helmets deteriorating over time? return em? - Snowboarding Forum

02-02-2010, 01:47 PM

was at my local REI fitting helmets on my girl and the salesguy was telling me that helmets deteriorate on the shelf even after 5 years / compromised after first impact (even dropping it in the parking lot)

this is crazy to me, my helmet has taken some abuse, kissed a few trees. should i be concerned?

he also mentioned alot of companies will replace your helmet after impact... really?

snoeboarder · 02-02-2010, 02:08 PM

im guessing this shelf life will be eliminated in the future, i also heard that after one shot its time to replace it

**killclimbz** · 02-02-2010, 02:09 PM

Most helmets are crush helmets. One and done. There are models out there that are multi impact helmets. Regardless, after taking a violent blow, almost all types are done.

As with any type of gear, it does have a shelf life. Foams and like materials do break down over time. Foam being the primary source of protection that makes up a helmet. That's just the nature of things.

I don't know about companies replacing your helmet after an impact. Maybe some do. You'd have to contact them.

02-02-2010, 02:50 PM

well im not made of money, so i dunno how i would replace after every impact.

kinda sucks.

**killclimbz** · 02-02-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by universole

well im not made of money, so i dunno how i would replace after every impact.

kinda sucks.

You're going to be a drooling pile of poo if you've had that many impacts. Dropping your helmet is not going significantly reduce the effectiveness of your helmet. Unless you are slamming it to the ground. If you are cracking you noggin on the trees, terrain park, enough to make a "crush" zone than yeah you need to replace it. You also probably have a frequent flyer card at the medical clinic as you'll be probably knocked out by these impacts with a helmet on.

Minor blows, it's probably going to be fine. Also, like mentioned get a multi impact helmet if you are truly worried about the one and done models...

02-03-2010, 08:55 AM

got you, been wearing this helmet for 2 seasons now and no tkos so i feel better about this. the sales guy was making it sound like the helmet rolling off your car was enough to waste the helmet.

thanks.

**killclimbz** · 02-03-2010, 08:59 AM

Just for the record, I get a new helmet every 3-4 years. This is probably the last season for my current one. Exposure to the sun and such weakens plastics regardless of what you have.

02-02-2010, 01:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
universole Guest Posts: n/a	helmets deteriorating over time? return em? was at my local REI fitting helmets on my girl and the salesguy was telling me that helmets deteriorate on the shelf even after 5 years / compromised after first impact (even dropping it in the parking lot) this is crazy to me, my helmet has taken some abuse, kissed a few trees. should i be concerned? he also mentioned alot of companies will replace your helmet after impact... really?

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02-02-2010, 02:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
snoeboarder Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Utica, NY Posts: 825	im guessing this shelf life will be eliminated in the future, i also heard that after one shot its time to replace it

02-02-2010, 02:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,258	Most helmets are crush helmets. One and done. There are models out there that are multi impact helmets. Regardless, after taking a violent blow, almost all types are done. As with any type of gear, it does have a shelf life. Foams and like materials do break down over time. Foam being the primary source of protection that makes up a helmet. That's just the nature of things. I don't know about companies replacing your helmet after an impact. Maybe some do. You'd have to contact them.

02-02-2010, 02:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
universole Guest Posts: n/a	well im not made of money, so i dunno how i would replace after every impact. kinda sucks.

02-03-2010, 08:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
universole Guest Posts: n/a	got you, been wearing this helmet for 2 seasons now and no tkos so i feel better about this. the sales guy was making it sound like the helmet rolling off your car was enough to waste the helmet. thanks.

02-03-2010, 08:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,258	Just for the record, I get a new helmet every 3-4 years. This is probably the last season for my current one. Exposure to the sun and such weakens plastics regardless of what you have.