Jaykoh-Z51

Hey guys. My first event will be some time in June. What helmets do you recommend or not recommend.

Thanks

And, anything else I may need/want for a first time track event.

ASTROCREEP

http://www.simpson-helmets.eu/conten...k_Helmets.html

PatternDayTrader

Fitment is the first and most important priority. It has to fit exactly right. Peripheral vison is second.
Everything else is in a dead heat for last, when compared to those two things.

Jaykoh-Z51

Hmmmm. No clue on how to size them. Would helmets be in a shop/store somewhere? I live in Atlanta. I can also get to Daytona easy also.

PatternDayTrader

Find a motorcycle shop.
Then go try a bunch of them on. Trying them on is really the only way.
Before you actually spend money, make sure you look into the snell or SFi specs required for the class your going to enter or the track you are racing at.
Whatever happens, don't let cost figure into you decision. You may need to spend over a thousand bucks on a helmet depending on the above conditions, but as the old saying goes, you buy a ten cent helmet for a ten cent head.

mtaxman

I've had the same question and never thought to go to a motorcycle shop - around where I live there aren't any auto racing shops that carry equipment but we have a host of moto dealers...good advice.

Thunder22

keep in mind that motorcycle helmets and auto racing helmets are different. Auto racing helmets are SA rated and motorcyle are M. I think the difference being fire rating.

I buy Bell helmets because i have a big melon and i like the oversized eye port on the model that I have.

Also keep in mind that black helmets are hot in the sun, white is cooler.

Do you want open face or not? I buy full face, just to protect my grill from hitting something during an accident.

https://www.bellracing.com/Shop/Product/M-8

Thunder22

Bell makes good auto helmets in the $600 range

PatternDayTrader

Yeah that's why I mentioned that the specs required need to be investigated by the purchaser, but at least at the cycle shop you can try a bunch of them on.

I always like Bell, their stuff is top of the line and has been for decades. Shoei is just as good. For some reason I never really liked Simpson, but wouldn't hesitate to buy one if it was the only one that fit properly.

papillion

Watching NASCAR, Simpson is the most frequently seen helmet logo. A gold standard endorsement. Not a time to cut corners if your plan is to survive a crash.

PatternDayTrader

Truer words have never been spoken.

Thunder22

That was my problem, finding a place to try them on. Luckily there are a couple of race shops around me who are Bell dealers so I got lucky.

The OP should also note that helmets from each manufacturer fit differently, due to shell shape and padding, so the best advice I can give is to measure your melon, and be precise, then go to the manufacturers web site and check their sizing guide. Also, call them, the Bell customer support is good, they'll help you.

Don't assume 1 brand will fit you the same exact way as another brand.

Glennm27

I like Bell’s K1 Pro

Also, a HANS device is just as important a piece of safety equipment as the helmet.

hammong

Being a long-time motorcycle rider, I can absolutely echo the advice giving so far - you need to try on every helmet in the shop, and get the one that fits best. Arai, Simpson, Shoei, Bell, they all have their own "head shape" modeling that they follow. A lot of it comes down to racial head shape profiles, e.g. Asian skulls and European skulls have noticeable different proportions in brow, jaw, and cheeks, and helmets from different manufacturers are often tuned to those head shapes. For my big fat Euro sized head, I usually went with Arai helmets, and regardless of size - I couldn't get a Shoei to fit.

Snell ratings are usually the top. DOT ratings are less stringent.

A good helmet is going to run you $600++

Greg

Jaykoh-Z51

For most HPDE or track events that you guys have done, what’s the norm for ratings on the helmet. I’m definitely not gonna buy cheap, but also don’t wanna over do it if it’s not necessary.

Thunder22

Bell m-8 SA15

Ramler

I've had a Bell open face for years. Fits well and has great vision. Used it at Spring Mt. with no problems.

juanvaldez

Good enough, Snell SA2015 will pass tech.

proeagles

All you need for track days, good visibility and cooler than a closed face helment.

theplatinumog

If this is something you can picture yourself doing often. Investing in a light weight helmet is worth it, I wish I had. Mine is heavy, I was under the false impression it would offer more safety. It just makes me more tired