Helmet recommendations
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 403
From: Atlanta, GA
Helmet recommendations
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.
Thanks
And, anything else I may need/want for a first time track event.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 346
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,074
From: Lansing MI
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.
Last edited by PatternDayTrader; Apr 20, 2018 at 09:13 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Williamsburg VA
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
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From: DFW/Long Island
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
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
Last edited by Thunder22; Apr 20, 2018 at 09:22 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,791
Likes: 2,415
From: DFW/Long Island
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.
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.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,074
From: Lansing MI
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
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
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.
Race Director
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From: Lansing MI
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,791
Likes: 2,415
From: DFW/Long Island
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by Thunder22; Apr 20, 2018 at 10:20 AM.
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
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Also, a HANS device is just as important a piece of safety equipment as the helmet.
Last edited by Glennm27; Apr 20, 2018 at 12:32 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 102
Likes: 22
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
Snell ratings are usually the top. DOT ratings are less stringent.
A good helmet is going to run you $600++
Greg
Last edited by hammong; Apr 20, 2018 at 10:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,733
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From: Atlanta, GA
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.
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Melting Slicks
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
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C7 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
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