body protectors- when/how often, do you replace?

[NeverSayNever]

i got my racesafe bp 3 to 4 years ago and i wear it every time i ride... hacking/schooling etc and obv for hunter trials and sj.

im just wondering how often they should be replaced?

 

[Katie__Connie]

Hmm not sure actually... I've had mine about 8 years and haven't changed it

 

[Tickles]

I *think* you're supposed to after a bad (any?) fall, like hats. Not becasue they crack but because they get sort of squished and loose some of their effectiveness. They work in part by slowing the moment of impact so if they are already compressed that is time you aren't having when you hit something, making the force on your body greater. (F=ma for the physicists I think!)

But they must need changing after a while anyway... be interested to hear what people think, I didn't get a very clear answer from the manufacturer I asked.

 

[aimeejay]

I was told after any fall, but thats probably trying to get me to buy another one soon. It does sound right though to change it after a bad fall

 

[katie_and_toto]

I changed mine when I started growing out of it, so that was about 3/4 years. You need to replace it if you have a bad fall