First of all most good helmets are painted and the paint has UV protection, along with UV protection added to the plastic, helmets don’t degrade as quickly as cheap plastic. As long as the helmet hasn’t taken a heavy hit it’s good for a long time. Kinda designed into it, the replace date is really more to as a guideline for some and sales.
We grew up dirt bikes, my kids don’t remember a day they didn’t ride. I wasn’t the guy that had a machine to ride with buddies and occasionally let my kids ride with us. Family riding, and kids came first with gear and machine. We taught many how to ride,especially kids and always had extra gear and machines. As a father two things were always said: “where’s your lid and where’s your boots”
most important things, honestly from all I’ve seen boots are right there because you’re feet are always in harms way. Same on a 4-wheeler!!
Still that way but Sxs’s are a little different. You’re not ejected into stationary objects. You’re fairly well protected as long as there is something to hit and your not just rolling into the abyss. Your rig takes the hit usually. Been in a couple big rolls and a heavy hit from an underground rock in the trail. I’m sure most remember that, had we been wearing helmets we for sure would’ve had whiplash bad. I’m just not an advocate of helmets in a semi protected environment, I can see both ways but for where we ride I don’t see as many advantages like with a bike. To each his own and I’m not saying don’t wear them but being cautious is more important for us. Yes I ride a “little” differently when it’s just me but loaded up it’s always precious cargo on my mind. Experience helps and this isn’t exactly my family’s first rodeo so I’ll ride my way and let others ride theirs. Important thing regardless of someone’s beliefs on a few things is seatbelts, common sense, making sure the occupants know to hold onto grab handles and any load is secure, a heavy shift in load off road with a sxs is detrimental.
Just because you got a helmet on doesn’t mean the rest of the situation is ideal. To each thier own. When choosing a helmet make sure it’s lightweight, IMO that’s very important especially with kids.
