Helmets tier list

aeffertz wrote:

“Age Does Not Affect the Material Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Liners in Field-Used Bicycle Helmets”

https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/biomechanical/article-abstract/1…

mxaniac wrote:

Thanks for the link. I'm cautiously skeptical about the MFGs wanting to sell us a new helmet every 5 years. That said, the claim I recall...

Thanks for the link. I'm cautiously skeptical about the MFGs wanting to sell us a new helmet every 5 years. That said, the claim I recall seeing is it's the sweat, cleaning chemicals, and hair products that clause the degradation. It's a fact that certain chemicals will dissolve styrofoam, acetone and sometimes gasoline are the only one I know of, so I'm guessing it's possible but not probable. I can think of 4 helmets I've had since 2005 so apparently I usually replace mine every 5 years. This is always due to actually using the helmet, unfortunately as intended.

aeffertz wrote:

“Age Does Not Affect the Material Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Liners in Field-Used Bicycle Helmets”

https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/biomechanical/article-abstract/1…

mxaniac wrote:

Thanks for the link. I'm cautiously skeptical about the MFGs wanting to sell us a new helmet every 5 years. That said, the claim I recall...

Thanks for the link. I'm cautiously skeptical about the MFGs wanting to sell us a new helmet every 5 years. That said, the claim I recall seeing is it's the sweat, cleaning chemicals, and hair products that clause the degradation. It's a fact that certain chemicals will dissolve styrofoam, acetone and sometimes gasoline are the only one I know of, so I'm guessing it's possible but not probable. I can think of 4 helmets I've had since 2005 so apparently I usually replace mine every 5 years. This is always due to actually using the helmet, unfortunately as intended.

aeffertz wrote:

I just find it funny that people will repeat what their dealers tell them (whos interests revolve around sales) vs. actual studies. EPS doesn’t degrade over a...

I just find it funny that people will repeat what their dealers tell them (whos interests revolve around sales) vs. actual studies. 

EPS doesn’t degrade over a 5 year span. But if it has been crashed in, you need to inspect the EPS liner to see if it has been compressed anywhere. The inner pads should be replaced over time because (like a couch cushion) they will change in size and the helmet may not fit properly anymore.