How often should a helmet be replaced?

[santiclaws 0]

I have one that several years old. The padding still looks fine, I haven't rammed my head into the boards or anything. Should I be thinking about replacing it if there are no outward signs of breakdown?

[AIREAYE 248]

If there is no structural damage to the helmet/foams, then it's generally advisable to replace a helmet every 3 years or so, as the buildup of sweat will eventually start to break down the foams.

[raganblink 82]

If HECC certification is expired, its time for replacement.

According to Cascade maximum of 5 years for helmet.

[santiclaws 0]

I had no idea helmets had expiration dates. Mine says 2008. I guess it's time for a new one. Thanks!

[Scotty 8]

I was just wondering this the other day when I noticed that the shell of my helmet has a large crack running from the point where the screw tightens it all the way up to the top of the shell. It's from probably 2003, if not earlier, so I guess it's time, huh?

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

I had no idea helmets had expiration dates. Mine says 2008. I guess it's time for a new one. Thanks!

Actually helmets don't have an expiry date. In the US on the HECC sticker it is no longer certified for league play after 6.5 years as of last year.(however it could be used for pond hockey or other things like that if still in good shape and the foams aren't hardened).Prior it was 5 years from date of manufacture.

In Canada there is no such date and the date on the CSA sticker is the year of manufacture.