok.

[johnnyYTED]

 I replaced the liner in my now 8  yr old Nolan flip  helmet before riding to Perth. JuST replacing the inside padding made it fit snug like new. If I have had an impact with my head in it that was severe I would replace the helmet as I have cover on my insurance.
I also have an Aldi full face for passengers if I put the dual seat on ,
 A new bike also usually requires a new helmet ;)

[NTRebel]

I'm a bit like Bluey only my problem is being in Alice Springs road bike helmets are thinner on the ground than slug slime so I guess my 2 yr old Rjays will be going to the grave with me.