Bike helmet questions

[Susie]

I have bike helmet questions!  For my cyclist H&Fers...

- How often do you replace yours?  

- Do you have one you particularly like?

- For funsies, what color is yours?

On my ride yesterday I was trying to remember how old mine is.  Each time I've replaced a helmet before, it's been because I broke the previous one (one in a crash, one I just found cracked one day, must've gotten dropped or something).  So I haven't really had to think about this before.  I think I bought my current one in 2013 or 2014, making it 6-7 years old.  That is in the ballpark of the expiration timeline on my kids' car seats, which started me on this line of thought.

My current helmet is a fairly entry level Specialized road helmet, maybe the Echelon?  I often wish the ventilation holes were a little bigger so I could scratch the occasional itch on my head.  It's otherwise pretty comfortable.  It is royal blue to match my road bike and the bar tape/cages on my commuter bike, but I have been thinking of just going for obnoxiously neon yellow or something in the future for visibility.

Any advice?

[sadlebred]

1. Minimum every 5 years. I usually replace them every 3-4 years since I wear them so much. Right now I have two that I wear.
2. Both helmets are the Giro Synthe MIPS.
3. White and matte black, but they match everything.

There is a newer technology called MIPS in cycling helmets including some mid-priced ones. It helps with rotational movement during a fall. After reading a lot of research, I won't wear a helmet without it. Trek has a similar technology for some of their Bontrager helmets, but I've heard those helmets can be a bit hot.

mipsprotection.com/

[Susie]

Thank you sadlebred.  Is your 5 year max use related to concerns about wear & tear and whether it would perform in a crash?

I landed on my head in a crash in 2011 and broke my helmet at both the front and back.  After that I am not here to scrimp on my helmets!  That one was a basic Bell helmet and it did its job, but I am probably going to spring for MIPS this time.  Peace of mind.

[sadlebred]

5 years is what I've read is the time to replace helmets recommended. 3 years if it's used often. I'm not sure what "often" is, but I'm pretty sure with how much I ride I meet those criteria. YMMV.

[emilyj]

I usually replace mine every 3 years-ish. I ride 3 times a week most weeks. I have been riding in a Giro model for the past two helmets. I’ve been happy with the vents on the Giros, and my head has never gotten hot. I can also get my fingers in fairly easily for itch scratching.

I really want my next helmet to have a visor on it, mostly because my sunglasses never do a good enough job at keeping the wind out of my eyes. That’s my personal helmet pet peeve.

[Susie]

I just took a hard look at my helmet and realized it has a manufacture date sticker of Nov 2011, omg.  I am completely sure I didn't buy it earlier than 2013-14, but it must have already been old stock when I bought it.  It was the same helmet/color as one that I did probably buy in 2011-12 (and replaced when I found a crack on it), so I guess that makes sense. But yikes.

So, sped this process up and just bought a Giro Ember helmet!  Thank you for the input.