I'm driving with a different club in a few weeks and they have are allowing Snell 2005 and newer helmets.

So I will need a new helmet asap- as I will only be doing DE and competitive DE in the future should I plan on anything special- like HANS, open or closed face, motorcycle, something different?

 

The saying goes: "if you have a $100 dollar head...get a $100 helmet".

You'll see a wide range of helmets used at a typical DE, but I'd suggest sticking with a decent Bell (something from their Racer Series would work) or an Arai. Would be a good idea to find a local shop where you can try on a few to see which fits your head best.

 

+1 "find a local shop where you can try on a few to see which fits your head best." Especially if you wear glasses - trying one on is the only sure way to test the fit. There are several online sources, but this is one item where it's best to shop local and buy local. It's worth the $$$$ to be sure.

 

+1 on trying it on and finding a local shop...but all too often the sales staff at local shops are as useless with good information about helmets as they are with everything else: they repeat what they think or what they have learned, or they push what they stock or carry.

To the OPs point- what should he specifically look for when he shops locally....

 

Arai GP5 series is very comfortable and can be found in many shops.

 

Would agree with everyone's comments so far. You definitely need to get in a shop and try them to see which brand fits your dome the best. I personally have and Arai and absolutely love it. It is by far the snuggest fit for my head and the most comfortable. I went with a "W" series that has a wider eyeport since I don't plan on doing any open wheel racing and like the extra visibility that it provides. The one downside is that Arais are NOT cheap. But again, it comes back to what you are willing to spend on your dome and safety. If you have 5 or 6-pt harnesses, I would also highly recommend getting a HANS device of some sort. I much prefer the defNder over the HANS product but it's more personal preference than anything. Wine Country MS up at Infineon has a great selection of helmets and also carry the defNder and HANS.

 

Thanks for all the feedback and yes a local shop makes the most sense. I have an Arai now and love it, but bought it several years ago during my sport bike days. Now she us a bit too old pre 2005.

Let you know what I pickup.

 

I have only worn Arai's the last 20 years, and my Snell 2000 just expired and won't pass tech. I just picked up a Snell 2010 Simpson Bandit. White with the smoked screen...kinda like the look... and well, it's a Simpson...and I'm good for another 10 years...

 

The Stig wears a Simpson. What else do you need to know.

(any other Top Gear fans here?)

 

Kinda.. Driving car home on day one of purchase

 

 

I love my arai corsair...fit and finish...not to mention aero