Helmet shelf life

[Ahriman 1]

I just went digging a little through some of my old equipment because I was going to bring my old visor out of retirement when I noticed that the HECC certification sticker (yeah I guess I never took it off, sue me) says the padding inside is only certified through July of this year. I understand the need to err on the side of safety and all so I assume it's probably fine after this summer for safe use (this particular helmet didn't see massive amounts of ice time) but it got me thinking enough to ask if that sticker should be paid attention to or not.

In case it makes a difference it's a Bauer 5000, but I'd be curious if anyone has an insight about the "expiration date" of traditional foam in other helmets as well.

[ghockey11 0]

it is pretty much just to tell you that they are not responsible after that point if you get hurt while wearing the helmet

[cptjeff 0]

it is pretty much just to tell you that they are not responsible after that point if you get hurt while wearing the helmet

Yes, but he's asking if the padding actually breaks down or not, not why the put they date on the sticker.

[ghockey11 0]

okay then answer him

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

I just went digging a little through some of my old equipment because I was going to bring my old visor out of retirement when I noticed that the HECC certification sticker (yeah I guess I never took it off, sue me) says the padding inside is only certified through July of this year. I understand the need to err on the side of safety and all so I assume it's probably fine after this summer for safe use (this particular helmet didn't see massive amounts of ice time) but it got me thinking enough to ask if that sticker should be paid attention to or not.

In case it makes a difference it's a Bauer 5000, but I'd be curious if anyone has an insight about the "expiration date" of traditional foam in other helmets as well.

Depending on the use and climate along with the storage of the helmet will depend on the breaking down of the usefulness of the foam and or EPP.

There isnt any studies to date on how "Joe Averages" helmets lasts but it is recommended that after 2 years of hard AAA type hockey you get a new one.

There was a study done using RBK helmets and they found that more damage was done in the hockey bag being thrown around then by wearing the helmet.

At the Concussion Seminar in London Ont a few weeks back this was brought up again. Common sense seems to be the best way to go. If your using it for Highly competitive hockey a new one every year or 2 is the best plan. And always replace the helmet after a concussion.

If your playing Rec hockey just keep it in good shape and if the foam gets hard then replace it!

[Chadd 916]

I've seen more concussions in Bauer 5000s than every other helmet combined. Replace it when the certification expires.

[SirJW 207]

I've seen more concussions in Bauer 5000s than every other helmet combined. Replace it when the certification expires.

Which helmets do you see the least amount of head trauma?

[Chadd 916]

I've seen more concussions in Bauer 5000s than every other helmet combined. Replace it when the certification expires.

Which helmets do you see the least amount of head trauma?

Cascade, simply because nobody wears them

[Andoy 5]

I've seen more concussions in Bauer 5000s than every other helmet combined. Replace it when the certification expires.

Which helmets do you see the least amount of head trauma?

Cascade, simply because nobody wears them

haha good answer.

[Shtrsdad 0]

Playing minor hockey, if you have an anal Ref and he sees that your HECC cert date has passed or is no longer legible (25 cent word for the day) he can send you packing. I suspect it's an insurance thing. It's amazing to me, as a minor hockey coach, how many kids will play with the helment that their big brother used.............5 years ago! :o

Don't even get me started on cages that are improperly installed! <_<

[TBLfan 25]

...and considering a high quality helmet can be bought for half the price of a high-end OPS, it's just stupid to not replace your helmet more often.

[VakarLajos 5]

I just went digging a little through some of my old equipment because I was going to bring my old visor out of retirement when I noticed that the HECC certification sticker (yeah I guess I never took it off, sue me) says the padding inside is only certified through July of this year. I understand the need to err on the side of safety and all so I assume it's probably fine after this summer for safe use (this particular helmet didn't see massive amounts of ice time) but it got me thinking enough to ask if that sticker should be paid attention to or not.

In case it makes a difference it's a Bauer 5000, but I'd be curious if anyone has an insight about the "expiration date" of traditional foam in other helmets as well.

I might be wrong on this, but the expiration date also factors in travel where the helmet will be in pressurized cabins. This means the foam will be compressed and decompressed often leading to breakdown quicker than the average player uses it.

Keep in mind that no helmet is concussion-proof in any case.

[jrhky36 1]

awhile back i read some article that paul boyer(eq guy for the wings) wrote. he said in it he requests that all the player get a new bucket every year. the issuse he spoke of were the travel, mainly going from hot to cold when in the plane.

speaking of helmets does anyone have a link or video of when joe junoe got hit and broke his helmet?

[dsjunior1388 81]

awhile back i read some article that paul boyer(eq guy for the wings) wrote. he said in it he requests that all the player get a new bucket every year. the issuse he spoke of were the travel, mainly going from hot to cold when in the plane.

speaking of helmets does anyone have a link or video of when joe junoe got hit and broke his helmet?

Curious, because he rumor i heard is Henrik Zetterberg took the foam out of his Itech HC100, and had it put in his Mission Intake. Then took the foam out of the Intake and put it in the Easton he now uses. And if you look at Chris Chelios's away (white) helmet, it's not hard to imagine that its at least a third as old as he is. Maybe thats where the "request" comes in, because not everyone is willing to listen.

[cptjeff 0]

awhile back i read some article that paul boyer(eq guy for the wings) wrote. he said in it he requests that all the player get a new bucket every year. the issuse he spoke of were the travel, mainly going from hot to cold when in the plane.

speaking of helmets does anyone have a link or video of when joe junoe got hit and broke his helmet?

Curious, because he rumor i heard is Henrik Zetterberg took the foam out of his Itech HC100, and had it put in his Mission Intake. Then took the foam out of the Intake and put it in the Easton he now uses. And if you look at Chris Chelios's away (white) helmet, it's not hard to imagine that its at least a third as old as he is. Maybe thats where the "request" comes in, because not everyone is willing to listen.

Yeah, a lot of guys simply don't change. Want proof? Watch an NHL game and count the old style block CCM logos you see.