Helmet Lifespan??

[Dan Friel]

What's the current recommendation for helmet lifespan?? And presumably, it's different for a carbon helmet as it's different material??

Expecting Max to arrive and provide a helpful answer.. hopefully.. thanks!

[midgetman]

Hi Dan here I am! Completely subjective as long as it's within specification. The scrutineer only looks at condition; if you've just done a couple of speed events per year it'll pass his/her inspection easily. If it's a bit battered they'll mention it to you. Bit as soon as the Snell date runs out - no matter how little use it'll be chucked out.

Very unusual to see a driver posting about recommended periods to change safety equipment. It's normally a rant along the lines of "got to chuck away a perfectly good XXX that I've only worn in the shop when I tried it on" etc etc!

[Dan Friel]

Thanks Max, so there's no "it should last no more than 5 years" guidance, it's common sense based on condition. Mine has had plenty of use at track days plus some speed event use, but still in decent nick even after 5 years.

Doesn't run out of SNELL cert until the end of 2018.