Time to replace my helmet?

[confusedcyclist]

No, I haven't crashed, it's just really old and 'ugly'. Note: it hasn't got this funky detailing, just a bland grey.

According to the inner label, its a 2004 Giro Skyline, it fits well, isn't the most stylish and doesn't fit my black and red colour scheme... I'm not in the habit of wasting money on new stuff when I have perfectly fine equipment lying around. However, as I am wearing a helmet for safety purposes and not style I wonder if there is any basis for replacing it considering it's age. How far has helmet tech come since 2004? Is the helmet likely to have degraded to the point where it looks safe, but is no longer is any good, or is it just that the cycle industry keen to get everyone to splash their cash by encouraging replacement of helmets over time (usually an unspecified duration!!!)?

Shall I stick with it or ditch for more modern helmet? I have to start thinking about buying winter clothing, so could do without wasting money on a helmet if this is still perfectly functional. As far as the condition of the helmet goes, aside from some cosmetic wear, and scuffs from some recent drops (from only 4ft or so) it's still sturdy, no visible cracks or degradation.

Any advice peeps?

 

[Drago]

I use the same helmet for commuting, purchased in 2011. Not an exciting lid but comfortable, reasonably well ventilated. I'd have another without question.

Personally, if it's undamaged I'd continue using it, but that's a gut call with no science behind it.

 

[G3CWI]

Some folks say that they need replacing periodically (5 years?). UV damage is suggested. The protection that helmets offer is quite limited - but welcome if you have a slow speed fall (as I have done). they are not very expensive to replace...