How long should a helmet last

[sk8 0]

I have had a RBK 8k for about a year now. I play everyday and I noticed some of the gel pads peeling. Aside from my problem of the helmet never drying how long do helmets usually hold up for? Do you change them once per season? I like the Rbk 8k as it fits me best.

[saba 0]

I've had an Itech HC 100 last for 3 years now, although it has been relegated to back up helmet to my Intake

[Chadd 916]

You should replace a helmet every three years or after any really hard blow to the head.

[marc_9 0]

2-3 years or as chad said after any really hard blow to the head. i usually replace mine every 2 years but thats just me.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Does that mean that the padding has deteriorated, even if it looks fine? I have a Bauer 5000 that I've had for just over a year, and I can't imagine having to replace it within a year. the gel padding inside is still soft.

Keep in mind...I'm playing non-contact pick up. So, I'm not taking any hits.

[Alias81 0]

Inspect your helmet regually for cracks and damage and make sure all the foam is in working order and that you dry it out properly, if you don't take any serious knocks and the hemet is physically sound I see no reason to change it aprty from HECC dating.

[KYHockey3 0]

Does that mean that the padding has deteriorated, even if it looks fine? I have a Bauer 5000 that I've had for just over a year, and I can't imagine having to replace it within a year. the gel padding inside is still soft.

Keep in mind...I'm playing non-contact pick up. So, I'm not taking any hits.

you could probably see and feel the deterioration of the padding.

i know tons of people who have had their 5000's for numerous years and havent had problems over the years

[GSHL99 0]

The certification stickers on the helmet tell you when the certification runs out. Most leagues won't let you play with a helmet they know is no longer certified. At most you should be replacing a helmet every three years. Though if you're skating a lot it might be every 1.5-2 years. Any time you get a hard blow to the head or see any cracks on the helmet's shell you need to get a new one right away.

[Chadd 916]

Any time you get a hard blow to the head or see any cracks on the helmet's shell you need to get a new one right away.

With the newer EPP helmets you have a much better chance of finding cracks in the EPP and to do that you have to take the padding out and examine it.

[Doctor Hook 0]

I find I get bored with a helmet after 3 or so seasons anyway, so I put it on the old gift list.

[TBLfan 25]

Any time you get a hard blow to the head or see any cracks on the helmet's shell you need to get a new one right away.

With the newer EPP helmets you have a much better chance of finding cracks in the EPP and to do that you have to take the padding out and examine it.

Reason number 2 why I don't like EPP foam. VN foam ftw

[Hockeydog 8]

I had an old Bauer 5000, the pads started falling out. Rather than glue them in I got a new CCM 1052. I think after a few years of playing 2-3 x per week it is time to treat yourself to a new one.

[kovalchuk71 212]

This weekend I got hit pretty badly. I slammed my head on the ice (and I mean SLAMMED) and was seeing colors for a minute. I looked at my helmet and there were no cracks. Is it ok still or is it time for a new helmet since I had a pretty big blow

[Doctor Hook 0]

This weekend I got hit pretty badly. I slammed my head on the ice (and I mean SLAMMED) and was seeing colors for a minute. I looked at my helmet and there were no cracks. Is it ok still or is it time for a new helmet since I had a pretty big blow

How old is the bucket? What condition is the interior padding? Obviously an exterior shell crack warrants replacing, but cruddy hard interior padding is just as bad.