New helmet arrived :) Manufacturing date is Dec 2004 :( What would you do?

[GinGin74]

I received my new Lamicell schooling helmet in the mail yesterday. I was excited to wear it until I looked at the manufacturing date on the inside. It says Dec 2004. Ugh. Normally I wouldn’t even thing about looking at the date, but after reading the “Should I replace my helmet” thread I was curious. What would you do? If I follow the 5 year max recommendation I’ll only get to wear it for 8 months.

[ExJumper]

I received my new Lamicell schooling helmet in the mail yesterday. I was excited to wear it until I looked at the manufacturing date on the inside. It says Dec 2004. Ugh. Normally I wouldn’t even thing about looking at the date, but after reading the “Should I replace my helmet” thread I was curious. What would you do? If I follow the 5 year max recommendation I’ll only get to wear it for 8 months.

Call the store. Explain the issue. Return it.

Where did you buy it? Was it on special clearance? If it was on a big non-returnable sale, you just found out why.

[GinGin74]

I’ll try emailing the store and see what they say. I bought it at Victory Canter and they don’t post their phone number online. It wasn’t on clearance, so I can return it if I need to.

[joiedevie99]

If they won't swap it out for one made in 08 or 09 I would return it.

[shoponee70]

im pretty sure even if it is a sale item, if you ordered by mail, " i think" by law if you send it back, they have to refund it for you. Since you couldnt try it on before you bought it.

[MistyBlue]

I would return it also. I'm not overly picky about many things...but helmets do break down over time even if not worn. Although usually it's the outside elements/sunlight breaking them down over the years and I doubt a new helmet was outside...I'd still be cautious when it comes to a safety item.

[onelanerode]

I would DEFINITELY return that. They should give you a helmet made in late '08 or early '09.

[BigDreams07]

thats intresting... My brand new GPA bought a week ago from dover was made in 07.... never thought to call them

[rugbygirl]

Not to pick on anyone, but do any of you know why the recommendation is to replace a helmet after 5 years?

It is typically five years after purchase/use, because equestrian helmets are NOT multi-impact helmets and the plastics that they are made with break down with exposure to climate and sweat.

Those of you recommending she return it, could you answer why? What do you think happens to helmets in storage that would break them down?

There is caution, then there is reliance on misinterpreted information.

Incidentally, unless your helmet is rated for multiple impacts (most snowboarding helmets are) you take a big crash in one, you'd better toss it. This is why I don't understand schooling in $400 helmets...

[ExJumper]

Not to pick on anyone, but do any of you know why the recommendation is to replace a helmet after 5 years?

It is typically five years after purchase/use, because equestrian helmets are NOT multi-impact helmets and the plastics that they are made with break down with exposure to climate and sweat.

Those of you recommending she return it, could you answer why? What do you think happens to helmets in storage that would break them down?

Didn't you just answer your own question? The minute that a helmet is manufactured, it begins to be exposed to climate and starts the inevitable process of breaking down.

[fordtraktor]

Agree with the others -- return it and get a more recently manufactured one.

[CacheDawnTaxes]

That's insane, I'm surprised they would even sell a helmet that's that old:eek: Call them and tell them to send you a new one, that's ridiculous.

[Sing Mia Song]

Didn't you just answer your own question? The minute that a helmet is manufactured, it begins to be exposed to climate and starts the inevitable process of breaking down.

Exactly. Few storage facilities are air-conditioned and climate-controlled. It's the better part of caution to follow the "five year" plan.

I am always tempted to buy helmets on ebay, but I always ask the manufacturing date first. Inevitably they are either approaching the five year mark or beyond it.

[Guin]

Victory Canter is VERY good; I am sure they will replace it immediately.

[Rayme]

definitely return it, but try to contact Lamicell first. Sometimes stores order large quantities of a certain product and then they sit on a shelf for a while. The manufacturer will probably be glad to know who isn't rotating their stock and will most likely try to resolve the issue with you directly. Make sure you have your receipt and packing slip in case they want to confirm that you just made this purchase.
It will also give you a chance to ask them how their helmets stack up to the five year rule and if they have a buy back program for wrecked helmets.
good luck!

[Come Shine]

Not to derail but isn't 5 years pretty long to keep stock around in general?

[GinGin74]

I talked to a rep at English Riding Supply (the US distributor of Lamicell) and she said that according to the manufacturer the shelf life is 10 years. Hmmmm...it sounds like a long time to me.

[Madeline]

Not to pick on anyone, but do any of you know why the recommendation is to replace a helmet after 5 years?

It is typically five years after purchase/use, because equestrian helmets are NOT multi-impact helmets and the plastics that they are made with break down with exposure to climate and sweat....

Actually, the recommendation is five years from date of manufacture.

There is caution, then there is reliance on misinterpreted information.....

And then there is correct information.

Incidentally, unless your helmet is rated for multiple impacts (most snowboarding helmets are) you take a big crash in one, you'd better toss it. This is why I don't understand schooling in $400 helmets...

Actually, the vast majority (probably up in the 90-95% range) of snowboard/ski helmets are single impact, just like riding helmets.
That's that pesky "correct information" popping up again.

[WhatzUp]

Not to pick on anyone, but do any of you know why the recommendation is to replace a helmet after 5 years?

It is typically five years after purchase/use, because equestrian helmets are NOT multi-impact helmets and the plastics that they are made with break down with exposure to climate and sweat.

Those of you recommending she return it, could you answer why? What do you think happens to helmets in storage that would break them down?

There is caution, then there is reliance on misinterpreted information.

Incidentally, unless your helmet is rated for multiple impacts (most snowboarding helmets are) you take a big crash in one, you'd better toss it. This is why I don't understand schooling in $400 helmets...

Hi,

Quite frankly if you hit your head, the SEI helmet has done it's job.

I would never try to differentiate between a big or small crash, I
would get another, after I xrayed it out of curiousity of course ...
being a polymer Chemist plastics I do understand !

Throw it out (or follow the replacement policy procedure if the
manufacturer offers one) and get another is my opinion.

There is no difference for the SEI stamped $50 helmet and the
SEI stamped $ 400 helmet with respect to degree of protection.

Yours in sport,

Lynn

[copper1]

Do the materials really break down while in storage or is this just a ploy for the maufacturers to sell more helmets?

[nomorecold]

Incidentally, unless your helmet is rated for multiple impacts (most snowboarding helmets are) you take a big crash in one, you'd better toss it. This is why I don't understand schooling in $400 helmets...

Remember though that the big helmet manufacturers offer good replacement policies. If you crash within the first three years of having your helmet, all you have to do is take it back to an authorized dealer (with your receipt,) and they will get you a replacement for a fraction of the cost.

Wear whatever fits you best. Being comfortable in your helmet will make you more likely to wear it. That, in turn, keeps you safer. Personally, I HATE the $30 schooling helmets. I don't think they are comfortable. Therefore, I wear my $300 helmet to school.;)

[Guin]

Did you ever get a resolution about your helmet? I'm interested in knowing if VC replaced it for you because I need to order a new one for my daughter, and want to make sure it's a recent manufacture date.

[Foxtrot's]

Considering how important a helmet is in the scheme of things, and you would plan on wearing it for the recommended 'no more than five years', it would be quite an old helmet by then. . . even if it was still with in the ten year range the manufacturer gave.

I would say it should be replaced because helmet manufacturers are so conscious of the liability issue if something should happen and it transpired they refused a replacement because of its age when sold.

I wouldn't pay full price for a five year old car.

[GinGin74]

Guin,

I've been out of town and haven't had a chance to contact Victory Canter yet. Based on their reputation, when I call them I'm sure they will be accommodating. Beside the date being old, I’ve decided that the helmet doesn’t fit the way I was hoping for, so I’m returning it instead of exchanging it.

[amastrike]

Do the materials really break down while in storage or is this just a ploy for the maufacturers to sell more helmets?

Are you willing to risk your life to find out?

[juniormom]

I would most definitely return it, as things can start to "break down" over time, unless you got an absolute steal on it. However, I might return even with that. Your head isn't worth messing around with - steal or not! Good luck!