How Long Do HJC Helmets Last?

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HJC manufactures various types of helmets, including a modular motorcycle helmet. The helmets are easy to find in many countries.

Besides, being famous, how reliable are they? And, what’s the projected lifespan of HJC helmets? So, such are the questions that many motorcycle riders ask about HJC helmets. Nobody would wish to buy a helmet of unquestionable durability and origin.

The market has uncountable brands of helmets: reliable and unreliable types. So, where does the HJC brand fall? Read on to understand its approximate lifespan.

HJC Helmets Brief History

HJC is a reputable helmet company that has been in existence since 1971. It manufactures helmets from three different locations: Vietnam, Korea, and China. The HJC motorcycle helmets target all three classes: high-end, middle, and entry-level motorcyclists.

Although the market is saturated with many helmet brands, HJC has successfully penetrated and established a good reputation. You can even find the brand in MotoGP. HJC brand has managed to reach over 50 countries.

Read More: List of Best Modular Motorcycle Helmet Reviews

What Does HJC Say About the Lifespan of Their Helmets?

HJC acknowledges that despite the helmets boasting durable materials, replacement of helmets is inevitable. Thus, according to the company, you must replace the helmet when any of the following has taken place:

Following an Impact

The HJC helmets have a design to cushion you from accident impact only once. Therefore, a hard knock on the helmet degrades its quality in two ways.

It may fracture the hard exterior shell or compress the EPS liner. The company recommends replacement of the helmet if it drops from at least 4 feet high.

Poor Shell Lining and Retention System

For a helmet to give you the utmost cushioning the liner, retention system, and shell must have to be in their best state. Otherwise, if the liner, strap, or buckles have loosened, it compromises the safety of the entire helmet.

Every 3 to 5 Years

Whether you have suffered an accident or not, HJC advocates the replacement of a helmet every 3 to 5 years. It all depends on how frequently you use the hood.

As you wear the helmet and it meets UV rays, its quality and performance go down. Note that ultraviolet rays weaken polycarbonate faster than carbon fiber or glass fiber.

Also, the adhesive weakens with time, and some components age. And a damaged helmet puts you at risk of an accident more than the protection it gives.

How Can You Know if Your HJC Helmet Has Expired or Not?

You can detect when your HJC helmet calls for replacement by keeping watch on it. Precisely, be keen on signs on the following parts of the helmet:

Straps

The strap helps to lock the helmet over your head. Therefore, it must hold onto the chin properly. If after adjustment it no longer plays that role effectively, it means you either replace the whole helmet or the chin strap. Also, if it has frayed, it won’t serve its purpose.

Shell

It's only the sturdy shell that gives you adequate protection from sustaining injuries. Often, shell materials include Kevlar, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. When the sun’s UV rays hit those materials, they degrade in quality.  

Signs of a shell that has degraded in quality include:

• Faded and dull color
• Cracks, fractures, and dents
• Shell had suffered a hard hit following an accident or drop
  
  

Padding Material

When a helmet is hit, the padding absorbs the energy of the impact. However, with time friction, sweat, and moisture wear out the liner.

The glue holding it to the shell weakens and the hood becomes loose-fitting. When the liner detaches from the hard shell, it starts to wobble and becomes inappropriate.

And when it is time to replace your helmet, don’t choose your lid blindly. Instead, consider the best modular motorcycle helmet that’s from reputable brands such as HJC, Arai, and Sheai.

Read More: Top Modular Motorcycle Helmet Brands: Reviews and Buying Guide

How Frequently Should You Replace a HJC Helmet?

The frequency with which you should replace your HJC helmet depends on the following factors:

Frequency of Usage

If you put on the helmet daily when commuting to work, it wears out faster than someone who uses it on weekends only. So, it follows that its lifespan will also be short.

Carefulness While Using the Helmet

For a helmet to last, you must exercise caution and put it to its appropriate use. But, if you handle it carelessly, drop and knock it on objects, it may not reach even the projected 3 to 5 years.

Having considered all factors, a HJC helmet should last you from about 3 to 5 years. It isn’t easy to state the exact duration of time since the daily wear and tear depends on frequency and intensity of use.

Care and Maintenance of HJC Helmet

After purchasing your HJC helmet, carry the following to prolong its lifespan to reach the five-year projected duration:

Don’t adjust your helmet and its accessory while driving, it’s dangerous.  Instead, stop and adjust.

Keep off the habit of dropping or hooking a helmet to something like a side mirror. It’s likely to damage the lining or crack the shell.

Gasoline and insect repellent insecticide must not come into contact with your helmet. Doing so may cause damage to the visor, liner, shell, or protective foam.

Conclusion

HJC is a respected brand of helmet in many countries. The company manufactures durable helmets of various kinds. However, it’s not easy to predict exactly how long HJC helmets last. The lifespan of helmets depends on their initial quality, frequency, and intensity of use.

Further, how you care for your lid influences its lifespan. Nevertheless, as a general guide, a HJC helmet may last from 3 to about 5 years. But as you use the helmet keep constant watch for signs of expiry or damage. And if you drop your helmet from as low as 4 feet, consider replacing it.  

Visit Helmet Gurus for a wide variety of HJC helmets and other reputable brands. Don’t compromise your safety by wearing a damaged or expired helmet.