Do helmets ACTUALLY degrade over time

Mike Muz 67":39ye5bfc said:

player":39ye5bfc said:

The shelf life in a cycle helmet is no different to the shelf life of a motorcycle helmet.The reason being the EPS (expanded polystyrene) used in both motorcycle and bicycle helmets absorbs sweat and grease from your pores into the polystyrene to a point where the EPS firms off and won't dissipate the energy as well as a new/fresher EPS liner.

Basically a well used ten year old helmet would work to a point but not to the extent of a newer one.

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I can't imagine that the EPS would get much sweat, given that I use caps under the helmet norally, plus the padding within the helmet? Maybe it only needs a little.

Someone previously mentioned them breaking easily once they have had an impact. In the case given, a hammer.
Isn't that what they're meant to do? Absorb the impact and break.

Mike

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The History Man":o0pcxrjz said:

Well if this is anything to go by:

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iscervo":2ngc3mx3 said:

groovyblueshed":2ngc3mx3 said:

Over prolonged long term exposure to sunlight, UV degradation may eventually make the plastic shell brittle, if there aren't sufficient UV inhibitors in the composition.

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That is very true, different areas have different requirements.
http://info.craftechind.com/blog/bid/38 ... bilization

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