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It is recommended that you replace your helmet at least every 5 years, even if it hasn’t been involved in a fall. The 5-year replacement guideline for equestrian helmets begins from the date of purchase, not the date of manufacture. Normal wear and tear, hair spray, cosmetics, exposure to sunlight and heat, certain types of cleaning agents, and sweat are some of the many factors that can contribute to the slow degradation of a helmet, all of which begin to occur from the time the helmet is first worn.
While 5 years is the recommended timeframe for replacement, this guideline is dependent on frequency of use and how a helmet is cared for. If you have a particularly demanding riding schedule, you may need to replace your helmet sooner! The more often a helmet is worn and exposed to these conditions, the quicker the degradation can take place.
This is what helmets are there to protect us from after all! Equestrian helmets are designed to be single impact helmets, if your helmet has been involved in a fall, it should be replaced immediately. Did you know Tipperary offers an Accident Replacement Program?
https://shop.olsonstack.com/pages/helmet-accident-replacement-policy
It is important to make sure your helmet continues to fit you well. Several factors could contribute to a fit issue over time. For example, if your hairstyle/length has changed over the years, your helmet could be too big or too small vs when you first got it. If you were still growing when you bought your helmet, it could be too small now. A well-worn foam liner can cause a change in how well your helmet fits you. Watch for changes in fit that can be indicated by pressure points, noticeable gaps, or helmet movement/shifting. You may need to replace your helmet and/or helmet liner if you are experiencing any of these changes in fit.
Even if your helmet hasn’t been involved in a fall, it is important to note if your helmet has been involved in any other impacts. Has your helmet made unintentional contact with the barn floor one too many times? While one drop from a low height may not seriously affect the integrity of your helmet, several drops over time ora higher drop onto a hard surface would certainly affect how well your helmet can protect you moving forward.
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Your helmet is an important piece of equipment! It’s equally important to make sure your helmet is still protecting you as best as possible. We invite you to bring your current helmet, from any brand, into the store for a personalized fit consultation and/or condition check.