How often do you change your MTB helmet.

[Jakkals77]

Hi All

 

I've had my Scott Watu helmet for two years now and I've had a few falls and hard nocks with this helmet.

Should you replace these helmets after you've had a crash and received a few hits over the years?

 

The reason for my question is in comparison to motorcycle helmets. The general rule when racing superbikes, was that you should replace your helmet if you've been in a crash or even if you dropped the helmet by accident. The general understanding regarding mortorcycle helmet is that small hairline fractures that might not be visible to the naked eye, can and will comprimise the entegrity of the helmet. Does this apply to MTB helmets as well, or are they made to take a few hits? The helmet is still comfortable, but it has a few scrapes and dents on the outside.

[Tayyib]

After two years you should change your helmet in my opinion. ...you never know how bad some of your crashes are and what minor hits it took.and if you know you've hit your head in a crash replace it!!!!

[SPARTA-cus]

I had a helmet that I used for about two years. Had a few dents, one being really deep after a massive fall. I replaced it and the day after replacing it, I came down at 72kmph... The new one burst in two pieces!! Wonder what would have happend if I didn't replaced it. Rather save than sorry!!!

[Guest DieBees]

I do mine if i had no falls every second year otherwise after any fall with head impact.

[Dicky DQ]

I go looking for specials after I see it is broken. If it is not broken why fix it? Even a broken helmet will give some protection.

[JXV]

Remove linings and twist or squash the helmet gently. Any cracks in the foam should appear and if you see any then new helmet. Also if you have a crash with head impact consider replacing.

I had a crash once that cracked my helmet but it wasn't visible until the helmet was stressed as described above which revealed a surprisingly big crack. Better safe than sorry.

[BMXER]

The price you put on a helmet equals your perception of the value you place on your life. A fall with a pip impact simply means you qualify for a helmet update. Otherwise I tend to change every 3 years, not because of its age but because I spot a sale or simply need to match to a new bike.

[jugheaddave]

My wife said i could spend as much money as a want on a helmet!!! Shame bless her!!!

[MarcBurger]

I fell hard once. helmet stood strong.

fell hard again, helmet cracked to pieces.

 

Hard fall = get new one.

 

I know with rudy helmets you get a new replacement for 60% when trading in the old one (i stand corrected)

[Letum911]

I replace my helmet about every 2 years, or after a big crash head first. On the trials bike it does happen that I fall solid on my head at times, so I always have a few bucks saved up for a lid and replace as soon as I take an ugly crash

[Jewbacca]

Surely every time you get a new shirt or bibs or different colored grips or bottle cage?

 

[Jaco Steyn]

So I must replace my 7 year old helmet immediately?  But, I am a roadie, and have never fallen with my bike.

[Mountain_Goat]

I would suggest u replace it, what i heard from someone is that apparently the life span of a helmet is 2 - 3 years... Even if u didnt crash, over time sweat and moisture causes the foam to soften and loose its strength

[Pieter1]

Surely every time you get a new shirt or bibs or different colored grips or bottle cage?

 

N+1...

[J∆kk∆ls]

So I must replace my 7 year old helmet immediately?  But, I am a roadie, and have never fallen with my bike.

How big is your head?

There is this awesome Kask Vertigo going for R1000...great deal, for a great helmet!

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/115061-kask-vertigo-medium/

[Jaco Steyn]

Medium should work for me. Unfortunately money is extremely tight right now. The company I work for is going through a massive restructuring and cost saving exercise, and I have been informed yesterday that I do still have a job, but would have to take a 26% pay cut!