How long should hockey helmets be used?

Answer 1

All hockey helmets made and sold in the United States are required to be HECC or CSA certified.

On the back of every helmet is an HECC sticker that will tell you the certification number and expiration date of that certification (usually 5 to 6 years from the date of manufacture).

If the expiration date is unavailable, then try to find the model year of the helmet online. If it's older than 6 years, then it's time to replace it.
ive had mine for 6 years

-----------------------------

All helmets made for ice and roller hockey, regardless of brand or model, must be CSA and HECC certified. The HECC certification actually has an expiration date (usually about 5 years from the date of production). You can find the expiration date on the HECC certification sticker located on the back of every helmet.

While the safety features of the helmet will not suddenly stop working at the expiration date, it does mean that the padding and technology integrated into that helmet are now considered obsolete by the manufacturer, the HECC and many amateur leagues. Some leagues, mostly geared towards smaller children, will check the expiration date of the helmet and if the certification has expired, the player will not be allow to play.

That being said, I have a Cooper helmet I've been using since 1996. If I started playing again, I'd probably use it without a second thought.