Lifespan of a riding hat?

[Poingsettia]

Assuming no falls / drops, and hat is stored indoors, what life span would you say they have? I’m not likely to ride for quite a while, but really like my current hat. It’s probably 5 years old now, and last in use late 2021. It’s not a fancy hi-spec one, as I’ve only ever hacked.

Would the material become compromised with age?

 

[teapot]

I think it's three years?

 

[PeterNatt]

I sit on the British Standards Institutes committee for 'Equestrian Helmets'. We are just developing a new standard to replace the existing standard. I would suggest that you replace your helmet after 3 years as the materials start to deteriorate reducing their impact absorbency.

 

[terrierliz]

I’ve always changed mine every 2 years unless I’ve had a fall, I find the fit changes as materials age

 

[Skib]

2 - 4 years I was told. Or after falling off which I always did within the 4 year time limit.

 

[clinkerbuilt]

Where can one take the old one, to "recycle" or dispose properly of the components?

 

[cloverlea]

I dont know about riding hats, but we deposed of an old motorcycle helmet by removing the protective lining. Lining in the bin one week and the outer shell the next, to stop it being picked out and used again.

 

[ycbm]

I have just bought a new MIPS hat and was told in the shop that the guidance is now 2 years for any hat. I do, though, wish someone independent from any profit made from hat sales could corroborate that advice with scientific evidence as to why the recommendation has dropped from the 5 years I was told last time I bought a hat.

 

[jules9203]

I bought one 3 yrs ago and was told 5 yrs. I was told, sweat, sunlight and heat will help deteriorate the effectiveness. Mine is kept dry and away from sunlight unless ridden in. I agree with ycbm - it would be good to have an independent assessment.

 

[Poingsettia]

Thanks all.

 

[Skib]

Where can one take the old one, to "recycle" or dispose properly of the components?

I keep the old one for working on the yard. I write Yard hat on the top. Family history and the death of my great aunt persuaded me to wear a hard hat on the yard.
We disable hats going in the waste by cutting off the leather straps.

 

[Palindrome]

I have been riding for about 25 years and have had 4 hats in total. Not saying that's what you should do. I keep thinking about changing the current one which is about 8 years old and has had a few knocks, but then recoil back when I see new hats price. I did lift the lining last week and the foam material looked intact throughout...

 

[HorseMaid]

What about hats that are kept for best? I have a nice sparkly Charles Owen one that is at least a couple of years old but only ever worn a handful of times and stored carefully in a bag, out of sunlight at the yard, I'd be surprised if I've broken a sweat in it!

 

[Cragrat]

I have just bought a new MIPS hat and was told in the shop that the guidance is now 2 years for any hat. I do, though, wish someone independent from any profit made from hat sales could corroborate that advice with scientific evidence as to why the recommendation has dropped from the 5 years I was told last time I bought a hat.

Totally agree. I was told 5 years - so now the materals brealdown 3 years faster???

What about hats that are kept for best? I have a nice sparkly Charles Owen one that is at least a couple of years old but only ever worn a handful of times and stored carefully in a bag, out of sunlight at the yard, I'd be surprised if I've broken a sweat in it!

This is why I never buy a hat for 'best' I buy the highest standard I can, and where it for everything!