Helmet replacement or not?

[PaulSB]

Each of them who was asking anything asked me if I was, after my accident a couple of weeks ago.

That's my experience as well. I was in an RTA 10 weeks ago. Hit by a tractor. The insurers ask as well and I suspect whatever the injury, head or other, will use not wearing a helmet as a form of negligence.

 

[Venod]

If you believe it protects you, replace it.

If not, don't.

If you believe it protects you as it is, keep it

If you think replacing it would be better, replace it.

I have a couple of helmets with minor scuffs, that I use, but sometimes I don't wear a helmet.

 

[Jameshow]

I have one which has taken a few knocks which I use on the canal.
Often with clients so more of an example than for protection.

 

[biggs682]

Replace

 

[YellowV2]

Thanks for all your opinions most of them are helpful, I am going to replace it as it’s a few years old anyway.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I am going to replace it as it’s a few years old

Manufacturers say to replace after 3-5 years even if it’s had no knocks and been kept in perfect conditions.

 

[TheDoctor]

MOD NOTE
Can we not turn this into a pro / anti helmet debate please?
Thanks

 

[Ian H]

Manufacturers say to replace after 3-5 years even if it’s had no knocks and been kept in perfect conditions.

I have a helmet. It's about 25yrs old and I only use it for competitions where one is required. As far as I can see it fulfils its function perfectly.
On the other hand, manufacturers presumably need an income-stream.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

As far as I can see it fulfils its function perfectly.

It’s function being to allow you to ride the event and no more.

 

[figbat]

I have a helmet. It's about 25yrs old and I only use it for competitions where one is required. As far as I can see it fulfils its function perfectly.
On the other hand, manufacturers presumably need an income-stream.

Do the competition bodies not require a helmet qualified to a certain level? I know in the horse world this is often a requirement, meaning helmets are replaced regularly as the standards are updated. They are checked for compliance too.

 

[MontyVeda]

Manufacturers say to replace after 3-5 years even if it’s had no knocks and been kept in perfect conditions.

they would say that wouldn't they

 

[Drago]

they would say that wouldn't they

They also state on the packaging that their product is not designed to offer protection in a vehicular collision, but still the insurance companies are demanding to know why victims with broken ankles weren't wearing one.

Victim blaming has, quite rightly, been banished in other unpleasant areas of crime and it staggers me that society, insurers and even sometimes less enlightened dibble think it's still OK when the victim rides a bicycle.

 

[matticus]

Not sure what it would have done to prevent a shattered ankle.

Better wear one anyway - unless your ankles aren't important to you?!? I support MY ankles, cos they support me!

 

[matticus]

I have a helmet. It's about 25yrs old and I only use it for competitions where one is required. As far as I can see it fulfils its function perfectly.
On the other hand, manufacturers presumably need an income-stream.

I'm hoping helmet-wearing racers will start retiring in numbers soon, thus supplying me with cheap/free compulsory PPE until I pop my clogs.

 

[Ian H]

Do the competition bodies not require a helmet qualified to a certain level? I know in the horse world this is often a requirement, meaning helmets are replaced regularly as the standards are updated. They are checked for compliance too.

It has the appropriate EN and CE markings. It does everything I expect of a magic hat.