It is currently Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:07 pm

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: When to replace helmet?
PostPosted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 2:09 pm 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed

Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:07 pm
Posts: 1109
Location: 5 Min from a tiny park with no trails.
Given: 39 thanks
Received: 1499 thanks
Bike(s): TallBoy LT, Woodie, MB-2
Favorite Trails: Calavera, 5 min from house
I know this is often a topic other places, but thought I'd bring it up here.

The obvious is after a crash on the head. Or even one that may have bounced your head off the ground hard enough to damage the helmet.

Industry standard calls for 3-5 years, but how much of thatiss pushing new helmets.

I suppose, when it gets so stanky even new pads won't make the smell go away.

But what about the very real wear and tear, exposure, etc?

I personally have only changed when my vintage Bell (you know those white ones from the early 90s) was falling apart and after a crash on the head a few years ago that destroyed the Helmet.

My current one has been knocked around a bit, is bordering on the stably level, but a recent cleaning seems to have brought it back from requiring death by fire. It's also on that 5 year age, so thequestion is, do I start looking?


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:24 pm 
Offline
Carbon Cabrón
Carbon Cabrón
User avatar

Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:56 pm
Posts: 1785
Given: 366 thanks
Received: 764 thanks
Bike(s): Giant Trance
Favorite Trails: Anything with dirt
I have three "trail" helmets I rotate thru. The oldest is maybe 18 months.
I rotate two full face helmets.

The full face helmets are TLD D3 carbon and the other is a Kali carbon. The is DOT certified and I think the D3 is as well. The others are TLD A1's.

My plan is to replace the oldest helmets at 2 years.

_________________
Image Image


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:47 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:56 pm
Posts: 7773
Location: Vista
Given: 23199 thanks
Received: 17225 thanks
Bike(s): Yes
Favorite Trails: crooked & winding...
325racer wrote:
...It's also on that 5 year age, so thequestion is, do I start looking?


Yes.

_________________
Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:42 pm 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed

Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:07 pm
Posts: 1109
Location: 5 Min from a tiny park with no trails.
Given: 39 thanks
Received: 1499 thanks
Bike(s): TallBoy LT, Woodie, MB-2
Favorite Trails: Calavera, 5 min from house
So with the discussion to look towards new helmets, I know so much comes down to personal preference and head shape/fit.

On first look a few stand out in my preference type. I happen to like a more roadish (read more big open vents) style helmet, while a visor is nice, I'm not sure it's a necessity.

I've been a Giro user for the past 10 years, so what are opinions on the following front runners, in no particular order.

Kali Maraka, I've seen a couple Kali's that look pretty good.
http://www.kaliprotectives.com/product/bike/maraka-xc/

Giro Fathom, this is probably the new equivalent to what I currently have.
http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/men/ ... athom.html

POC Octal, talk about big open vents, maybe a little to much?
http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/2193/octal-raceday

Smith Overtake, how does the honeycome breath and perform in actual crashes?
http://www.smithoptics.com/Root/Men%27s ... zeVariants


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:51 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:42 pm
Posts: 3718
Location: Poway
Given: 10468 thanks
Received: 7514 thanks
Bike(s): Specialized Levo Expert
Favorite Trails: Snipers Point, Doggo DH
To add the your discussion , do you destroy the old helmet because if its bad for you should anyone else wear it?

_________________
You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti
"Go ride your bike today, don't let the old man in.."

Mike


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:20 pm 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed

Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:07 pm
Posts: 1109
Location: 5 Min from a tiny park with no trails.
Given: 39 thanks
Received: 1499 thanks
Bike(s): TallBoy LT, Woodie, MB-2
Favorite Trails: Calavera, 5 min from house
Dirtrider wrote:
To add the your discussion , do you destroy the old helmet because if its bad for you should anyone else wear it?


Interesting point. My last one was destroyed, one before that is hanging around as a Museum piece.

I can say that with automobile race helmets, if your in an accident, the safety marshalls will sometimes cut the helmet straps to render it unusable.

I suppose it depends on overall condition and sometime for some people who's head apparently has no value a slightly older helmet might be better than the one they aren't wearing...


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 5:13 am 
Offline
Beer and Bacon Authority
Beer and Bacon Authority
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:03 pm
Posts: 1003
Given: 1359 thanks
Received: 1291 thanks
Bike(s): Giant Trance SX/Giant TCX
Favorite Trails: No say...
It looks like you are hunting some nice lids. I own two Kali Marakas and love them. They are extremely light and ventilation is quite nice. It would have been nice to see a bit more occipital protection presented in design but hey...it's a bad ass helmet.

The Smith is another good option. I do not have much experience with the Overtake but do have some recent trail time with the Forefront (latest purchase). That honeycomb liner does not allow air to get in directly but it seemingly allows heat to flow up and away from the top of my head. For sure, the Forefront is about the most comfy I have ever worn...just runs a little warmer than my other helmets.

The Super 2 is another helmet in my array. It's my "Go To" for night riding as it just seems to provide the most coverage. It's heavy as all hell but surely provides the most coverage. I was going to buy a POC but ended up spending $$$ on the Super...way more comfy.

Test before you buy. Fit is everything with a helmet.


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 2 users would like to thank singletrackmitch for his or her post:
Dirtrider, OldDogDan
PostPosted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 2:36 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:56 pm
Posts: 7773
Location: Vista
Given: 23199 thanks
Received: 17225 thanks
Bike(s): Yes
Favorite Trails: crooked & winding...
I guess this is a good thread to add a helmet comment to. The pads generally wear out before it needs replacing (unless you crash), so I buy a spare set (or two) before I need them. Also, they can be hard to find after a few new models come out. I have a recent new helmet I really like (Giro Montaro MIPS) and saw spare set in S size on internet for $16, but I needed large. Emailed Giro and they sent a set right away - for free.

And in response to a point above, I save a reasonably good condition old helmet and bring to group rides in case someone forgets one.

_________________
Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 2:39 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:42 pm
Posts: 3718
Location: Poway
Given: 10468 thanks
Received: 7514 thanks
Bike(s): Specialized Levo Expert
Favorite Trails: Snipers Point, Doggo DH
OldDogDan wrote:
I guess this is a good thread to add a helmet comment to. The pads generally wear out before it needs replacing (unless you crash), so I buy a spare set (or two) before I need them. Also, they can be hard to find after a few new models come out. I have a recent new helmet I really like (Giro Montaro MIPS) and saw spare set in S size on internet for $16, but I needed large. Emailed Giro and they sent a set right away - for free.


I've had my Giro for about 6 months and emailed them 2 weeks ago with a pic of the pad coming apart. A week later I had a new set for free.

I try to rinse mine out about every two Sundays to get all the funk outta the pads and plastic. Just let it air dry

_________________
You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti
"Go ride your bike today, don't let the old man in.."

Mike


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group