Helmet shelf life/ age issues?

[BHW]

You hear over and over that a 5 year old helmet should be replaced. But what about a helmet that's still brand new and not exposed to the elements? How does the shelf life of a helmet compare to "years of usage" life? What brought this up is a brand new Arai, still in the box with the stickers on the visor and all, never worn, but manufactured in 2000. The price is right, but has the helmet lost it's integrity, or does the 5 year rule only apply to wear, not shelf life? If you lok closely, it's not hard to find helmets on showroom displays, that are 3-5 years old. This is especially true on the closeout models with "last years" graphics. Many new helmets are actually 3 years old by the time a consumer buys them. Are they the same as a factory fresh helmet?

[jschmidt]

I'm sure its fine, however its at least one revision back on the newest Snell standards. Again, that's not a problem, but it is a consideration. If you're lucky you got one from before when all the rubber parts started falling off.

[BHW]

Oh, I didn't buy it....I'm just wondering. I see a lot of "older" new helmets and have been thinking about the "new every 5" rule, and whether it's clever marketing or really has scientific basis. I think my last Arai Quantum was about 4 years old when I retired it....but I only wore it for 2.

Here's an interesting quote I found elsewhere:

"Meanwhile I phoned the manufacturer, _____________.

Interestingly they started out saying the same that the life was only three years.

So I put a hypothetical question to them. I said I wanted to buy a helmet that had been in stock in a shop for ten years without being used. This led them to give a definitive answer.

They said that they recommend replacing helmets because they are usually mistreated in general use. Small invisible cracks can develop over time from abuse, like dropping on the floor or sticking on handlebars.

They said however the polystyrene does not degrade if not used and stored properly away from sunlight, cleaning chemicals and strong electrical fields. They said a ten year old helmet is fine to buy and the shelf life starts from date of first use and not the first storage date."

[Iceburg98]

Here's a quote off of Shoei's website - pertinent part in bold:

"Helmet Replacement
Ultimately, the useful service life of a safety helmet is dependent on the intensity and frequency of its use. Helmet replacement is recommended even if only one of the under-mentioned points applies:

   1. The helmet was subjected to an impact.
   2. The comfort padding or the retention system has become loose due to heavy use or display signs of deterioration.
   3. The synthetic foam padding displays signs of heavy use and the helmet feels too loose. Test: with the retention system fastened, the helmet turns to the side when you gently shake your head.
   4. There are indentations in the EPS liner and/or white scratches can be seen on surfaces with black paint.
   5. Even if none of these is applied, we, SHOEI, recommend replacement in 5 years after it's first purchased at retail.
"

From what I'm reading, a helmet should have an indefinite "shelf life" but usage of said helmet should be limited to no more than 5 years...

[IrishFazerBoy]

All good to know.   There's a little independent mc shop close to me.   I'd like to throw some business his way, but his stock can be a little dated.   Guess I'll go buy a new helmet from him.

[hawkeyejohn14]

5 years then I have an excuse to buy an upgraded helmet and they are making pretty good strides now a days.