Should I Replace My Helmet If I Drop It?

Typically, manufacturers suggest replacing a helmet after five to seven years of use, that's how long snowboard and ski helmets last. That's because the liner starts to degrade and the Eps liner starts to collapse. When you drop your helmet, it can easily crack or tear. Chin straps can also break or wear down.

Plastic Helmets Degrade Faster Than Foam Helmets

The primary difference between a foam helmet and a plastic helmet is the shell. While both have important safety features, the shell is the most important element of a helmet. Without it, foam is practically useless, as it would crumble on impact. Moreover, plastic degrades faster than foam, which means it loses elasticity and is not safe in an impact. In addition, plastic shells are easily broken due to exposure to air and sunlight, making them useless in a crash. If you can't use your old helmet anymore, consider recycling an old ski helmet.

The current generation of helmets uses foam for its energy management capabilities, but the future holds better materials for better protection. Foams come in a variety of types, with two main categories: soft and stiff foams. The different properties of these materials allow helmet manufacturers to design helmets that are effective for different impacts. However, each foam has its own limitations, which must be taken into account before purchasing a helmet.

Chin Straps Wear Out

The first thing to do is to examine the helmet. Often the retention system isn't working properly and the helmet may not stay on the rider's head. If this is the case, you may need to replace the helmet. Otherwise, you can still use the helmet for several years.

The plastic shell is one of the most important elements in a helmet's protection. Without the shell, the padding is worthless. Even a minor impact would cause the foam to break apart, rendering the helmet useless. Furthermore, plastic is much more brittle than other materials, and over time, it will degrade, especially if exposed to air and sun. Also, it is susceptible to damage from sweat and strong cleaning chemicals.

In addition to cracks, helmets can also lose their protective foam, which means that they must be replaced. Luckily, it is relatively easy to replace the foam, which is relatively inexpensive to replace. Depending on the brand and model, you can even buy new inner liners separately. It's generally advisable to replace the inner lining once or twice during the lifespan of your helmet. You should also consider the type of closure on the helmet.

Eps Liner Collapses When You Drop Your Helmet

If you've ever dropped a helmet, you've probably noticed the Eps liner collapses. This happens because the Eps beads can't expand to absorb the shock of a crash. The Eps liner's integrity is compromised when you drop your helmet, and it may even break your helmet shell or visor components.

A helmet's liner protects the inside of your head from the shocks of a crash. While the outer shell provides protection against abrasions and sharp objects, the liner is the part that will cushion your head and protect your brain. A perfect helmet would have 6 inches of soft Eps cradling your head like a mint on a pillow.

The Eps liner is a very important part of a motorcycle helmet. Even though it is inexpensive, it's surprisingly tough and protective. We did some tests to see how well it could handle the impacts we subjected it to. The most effective helmets we tested had a peak G of 208 when the helmet was hit on a curb, and a peak G of 209 on a flat pavement. This is a bit higher than a Snell helmet, but the Eps liner was still ample to absorb the energy.

Plastic Helmets Absorb Force of Impact Faster Than Foam Helmets

While foam and plastic helmets have their advantages and disadvantages, both are remarkably effective in absorbing force of impact. However, they have a few limitations. For one, plastic helmets are heavier, and foam helmets are more flexible, allowing the force of impact to pass through the helmet more quickly.

The outer shell of a foam or plastic helmet absorbs 35 percent of the force of impact. The inner foam or plastic liner is much more flexible, so the impact energy is spread out more evenly in a helmet made of foam or plastic. This helps minimize the damage to the head and neck and lowers the risk of critical injury.

Mips, or multi-directional impact protection system, is a type of plastic helmet that is designed to reduce rotational force. It works by attaching a thin, low-friction liner to the inside of the helmet. This allows the helmet to slide a small amount on impact, redirecting energy away from the head.

Plastic Helmets Have a Shorter Lifespan

There are many factors to consider when considering whether to replace your old helmet. First, you should make sure it is in good condition. Check for signs of deterioration such as cracks in the foam or lining. If any of these signs are present, you might want to consider getting a new one.

Adjustability is also an important factor. Some helmets have a click wheel system or a strap system that can be adjusted. Click wheel helmets have a small wheel on the back of the head that can be used to tighten the tensioning band. However, these helmets can be cumbersome and heavier. Moreover, they can be overtightened. Read more from us to find out if snowboard helmets can expire.

Plastic helmets are also prone to damage if dropped. Therefore, they should be replaced after five years. Fortunately, there are some newer designs on the market that will help extend their life. For example, Poc, the company behind the helmets worn by the US ski team at the Olympics, has developed a new liner material called Epp, which is designed to endure multiple impacts and maintain structure. Plastic helmets are not as strong as their metal counterparts, so they're likely to suffer from wear and tear.