New helmet... expired already?

[muffinman]

I'm looking into purchasing a new-in-box Vemar full-face helmet.  World-standard (ECE, DOT, Schnell, BSI, etc.) and I was offered an amazing price for it by a large retailer.

Only problem; I asked for a build date and while they couldn't see an exact build date, the only date they could find was "2005".  I've been taught that helmets are only good for 5 years and the retailer believes that since it's been sitting, unexposed to the elements, it should be OK.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[mstevens]

The only issues with helmet age are:

1) Wear and tear. Even non-obvious damage accumulates and might conceivably diminish safety in a crash. For example, a crack might extend along a scratch. Besides, my 3 year-old helmet is fairly manky.

2) New standards supercede old ones. That "2005" could well refer to the Snell M2005 standard, which has now been superceded by the M2010 standard (which might actually be better, since it's more like the European standards).

3) Old helmets don't generate income for helmet manufacturers. This may be the primary basis for the recommendation.

As long as I were happy with the standard to which a helmet was built, I'd have no personal hesitation to buy a helmet that had been sitting, unused, for 5 years.

[Turf]

if it hasnt been used at the dealer the elements thing is true. Helmets are pretty much good from 5 years when they start getting use.

[ducpainter]

if it hasnt been used at the dealer the elements thing is true. Helmets are pretty much good from 5 years when they start getting use.

True...

I'd wear the helmet without worry...

but if you plan on track riding the organizer may not see it the same.

[Triple J]

but if you plan on track riding the organizer may not see it the same.

Your trackday organizers even look at that? None of them out here check gear at all. NESBA is the only one that even wanted to see any of my gear...and they just did it to be sure I had some.

[duccarlos]

Your trackday organizers even look at that? None of them out here check gear at all. NESBA is the only one that even wanted to see any of my gear...and they just did it to be sure I had some.

+1 Some places don't even inspect the bikes, let alone the gear.

[Triple J]

+1 Some places don't even inspect the bikes, let alone the gear.

They're not that relaxed around here! 

[ducpainter]

Your trackday organizers even look at that? None of them out here check gear at all. NESBA is the only one that even wanted to see any of my gear...and they just did it to be sure I had some.

Not all, but some do.

[The Mad King Pepe']

The helmet might look fine, but the shock absorbing materials used degrade with time, i.e. they provide less impact protection. At least that's what I've found googling around. Whether you think it's true or the vendors trying to push out new models is up to you. Personally I will not wear a 5 (or more) year old helmet.

[muffinman]

The helmet might look fine, but the shock absorbing materials used degrade with time, i.e. they provide less impact protection. At least that's what I've found googling around. Whether you think it's true or the vendors trying to push out new models is up to you. Personally I will not wear a 5 (or more) year old helmet.

Thanks, that's understood - but the rub is; does the shock absorbing materials degrade on its own with no interaction with the outside environment (heat, gas, sweat, hair oil, etc)?

There's really no clear consensus on whether the 5 years is a general rule of thumb for WEAR or if the clock starts ticking from manuf. date

[Howie]

Thanks, that's understood - but the rub is; does the shock absorbing materials degrade on its own with no interaction with the outside environment (heat, gas, sweat, hair oil, etc)?

There's really no clear consensus on whether the 5 years is a general rule of thumb for WEAR or if the clock starts ticking from manuf. date

Since all plastics degrade over time I think it is fair to assume there is a ticking time clock on a helmet's life.  It would also degrade a lot faster in use, exposed to fumes, UV rays, sweat, etc.  5 years is, I'm sure based on a worst scenario case.  Stored in a garage with gas fumes comes to mind.  A couple of years ago Arai was repairing helmets up to nine years old.  I sure would want a generous discount on a five year old helmet though.

[Monster Dave]

Here's one more piece of info for you. There's been a lot of discussion amongst helmet manufacturers because if a helmet is stored in a cool environment (out of direct heat from the sun), in the dark (like a closet) the life of the helmet and it's safety components has been found to be drastically longer than what was previously thought.

To that end, it's nearly impossible to tell for sure how long any helmet will be "good" - especially because any helmet is better than no helmet!!

A 2005 helmet still in the hands of a retailer is a little fishy to me though. Why wouldn't they have moved the stock on clearance a LONG time ago?

Curious.

[Turf]

it's sweat, heat and UV that mostly cause the polypropylene and shell to weaken, if it's been in a shop it will be just like new.

[ducpainter]

it's sweat, heat and UV that mostly cause the polypropylene and shell to weaken, if it's been in a shop it will be just like new.

no ozone involved?

Serious question.

[DucHead]

Sweat won't do anything to plastics used in helmets.

UV and oxygen will cause problems though.

...and ozone if it's stored in a continuous thunderstorm.