When do you buy a new helmet?

[Sksman]

I was wondering at what point do you buy a new helmet?   
 

Is it based on age or an impact?

 

Deep Scratches?

 

 

My helmet is only a few years old and I just ordered a new visor so I have no plans but was curious.  
 

 

 

[skidooboy]

Most racing orgs wont allow helmets with a production date older than 5 years. Production date, not in service date. So you could purchase a new old stock that was 4 years old, and have to replace it in a year, with most race orgs. Look at the production date, there is a label on the inside of the helmet. 

 

If the helmet sustains a large hit, to the shell, and damages the shell, or eps foam liner in any manner other than the finish, it should be replaced. If the helmet is well utilized for a period of 5 years, & the inner foam padding, or eps liner starts to disintegrate, it should be replaced. Our Salty perspiration really does a number on the liner padding and eps liner.    Ski

[stoney]

Racing typically only accept snell or higher rated helmets that have an expiry date, and I think most snowmobiling helmets are only DOT.

DOT is the min. requirement - bottom of the barrel so to speak.

 

For me, my helmet replacements have been based on my desire to want something new vs. the need, so no timeline.

If I have an accident or dropped mine to the point I felt it was compromised, I am sure I would look into it though.

[coldfinger]

What is the rule of thumb when the helmet has fallen off a 45 inch  stand up bar several times .

[stoney]

Use those helmets racks/bins as you walk in the door.....lol

[Candubrain]

I get rid of helmets every 5 yrs,    motorcycle, snowmobile and bicycle.   Do I need to?   Probably not.   But sweat and oils seep into the styrofoam and deteriorate it over time.

 

All these Snell, DOT and ECE ratings are only for a 3' vertical drop, it has nothing to do with a high speed impact.   You smack your head into a tree even at low speed that helmet will not be doing much for you.   At higher speed it just makes  it easier for the cops to identify you.

 

I've got no issue with someone else using a 10yr old helmet.....I just like wasting money.....lol

[Spiderman]

Either or,

 

My helmet has been dropped and is way too old, but it’s comfy and is fine.

 
there is a jump off point where replacing it or not won’t matter.

 
 

[95rxl650]

Helmets to me are like an old pair of jeans. New ones suck. 

I only buy a new helmet if my visor fails and I can no longer get a new one for it. 

The balaclava I wear under it is harder to replace. A few years ago I needed a new balaclava and ended up with about 20 of them before I found "the one".

[Strong Farmer]

2 hours ago, 95rxl650 said:

Helmets to me are like an old pair of jeans. New ones suck. 

I only buy a new helmet if my visor fails and I can no longer get a new one for it. 

The balaclava I wear under it is harder to replace. A few years ago I needed a new balaclava and ended up with about 20 of them before I found "the one".

I get them from Indonesia. They make brp ones there too. I have about 10 good ones 👌. 

[Nunz]

Order a new one when one catches my eye, Mission helmet is still my go to. Got a carbon one last year and love it 

[zoso]

On 9/7/2025 at 1:14 PM, coldfinger said:

What is the rule of thumb when the helmet has fallen off a 45 inch  stand up bar several times .

Send it.

[CAT RIDER]

If you have a 10 dollar head wear a 10 dollar helmet!

[Ox]

I don't store my helmets in the back window of an LTD all summer.

I really don't expect that it degrades very fast in the basement closet...

 

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