If the helmet has been under some weight for some time, gradual pressure cracks may form and weaken the strength of the foam. And if it is an older helmet, it may not meet the most recent safety standards. Additionally, you will be missing out on the latest safety technology which works to help save your life. There is a fair amount of variation between manufacturers on how long a helmet can be used for.
Some say between years, others say years. To be honest, the shorter years seem like a money-making scheme, as most helmets manufactured to meet the safety standards will last the 5 years. Look at what each manufacturer states in their product specifications. But as a rule of thumb, replacement every 5 years is a good idea. But one thing everyone can agree on is that if a helmet has been in a crash, or dropped onto a hard surface, it needs to be replaced.
However, replacing a helmet every few years can be expensive. Some companies will help out by giving you a discount when purchasing another helmet from them. In all honestly, a helmet is an investment. The helmet is a sacrifice for your head. You pay a reasonably small amount for something that will save your life if you do crash. Considering the amount of money you pay for a bike and the rest of the kit, the cost of a helmet is minor in comparison.
Materials are being manufactured at a lower price as technology improves. This allows the price of helmets to stay relatively constant while the safety features of helmets steadily climb. A helmet is a good investment, so treat it well, and it will last much longer. Always replace a helmet after a crash, and make sure that it fits well. You do not want to be left wishing you had replaced your helmet after suffering a head injury. If you are looking to purchase a new mountain bike helmet, check out our buyers guide here.
For ideas on great mountain bike helmets, check out our top 15 helmets with MIPS. Table of Contents. How long should a helmet last? Many of those features are essential for ensuring a secure fit. If your helmet is still in good condition and you are concerned about sustainability, Swart points out that there are millions of bike helmets sold every year—potentially meaning that millions are making their way into landfills every year.
I'm a science journalist who writes about health for Consumer Reports. I'm interested in finding the ways that people can transform their health for the better and in calling out the systems, companies, and policies that expose patients to unnecessary harm. As a dad, I spend most of my free time trying to keep up with a toddler, but I also enjoy exploring the outdoors whenever possible.
Follow me on Twitter kevloria. We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. When You Really Need to Replace Your Bike Helmet You should always replace a helmet after a crash, but there are several other key reasons to replace an old helmet.
By Kevin Loria. November 29, Over time this compromises the intended level of protection. In addition to the general degradation of the materials within the helmet, it is also a good idea to make the most of the latest technology like a MIPS helmet, this Smith helmet is the one I would get especially of something intended to save your life and prevent injury. With new research and improved testing facilities, there are always fresh and exciting features introduced that you may be missing out on.
If you crash, resulting in your helmet being subject to an impact, you should consider it expired. Most cycling helmets rely on foam to absorb the force of any impact.
As soon as it has been compressed, it does not regain its former structural integrity. Just like a car, you have to replace the parts that just saved you from injury, and in a bikes case that comes down to the helmet as well. There is no way to know exactly how accurate they.
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