Spin off: Helmet shelf life

[wireweiners]

I grew up riding western where no one wore a helmet. I started using one when my daughter was taking lessons. Her trainer insisted on them so I got one to set a good example. Then being older and realizing I’m not bulletproof set in plus the Coth influence.

My helmet is around 10 years old. It hasn’t been used very often, has always been stored in a climate controlled house and has never taken a hard knock. Does it need to be replaced and why? Its a Troxel Sport model. I’d love to get one of the Troxel Cheyenne western helmets but they are rather pricey for my needs.

[FitToBeTied]

I replace my helmet every 4-5 years because the foam liner deteriorates over time.

[Angela_Freda]

[QUOTE=FitToBeTied;8734953]
I replace my helmet every 4-5 years because the foam liner deteriorates over time.[/QUOTE]

Just like child safety car seats, the foam deteriorates thanks to sun, heat, cold, some chemicals, etc, etc… and time.

Helmets are cheap. Even if the 5 years expiration is a fabrication, are g-you really willing to take the chance and are g-you too frugal to see the benefits of replacing them?

[charismaryllis]

5 years, especially if it’s one of the ones with exposed styrofoam.

[demidq]

Yes, 5 years is the recommended replacement time according to the safety testers, not just the manufacturers!

[Foxtrot_s]

Mine was over five years, but the foam deteriorated and every time I wore it I had foam crumbs on my forehead. Quite unpleasant. I have a nice new one now
and it is dated on the inside.

[Guilherme]

Concur with the five year standard. And immediate replacement if “used.”

G.

[msj]

Another ditto to the 5 year standard. Your head is more important, why take a chance?

[goodhors]

I would strongly recommend checking dates inside the helmet before purchase. Helmet, used or unused, is going to need replacing five years from the manufacture date. Not the date you start using it, because those plast ice parts “only have so long to live” and stay protective.

I see MANY sale helmets at reduced prices. Checking the dates, I have not ever found one younger than 5 years old. Some are EXTREMELY old, with manufacture dates over 10 years old!

Even never used, big savings, I would NOT buy them to use.

It is up to you to buy a recently made helmet, get all the 5 years of use expected and paid for.

[TC3200]

Plastics become brittle and prone to stess-cracking with age. Brittle plastic is weaker plastic. The crumbling foam is another issue. Adhesives might start to fail, which could weaken the helmet structurally. Body oils, perspiration, sunscreens, and cosmetics can cause liners and chin straps to deteriorate. The adage in the plastics industry is that plastics have at best a 10 year service life. Since this item needs to protect your skull, manufacturers probably thought it prudent to maybe make the cutoff 5 years, just to be safe. Additionally, helmet design changes, and in 5 years there may be better and/or more protective helmets and new technologies that you’d want anyhow.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

I’ve yet to go five years without my helmet taking a good knock or getting left in a broiling truck or whatever. But if I ever do, I’ll replace it then!

[wireweiners]

I didn’t know they had a date in them. I checked and mine is a 2005 model, so I guess its time for a new one. This one looks brand new, it probably hasn’t been used a dozen times. My horse developed health issues and was retired shortly after I bought it so it hasn’t been used much. I’m drooling over the Cheyenne western Troxel but at $167, I can’t justify it. So I’ll find one of the cheaper Troxels.

[plaidbreeches]

This one is half the price of the Cheyenne and it still has the nice leather “hat band” detailing
http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/dakota?variant=2333271939

[wireweiners]

[QUOTE=plaidbreeches;8736186]
This one is half the price of the Cheyenne and it still has the nice leather “hat band” detailing
http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/dakota?variant=2333271939[/QUOTE]

I looked at that one and liked it. I like the tan color with the design.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

Oooh, go for the Cheyenne! :yes: I bought myself one recently after months of agonizing over the price. Best fit I’ve ever had in a helmet.

I’m a Troxel-shaped girl, but was always between their large and medium sizes. This model seems to run a little bit small (maybe because now there’s an XL?) so the large fits me perfectly with a little adjustment.

And it’s certainly the lowest-profile helmet I’ve ever had. Well worth the price, IMO.

[AKB]

Check prices on the Cheyenne. I think Smartpak and KVvet have it for $99. I think the July 4 sale is over at Snartpak.