I'd say every 5 years or so. I honestly don't really worry about it. The only time I'd really think I 'need' a new helmet, is if I got in a big accident and the helmet took a hard hit.

 

When I change clothing attire. If I got in a wreck I would replace it right away, but if I just wear it, I can go like 10yrs.

 

I don't believe in having only one helmet, so I don't see the need to replace any one of them until damaged. An older undamaged helmet is better than not having one!

 

Since I stopped growing, I haven't replaced mine. I think mine is from '96 or '97. They don't make the Wedge anymore. What will I do?

 

Immediatly if it take's an impact, otherwise when it start's feeling too gungy[xx(]
Usually 2-5 yr's
Rick

 

i'm with Skipponator....whenever i change gear, or if i see a really good deal, like the deal i got on my FOX V3 helmet last year

 

I was wearing a kevlar wedge 94 ish, then got a 99 helmet to match my 98 xc 700...last year I bought a used on here and now I am getting a new moto dragon helmet. I still use all of the above helmets.

 

bout two to five years for me, or if my helmet takes a hard hit.

 

A proper fitting, as well as undamaged helmet is what is called for. Otherwise, why wear a helmet. Depending on use, how many times it gets dropped, rolls off a mountain etc, will determine when I change out. Rule of thumb is between 3 - 5 years, but closer to 5. A rule that I have about wearing a helmet. goes like this. " I won't ask you to wear a helmet, if you don't ask me to take mine off!"

Bulldog

 

Depending on the use your helmet gets somewhere between 2-5 is about right. Mine gets action all year long on dirt snow and asphalt. I seem to destroy it within a couple of years anyway, but tend to replace every couple of years reguardless.
Treat your helmet like your first born. Take care of it and keep it clean. If it is missing paint, you should ask yourself why its missing paint and how hard did it have to hit to remove the paint. If you hit hard enough to break the visor off, don't just run out and get a new visor. You need to consider where you actually made impact. The visor or somewher else.
Alot of people should be replacing their helmets long before they do. Much like a fuse, they are a one time use item. Take one good hit, stand up and make sure your are still in one piece, smile that your are still alive and go shopping for a new one.

 

I try to replace mine every five years just as recommended. Helmets are designed to be a disposable one time use item. (Wearing is not use, absorbing an impact is use). The cells in the foam between the outer shell and inner liner collapse during an impact, thereby absorbing energy. Unfortunately they can only collapse once. That's why you replace after any hard hit. The foam deteriates with age and loses some of it's effectiveness. That's why the five year recommendation. Storing your helmet in the garage where there are gas and solvent vapors will also degrade the foam. Store your helmet in the house instead. I'll get off the soap box now.

 

I replace mine every 2 yearr or so I also have a fox v3 i think there sick

 

No more than 2 years, but I try to replace them every year if I can. As a race car driving school instructor who also worked at several major tracks for over 10 years, I have seen helmets with only one season on them fail in accidents. For one, your sweat gets into the lining and foam and over time will severely reduce the effectiveness of the helmet's protection. It's your brain - how much is it worth to you??? If you have any doubts, go visit a trauma center on a busy weekend.

 

When the brand of snowmobile that is on your helmet went out of business over 20 years ago, it's probably time to get a new helmet.

 

I'm the solo annual vote lol. I've gotten new helmets the past 3 years in a row. I'm sure the helmets I have now I'll have for a couple years though.

 

haha...I got a coat to match that helmet

 

I'm the solo annual vote lol. I've gotten new helmets the past 3 years in a row. I'm sure the helmets I have now I'll have for a couple years though.

2 of us now.
My wife made me throw them away when we moved,
but before that I had about 15 broken helmets lined up on the wall in the shop.
When racing the downhill bikes, I think I set a record at 3 broken helmets in 1 season.
I guess that's why it's called an extreme sport.
I've only broken 1 while sledding. Damn tree.
Normally about once or twice a year I get a new one just because.
I think I'm up to 5 or 6 unbroken helmets right now, 3 broken.

 

2-5 for the poll

Whenever I change gear or it takes a hit.

 

I replace mine every 2 or 3 years. Usually when the padding gets funky and worn out.

 

I seem to wind up just adding to the collection.

I bought my first helmet along with my first sled back in the fall of 2001. It was an inexpensive cirrus helmet that I still use when riding during the day because I put a tinted shield on it. A year or two later I saw a great deal on the helmet that matches my sled, so I had to buy it. I use that at night and on non sunny days.

This year I'm getting a Scorpion motocross style helmet for christmas, so that will become my primary helmet, and will be used any time that it's not too cold to use it.

 

I replace mine every 3-5 years or after the helmet takes a hard impact. After 5 years, the helmet is pretty much worthless because the foam breaks down to the point where your head is no longer protected.

 

What helmet []

That pic reminds me. I need to find my my heated shield.

Nah seriously.. never unless its damaged.

 

I'd only replace mine if I found a great deal on one I liked, or if I fell on it.

 

well i guess i will have to replace the atv helmet - i got it with my first atv in 1988 and is now hard to fit on since it seems to be narrower at the bottom. or maybe my head is getting fatter lol.
hardest part is i take a XXXL in a full face so getting a helmet to fit comfortably....

 

Same here, XXXL, I found a Bell moto helmet that fits, barely, and HJC makes fullface helmets that fit.