Many people wonder how long they can use motorcycle helmets. For example, is it safe to use a 20-year-old helmet? Well, head to Helmet Gurus and start shopping for a replacement if you have such an old helmet – it is unsafe. Below are reasons to avoid old helmets.
Material Degradation and Damage
All manufactured materials suffer wear and tear over the years. For example, polycarbonate is a common shell material for helmets. The thermoplastic has polymer chains that break down upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The breakdown weakens the helmet’s structural integrity and lowers its protective nature.
Temperature fluctuations can also weaken materials due to thermal stress. Say you are on a long ride and experience, have to pass through different states and experience different weathers. The expansion and contraction due to the temperature changes might weaken the helmet over time.
Apart from the intrinsic material degradation, your helmet might also suffer accidental damage over the years. Maybe you knocked the helmet on a tree branch while riding off-road, accidentally dropped the helmet on the tarmac one time, or slid and fell on a parking lot. All these damages weaken the helmet, even if you cannot see the weakening.
If you have a passing knowledge and interest in technology, you understand how fast it changes. Technological marvels of a few years ago seem commonplace or even outdated today. Why does this matter for old helmets? Well, many helmet manufacturers integrate considerable technology and innovations in their products.
As such, using a 20-year-old helmet means you are missing the advanced or innovative helmets you can see on Helmet Gurus. Consider the Sena Momentum Pro helmet as an example. The helmet features innovative features like:
A Bluetooth communication system
Noise cancellation system to reduce road noise
A high-definition (HD) camera to capture your ride footage
Adjustable vents to regulate airflow and keep you cool
These features have practical uses. Say you love going through scenic routes, enjoying off-road adventures, or exploring new places. You can use the Sena’s camera to record the footage and enjoy it later with your family and friends. You are unlikely to enjoy these things with a two-decade-old helmet.
Lastly, note that the primary benefit of a helmet is to protect your head in accidents. The level of protection a helmet offers depends on:
The helmet’s design
The helmet’s material
The helmet’s age
The helmet’s safety features
Safety organizations test helmets and certify them safe for use based on different parameters. These parameters change over time as the organizations update their tests to reflect evolving helmet technology. Researchers and scientists work daily to understand head injuries and how to protect them best. Helmet manufacturers incorporate these findings into their products.
A helmet that was safe two decades ago might not be safe today. Even if the old helmet is safe, the relatively new ones will likely be safer. For example, the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) is a relatively new technology that protects riders from rotation forces. You might miss such protection if you use extremely old helmets.
The Helmet Gurus provide impeccable helmet reviews for different motorcyclists. Whether you are a scooter fan, love off-road adventures, or swear by cruisers, you will find something for your head’s protection. The site also features different types of helmets, including MIPS and modular varieties, so everyone can get their preferred safety gear.
