All helmet plastic degrades with time and use, glue, webbing, buckles and cradles will all be subject to wear and tear. How long your helmet lasts will be affected by how often they are used, and how well they are maintained.
Markings and Mounts
You can identify your helmets with a permenant marker, or self adhesive stickers. We advise against the use of solvents and strong cleaning agents to remove pen marks. Do not use paint as it can react with the shell material. Popular sticky mounts, for cameras and lights, will not affect the shell material, but attach them at your own risk, their effect on the helmet is not covered by warranty.
Checking helmet condition
You can make a visual check each time you fit your helmet. We recommend that you should carry out the checks alongside. If a product does not pass any of these it should be repaired or retired.
Repeated low level impacts, such as being dropped onto hard surfaces, can result in damage in the form of white marks on the inside of the shell. Tests show these would be unlikely to result in the shell not performing to the ISO standard, however we advise that you consider the age, amount of use and extent of any damage as to whether to keep helmets in service. Should the shell sustain significant impact, for example deep abrasion gouges, then the helmet should be retired from use. Significant bleaching of colour of the shell, through exposure to UV in sunlight, is an indicator that the plastic material may be degraded and the helmet should be replaced.
How to make checks
Foam - Check the foam fit. If loose or missing replace or repair.
Buckles - Buckles have no broken parts, lock closed and open as intended.
Straps - Straps are free to slide and webbing is free from tears, snags or unravelling.
Cradle - Cradle and/or adjuster is fitted correctly and is in good working order.
Shell - Check the plastic shell inside and out for cracks or white marks that may indicate an impact.
Abrasion/Wear - Check for excessive abrasion that might result in the shell of the helmet failing.
Fading - Check for significant fading, as this may indicate a deterioration of the strength of the materials.
Measure the circumference around the largest part of your head, just above the eyebrows and ears.
AP2000 AP4000 Shuck
Size One Size Small Large Small Medium Large
Circumference 52-58cm 51-56cm 56-60cm 51-54cm 55-58cm 59-62cm
20.5-22.8 20-22 22-23.6 20-21.3 21.7-22.8 23.2-24.4
