How long is hockey helmet good for?
Hockey helmets should be replaced no later than 10 years from the date of manufacture. Many helmets will need to be replaced sooner, depending upon wear and tear.
DO HOCKEY HELMETS EXPIRE? Yes, certified-safe hockey helmets have an expiration date, as do hockey visors and cages.
The Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) provides labels signifying HECC Certification to manufacturers of approved helmets and other equipment. The expiration date of the label is 6.5 years after the date of manufacture. Also on the outside rear of helmets are CSA labels with the year of manufacture on them.
Recycle may be available in some areas, but limited to certain helmet parts only. 'Re-use' is out of the question for expired helmets, and 'Repair' is not something that would be recommended for the majority of aging helmets. Other than that, the only other option is to throw it out with your other household waste.
The government testing body in the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recommends replacing a bicycle helmet every five to 10 years. The Snell Memorial Foundation, which also certifies helmets for safety, states a firm five years.
Most ski and snowboard helmets are designed to protect against one major impact. Never re-sell a helmet if it has been involved in a major impact or is over five years old, either of which may degrade the protection offered by the helmet.
A helmet does not have an expiration sticker inside because they don't have a fixed expiration date. There are too many factors that can shorten or lengthen its life. Helmets degrade at different speeds based on such things but not limited to the climate it's used in, amount of use, how well it is maintained.
Tests have shown that over time and through regular use and repeated impacts, helmets lose protective qualities. That's why when the HECC certification expires, it's time to buy a new hockey helmet. However, replace the helmet and face protection if you see any visible cracks in the plastic outer shell.
Not only were there aesthetic reasons, but players did have some valid performance concerns. Before the mandate in 1979, hockey players were hesitant to use a helmet, even if they believed it would provide them with better protection.
The expiry date is 6 ½ years from date of manufacturing. It could be an issue for United States Hockey Tournaments and it is recommended that you check with the Hockey Tournament organizer.
