Helmets
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton FL FL
Helmets
I'm looking to replace my current helmet. It is a G-force helmet. I bought a few years ago and the main reason I chose it was price. The visor attachment didn't last long and I've noticed some cracks in it.
I'm looking for some opinions on helmets you own. Are you happy with the quality and longevity of it? The one I'm leaning toward now is the Simpson Diamond back. Mainly because it is the only one I've had an opportunity to try on and know what size fits. It also has some aero designed into it which will be helpful considering the direction my choice of cars is heading (SRF).
Does anyone know of a place in the Tampa Bay area that sells helmets and driving suits? I sure would like to try some on and see them in person before buying.
I'm looking for some opinions on helmets you own. Are you happy with the quality and longevity of it? The one I'm leaning toward now is the Simpson Diamond back. Mainly because it is the only one I've had an opportunity to try on and know what size fits. It also has some aero designed into it which will be helpful considering the direction my choice of cars is heading (SRF).
Does anyone know of a place in the Tampa Bay area that sells helmets and driving suits? I sure would like to try some on and see them in person before buying.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '08
I run open wheel cars and I use a Bieffe Helmet. Its Carbon Kevlar on the outside so its much lighter than the average helmet and its extremely comfortable. You can also get additional visors and tearoffs for it. Similar Bieffe models (mine is a couple years old) are available in the $350 range and I would highly reccomend it. Its your squash 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica Ca
Simpson Super Bandit
Have not had it that long but very happy with the fit. Easy to put my glasses on and can have the shield up or down. It came with a clear shield but this shield is excellent with my sunglasses or clear frames on . Not too dark I also got a helmet support too.
Good luck in your choice
Good luck in your choice
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,529
Likes: 1,943
From: Austin Texas
I run an OMP helmet--my head simply fits Bieffe and OMP helmets and none of the others. (a shame really, but it is so difficult to get the head reshaped...)
The most important thing is that your head fit snuggly, but not so snuggly that wearing it causes headaches. Until you have worn several models from a given manufacture, and are prefectly aware of you size/shape; you should not be ordering helmets through the mail.
The most important thing is that your head fit snuggly, but not so snuggly that wearing it causes headaches. Until you have worn several models from a given manufacture, and are prefectly aware of you size/shape; you should not be ordering helmets through the mail.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I just went to the store today to buy a helmet. The local guy sells both Simpson's and Impacts (Bill Simpson's new company). The Impacts are a little less and sell well with the Dirt Circle Track racers because of the quality and price. The SA95 Simpson I bought from him is a 7 1/4 but he said the manufacturers are converting over to S, M, L, XL, etc. I tried an Impact L on and it felt good around the top of my head but pushed my cheeks in far enough I couldn't comfortably close my mouth without biting my cheeks. He ordered in one of each brand in XL so I could try them on. If you can't try them on you are taking a risk that you will get one that doesn't fit properly.
Bill
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica Ca
Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn
I just went to the store today to buy a helmet. The local guy sells both Simpson's and Impacts (Bill Simpson's new company). The Impacts are a little less and sell well with the Dirt Circle Track racers because of the quality and price. The SA95 Simpson I bought from him is a 7 1/4 but he said the manufacturers are converting over to S, M, L, XL, etc. I tried an Impact L on and it felt good around the top of my head but pushed my cheeks in far enough I couldn't comfortably close my mouth without biting my cheeks. He ordered in one of each brand in XL so I could try them on. If you can't try them on you are taking a risk that you will get one that doesn't fit properly.
Bill
Bill
This is what mine does .Anyting I can do to it? I thought that was normal the next i/8th inch increase was too loose every where
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 843
Likes: 9
From: Laguna Hills CA
Originally Posted by TicketBait
I can't chew gum (probably a good thing) with it on .
Holy CRAP! Not just a good thing, but something you NEVER want to do on the track. The LAST thing you need, is for that piece of gum to get lodged in your thoat in an off or an incident.pinching your entire face is a bit tight, but you do want a helmet to be snug. I haven't found a helmet that hasn't slightly pinched my cheeks, but at the same point none have compressed everything in to the point where I'd bite the inside of my cheeks (also a bad thing in an incident). IMO, take the helmet to Simpson, and see if they can remove some of the foam from that part of the helmet. They'll be the best ones to know if it's safe or not, and equally the best to take care of the nomex. If they don't have someone on-site who can take care of it, then they'll know who can . . . I've been to the Torrance store a bunch of times, and they've been top notch every time.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Originally Posted by TicketBait
Have not had it that long but very happy with the fit. Easy to put my glasses on and can have the shield up or down. It came with a clear shield but this shield is excellent with my sunglasses or clear frames on . Not too dark I also got a helmet support too.
Good luck in your choice
Good luck in your choice
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: Sunnyvale CA
We (wifey drives too) ran Bell M3s for years. Warning...the interiors aren't that sturdy on the Bell stuff...I'm running a Bell M2 Sport with forced air now and she went with an Arai (2005) which seems like a much better built Helmet...good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 5
From: Jupiter FL
Whatever you buy, be sure that it's Snell 2005 if you plan on using it past 2010. There are still some Snell SA2000 helmets floating around at discount prices, but after 2010 you won't be able to use them for most sanctioning body events.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica Ca
Originally Posted by emf
Holy CRAP! Not just a good thing, but something you NEVER want to do on the track. The LAST thing you need, is for that piece of gum to get lodged in your thoat in an off or an incident.pinching your entire face is a bit tight, but you do want a helmet to be snug. I haven't found a helmet that hasn't slightly pinched my cheeks, but at the same point none have compressed everything in to the point where I'd bite the inside of my cheeks (also a bad thing in an incident). IMO, take the helmet to Simpson, and see if they can remove some of the foam from that part of the helmet. ] They'll be the best ones to know if it's safe or not, and equally the best to take care of the nomex. If they don't have someone on-site who can take care of it, then they'll know who can . . . I've been to the Torrance store a bunch of times, and they've been top notch every time.
I will report back what they say 
