How often do you change your MTB helmet.

[Pulse]

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

The 'foam' is closed cell expanded polystyrene, with a life expenctancy of 25 - 50 years, depending on the application. It does not absorb water, and would be more affected by UV light (if left in the sun regularly).

 

The EPS foam deforms on impact, thereby absorbing energy from the fall. If you took a hard knock on the lid, it should be replaced, but other than that should last for extended periods.

[Raydek]

I had a Watu as well that I fell hard with within the 1st year and Scott gave me a 60% discount on the same one. Not sure if there is a timeframe on this though. Have ended up buying few more different lids, so always have a selection to choose from should something go wrong with one of them.

[DJR]

I suspect this "every 2 years" idea was probably started by a marketing manager somewhere.

 

I replace mine after a big impact, when cracks in the foam are visible, when it starts to look tired, when the "monkey head" smell don't wash out anymore, or when I find one I simply cannot resit because it is cool (French genes), or selling for a great price (Scottish genes).

[Paul Ruinaard]

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.

Umm no it won't.

 

Helmets protect by actually absorbing the impact and forces in the shell and breaking in to bits, thereby alleviating your head of the same responsibility.

 

They get brittle in the sun ( like your car dashboard), from chemicals etc (sun blocks, cleaning), so they lose their ability to deform and stay whole on impact, rather breaking in to bits, Leaving your face and head to absorb the rest of the impact when they fail from being old, brittle it having absorbed one impact too many.

 

Once you have fallen it's done its job. Throw it away. If not, every 2 to 3 years get a new one. You can't tell when you are going to fall off or which day the big accident will happen. You can't quickly go back to the car and get a new helmet out when you are having an OTB moment. So you always have the best you can afford with you in case, in good condition.

 

But hey, it's your head. In the immortal words of Bell in their iconic ads" if you have a 10 buck head wear a 10 buck helmet"

[marko35s]

I suspect this "every 2 years" idea was probably started by a marketing manager somewhere.

 

I replace mine after a big impact, when cracks in the foam are visible, when it starts to look tired, when the "monkey head" smell don't wash out anymore, or when I find one I simply cannot resit because it is cool (French genes), or selling for a great price (Scottish genes).

I liked this purely for ' monkey head'.