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[Hotrod50]

What do you all do with old helmets that have never been wrecked?  Seems a shame to throw them away.

[2k]

Guess thats just one more reason some will call me reckless, I have a helmet that I've had for 17yrs and while I have changed the liner several times the shell is still the same.

[garretn]

This is a good question..  I have three that are in good shape but are about 10yrs old. 

[stevehd]

Check if your local rescue squad would like them for traiining

[grc]

My old helmets go to the landfill.  I don't want them being used by someone else who may not understand that old helmets are kind of like old tires, not to be trusted when it comes to safety.  If someone only wears a helmet because it's required by law in their state, perhaps they wouldn't care if they used an old hand-me-down.  But I don't want to encourage that sort of thing, since I'm convinced a good helmet is worthwhile and I wear one whenever I ride, even in the helmet optional states around here.

Jerry

[iski]

I keep a couple around in case someone visits & they are riding one of the bikes.  An old helmet is better than no helmet. Mine are swapped out every 5 years or so, usually.

Other than that on old helmets, I cut the straps & toss 'em in the trash.

[Chains]

My old helmets go to the landfill.  I don't want them being used by someone else who may not understand that old helmets are kind of like old tires, not to be trusted when it comes to safety.  If someone only wears a helmet because it's required by law in their state, perhaps they wouldn't care if they used an old hand-me-down.  But I don't want to encourage that sort of thing, since I'm convinced a good helmet is worthwhile and I wear one whenever I ride, even in the helmet optional states around here.

Jerry

Like Jerry I dispose of mine but only after cutting the straps off an cutting a chunk out of the helmet.

[Jswerve]

What's a helmet? 

[SmokeyJoe]

I am glad I saw this post cause it go tme to thinking.  At work I check folks hard hats for their experation date, cause the plastic breaks down and can become brittle.  Anyway I never actually thought about my helmet. 

How long are they suppose to be good for?  I have a pretty old Shoei I would hate to see go even though I dont wear it much anymore.

[Fired00d]

I am glad I saw this post cause it go tme to thinking.  At work I check folks hard hats for their experation date, cause the plastic breaks down and can become brittle.  Anyway I never actually thought about my helmet. 

How long are they suppose to be good for?  I have a pretty old Shoei I would hate to see go even though I dont wear it much anymore.

I read somewhere that "manufacturers recommended life expectancy was 5 years" for helmets. Some of the things that were stated to validate this was because of the oils/sweat/etc. the liner would be subjected to degrading it, and also the fact that helmets get dropped and they could develop hair line cracks not visible to the naked eye.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Midnight Rider]

Like Gary said, 5 years is the recommended interval for retiring old helmets.  Not only the shell, but the foam liner can deteriorate as well, and that is what absorbs the shock to help keep your brain attached to your skull and prevent concussions.

[spada84]

If you have ever noticed, a new helmet fits tightly.  After a couple of years, or many miles, it becomes looser.  This is not because your head is smaller, but the shock-absorbing foam is becoming packed down, and therefore less effective. 

[iski]

If you have ever noticed, a new helmet fits tightly.  After a couple of years, or many miles, it becomes looser.  This is not because your head is smaller, but the shock-absorbing foam is becoming packed down, and therefore less effective.

This is good to know.  I thought my brain was getting smaller.

[schmoopy]

It seems to me they might make some interesting hanging planters/baskets. Possibly a light fixture if you remove the lining(full-face might work best for this). I'm a big fan of re-purposing stuff.

[SmokeyJoe]

It seems to me they might make some interesting hanging planters/baskets. Possibly a light fixture if you remove the lining(full-face might work best for this). I'm a big fan of re-purposing stuff.

Cool bowling bag tote