wildbill13087

Hey guys. If been doing some autocross events this past year and have another one coming up in jan. 23rd. so far I have been useing a loarner but I decided that i am going to keep racing so its time to get my own helmet. I dont know to much about helmets I do know that it needs to be SA approved and I want a fullface other than that I dont have a clue on whats nice what to stay away from and what would be a good deal. I would also like to do some road racing and drag racing next year so I would like somthing decent. I found a simpson bandit online that I was a little concerned about. Mostly for the fact that it mentions it as an "M" as well as "SA" and that it looks like your eye sight would be restricted.
http://www.usracegear.com/product/12000

Also was looking at the HJC AR-10.

If anyone has any input on either one or can offer any additional helmets around those price ranges would be great. I tried to do a search on this forum and google but couldnt really come up with any info. Also there isnt any place around me that I know of where I can go and try any on. Thanks in advance.

BEZ06

That link you posted for the Simpson helmet says that the Bandit Y is the M rated helmet, and the Bandit N (for Nomex, I guess) is the SA rated one. Make sure you get the SA one - I'd call them if you order from that site to make sure you get the correct one.

I assume they're selling the SA 2005 helmets at a discount becuase their SA 2010 helmets are now out. Make sure you get at least an SA 2005.

As you mentioned, the best thing is to try them on. Different manufacturer's sizes can be slightly different, and you definitely want one that will be comfortable.

Bob

gmccreary

I have the HJC AR-10 and a Bell M4 Sport. Both are great helmets and I like them equally but lately I've been wearing the Bell since it has posts for my HANS.

wildbill13087

Thanks for the quick replys. I was confused about the simpson. Also how is the visibility on the AR-10? I really wish there was some place around me where I could try them on. I would hate to buy one to find out that I dont like it.

Grandude

I went through this a while back. Advice I got and followed was to go to a/some local motor cycle shops and try on various models and makes and see what fits best. Once you settle on a brand then look on line or wherever.

I purchased a HJC AR10 from forum vendor Finspeed and have been very satisfied. The HJC helmets have changeable pads and can be fitted to your head and face profile. He will work with you on fitting these pads and helmets.

I autox and don't have vision issues with this helmet.

Good luck

wildbill13087

Great advice. A motorcyle helmet of the same brand "should" fit the same as there SA helmet. So far I am leaning to the AR-10. Thanks for the help

AU N EGL

charlottesville virginia ??

Heck you have a a race shop right there.

CDOC
1 CLEVELAND ST. SUITE 900
GORDONSVILLE, VA 22942
p: 800-915-2362
f: 540-832-0297
http://store.cdoc.com/

O.G. RACING
22585-D MARKEY CT.
STERLING, VA 20166
p: 800-934-9112
f: 703-430-0450
http://www.ogracing.com/pages/Home

Performance Racing Products
10384 Ladbetter Rd.
Ashland, VA 23005
p: 804-550-0804
f: 804-550-0805

racerbob4

I heard that CDOC closed. If you are in the Northern Virginia area then go to OG Racing, they will let you try several helmets on. They have a lot of stuff and are about 2 hours 15 mibnutes from you. Go up rt 29 to rt 66 and then get off on rt 15 and heard north to rt. 50 and then get of on (I forgot the number) LOL sorry.

wildbill13087

Yeah CDOC closed up in charlottesville. They literally use to be right next door to where I work on preston ave. Then they moved to Gordonsville (where I live) but they became a warehouse only place. Never heard of OG Racing. I will have to give them A call. Thanks A lot guys!!!!

0Finspeed

Bill,
Unfortunately that is not the case, but would make things much easier if it were.
As Hubert (Grandude) stated, we are very good at getting the proper fit. The AR-10 is an excellent choice, and can be tailored to a true custom fit.
Let me know how I can help.

Daniel
573 446 1444

gmccreary

Daniel at Finspeed will hook you up. Great guy to deal with. That's where I got my AR-10.

0Finspeed

Thanks for the good words. If you want to send yours to me, we can put a set of HANS anchors on it for you.

rfn026

The whole helmet thing is undergoing some changes. The FIA is working with Snell on some advanced standards. The critical thing is that the FIA is looking at increased levels of protective performance. Snell is in full support of the FIA 8860 standard.

I'm working on an article that will outline all of this. Some of the new helmets that meet the 8860 standard are selling for around $3,000. Yes - that's thousands.

Richard Newton
My Facebook Page

AU N EGL

Thousands ??

FIA sticker $1000
SNELL sticker $1000
Helmet cost $200
Retailer $500

Feffman

I run a Simpson (www.TeamSimpson.com) Speedway Shark that is extremely comfortable and it's SA2005 rated. If you are planning on a new helmet every few years, SA2005 should be good until 2015 (ish).

Feff

maw455

I have a Bell BR1 and really like it. SA2005 rated, pre-drilled for HANS, and with a large eyeport. I think Bell has the SA2010 version of the BR1 out now. FWIW, don't make price your primary deciding factor - remember what you are buying it for. Choose the best quality helmet you can afford that fits you well.

wildbill13087

Just got off the phone with finspeed. Purshased the ar-10.

Quick question. Do the helmets have like a "DOT" type sticker on the back like a bike helmet that lets you know that its legal and if so is it ok to remove it if you are painting it. Is there any other way a tech inspector to know that it is up to date with out the sticker?

Thanks for all your help guys.

D C

any in TAMPA have a suggestion on where we can get one....need to try one on.

0Finspeed

Thank you for the order, and yes they do.
It is right below the HJC logo in this pic:

BEZ06

You can paint it - the Snell sticker is inside the helmet, and that is what the tech inspector will look for.




You've got to be careful painting it. When you prep it don't take off much, just kinda sand down the outer glaze and don't take off any more than absolutely necessary. Paint can also add a little bit of weight, but hopefully an insignificant amount.

Bob