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Topic: Time for the periodic "Should I replace my helmet?" thread...  (Read 685 times)
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SWriverstone
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« on: September 08, 2011, 09:20:57 AM »
So my Shoei RF-1000 is now 6 years old. I love it. I also have a much newer Multitec...but the old RF fits my head like a glove. Should I replace it? Seems like I remember hearing something about styrofoam degrading over time...but I don't remember ever seeing anything factual/conclusive about this. (Is it true? How long does it take? Or is it just a manufacturers' ploy to get us to keep buying helmets?)

Just wondering what the current consensus is.

Scott

PS - My RF-1000 has been dropped once (fell off the seat). That's it. No, wait---it's been dropped twice (from the seat).
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« on: September 08, 2011, 09:20:57 AM »
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« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2011, 10:43:13 AM »
I've heard every 5-6 years for replacement. Same thing with car seats...Sun, rain, etc..all a helmet is exposed to could degrade material.

Maybe that is a bit short and you could go longer...but are you willing to risk your head? Especially since it has had a good run with you.
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« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2011, 12:52:37 PM »
Quote from: SWriverstone on September 08, 2011, 09:20:57 AM

So my Shoei RF-1000 is now 6 years old. I love it. I also have a much newer Multitec...but the old RF fits my head like a glove. Should I replace it? Seems like I remember hearing something about styrofoam degrading over time...but I don't remember ever seeing anything factual/conclusive about this. (Is it true? How long does it take? Or is it just a manufacturers' ploy to get us to keep buying helmets?)

Just wondering what the current consensus is.

Scott

PS - My RF-1000 has been dropped once (fell off the seat). That's it. No, wait---it's been dropped twice (from the seat).


Considering a new lid to replace my old HJC SyMax.  I'm using the Arai primarily.  
SWriverstone, tell me about your Multitech.  You like it?
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« Reply #3 on: September 08, 2011, 12:56:03 PM »
Pink sock  Hurl Hurl Hurl Hurl Hurl Hurl
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« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2011, 12:56:59 PM »
Get someone to bash you in the head with a baseball hat.  If it hurts really bad, or you slip in to a coma or something, replace the helmet. Thumbsup  
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« Reply #5 on: September 08, 2011, 12:57:03 PM »
A twice-dropped 6-year old helmet?

I think I would not think twice about replacing it.  You only have one brain.
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« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2011, 01:00:48 PM »
Quote from: scottzilla on September 08, 2011, 12:56:59 PM

Get someone to bash you in the head with a baseball hat.  If it hurts really bad, or you slip in to a coma or something, replace the helmet. Thumbsup  


If getting hit with a baseball hat hurts or coma-tizes you, you probably should have already been hospitalized for that pre-existing head injury.
 Bigsmile
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« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2011, 01:00:48 PM »

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« Reply #7 on: September 09, 2011, 06:59:27 AM »
replace it.
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« Reply #8 on: September 09, 2011, 11:17:51 AM »
Quote from: Kramer on September 08, 2011, 12:52:37 PM



Considering a new lid to replace my old HJC SyMax.  I'm using the Arai primarily.  
SWriverstone, tell me about your Multitech.  You like it?


I like the Multitec...especially for those times when I really want/need the flip-up feature (like to eat, take a photo, etc.). It's comfortable...but though it's the same Shoei size as my RF-1000 (a Large) it seems to fit just a bit more loosely (less snugly) and seems a bit noiser. I'm guessing this is just because of the flip-up design. For some reason the chinstrap is different too (a bit longer, thinner material). It's also a bit heavier (but not annoyingly so---just noticeable).

I definitely have a "Shoei head." Arai helmets just don't fit me well.

Of course now my GF has an HJC with the built-in "fighter pilot" sunscreen...which has me mad with envy. I want one!

Scott
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« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2011, 11:27:03 AM »
Quote from: SWriverstone on September 09, 2011, 11:17:51 AM



I like the Multitec...especially for those times when I really want/need the flip-up feature (like to eat, take a photo, etc.). It's comfortable...but though it's the same Shoei size as my RF-1000 (a Large) it seems to fit just a bit more loosely (less snugly) and seems a bit noiser. I'm guessing this is just because of the flip-up design. For some reason the chinstrap is different too (a bit longer, thinner material). It's also a bit heavier (but not annoyingly so---just noticeable).

I definitely have a "Shoei head." Arai helmets just don't fit me well.

Of course now my GF has an HJC with the built-in "fighter pilot" sunscreen...which has me mad with envy. I want one!

Scott


I've had the  HJC Symax for a long time.  As much as people like to bash HJC, it's been a good, comfy helmet.  But the overall quality is no where near that of the Arai (which is top shelf).  I'd like that type of quality in a convenient flip.  I prefer a smoked screen to the fighter-pilot thingy.  Keeps the whole face cooler.
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« Reply #10 on: September 09, 2011, 11:29:55 AM »
I got a Shoei X12 to replace my Multitec.  I thought I would like the aspects of the flipup, and while it's sometimes nice, the downsides made me want to switch back.  I just wish Shoei would offer the sunshade.  I'd even be willing to pay what a new shield costs to have it so it would be a wash for them.  Carrying two shields sucks.
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« Reply #11 on: September 09, 2011, 12:25:55 PM »
Man, those X12's are pricey! Are they super-ultra quiet and comfortable? Feather light?

I've never bothered with a 2nd shield...too much of a hassle for me. I just carry a cheap pair of sunglasses in my tank bag. Easy to put on/take off, and sunglasses have the added benefit of making it possible to ride now and then with the shield flipped up for a nice cooling wind blast to the face...

Scott
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« Reply #12 on: September 09, 2011, 12:29:34 PM »
Not if you wear glasses.

I got the X12 through an MSF instructors deal so it's the cheapest helmet I've ever owned.  Twofinger  It's much quieter than the Multitec and a little lighter as well.
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« Reply #13 on: September 09, 2011, 01:12:19 PM »
Quote from: Cablebandit on September 09, 2011, 12:29:34 PM

Not if you wear glasses.

I got the X12 through an MSF instructors deal so it's the cheapest helmet I've ever owned.  Twofinger  It's much quieter than the Multitec and a little lighter as well.


Enlighten me, how is the X12 good for glasses?  I see it has an "Eyeglass compatible interior".  Is that where foam is cut out where the eyeglass ear pieces would go?  Does it really make a difference?

I were eye glasses and don't have any issues wearing a Scorpion EXO-700 with eyeglasses on.
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« Reply #13 on: September 09, 2011, 01:12:19 PM »

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« Reply #14 on: September 09, 2011, 01:28:55 PM »
The Multitec was billed as not having to take your glasses off to put it on / off.  Not the case.  I have the smallest wire frames out there and still had to remove my glasses to get the helmet on.
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« Reply #15 on: September 09, 2011, 01:35:42 PM »
Quote from: Cablebandit on September 09, 2011, 01:28:55 PM

The Multitec was billed as not having to take your glasses off to put it on / off.  Not the case.  I have the smallest wire frames out there and still had to remove my glasses to get the helmet on.


Ur not doing it rite then. I put mine on all the time with glasses on ranging from wire frames to thick obnoxious plastic green ones.
It's all in the way you position the helmet to don it and the way you roll it up, back and down on your head.

I do take my glasses off when removing the helmet though.

Love my Multi. Best helmet I've had to date. It is a bit noisy but that's a tradeoff for the flip up convenience.
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