Manufacturing dates on helmets?

[AlanW]

As I understand it, and please feel free to correct me, but you should really replace your helmet every five years or so? Thats ignoring the fact that my Giro Boreas is ten years old.

But I have just gone to buy a new replacement one this morning and according to the sticker inside was it was manufactured in Jan 2007.

To be fair the price reflected this as it was reduced by £50, but I was still not sure if it was such a good deal or not, on account that it is 3 1/2 years old aready!

Yes, I accept that it has not been subject to damage by UV light, nor the rigors of salty sweaty head, but I still don't feel comfortable buying it even with the saving.

Am I worring about nothing?

 

[HJ]

Depends if you regard it as a piece of safety equipment or as a fashion accessory. Safety equipment is routinely replaced on a regular basis as it is known that the materials is made from degrade over time, ie the polystyrene hardens, the nylon straps loose their stretchiness etc. If is a fashion accessory, it maybe the wrong colour...

 

[HLaB]

I've heard every 2-3 years quoted but it'll depend on the manufacturer and their desire to make a proffit