I have been using my Shoei motorcycle helmet for a while but i need to get an SA rated helmet pretty soon. What do you guys use and how do you like it? What does all the extra money buy? I'd like to stay with something relatively cheap as i don't race, just Auto-X and track days.

-Steve

 

I use a Bieffe Predator and I like it vLuvSweetICery much, it does have a small eye opening but I do like that, its comfortable, my father uses a Bell M2 Pro which is considerably lighter and has a larger eye opening which he prefers, price range on both approx $400.

 

I have the Bieffe Predator. It's very light and comfortable.
Price is around $350

Buy it here: Bieffe Predator

 

Stand 21 and Simpson also make nice helmuts...

http://www.autosportwerks.com/compgear/stand21.php

http://teamsimpson.com/

 

Damit those wheels are HAWT. Same as Stephen's right?

 

yep

 

Add another notch for the Bieffe Predator. Have had mine for three years and have no complaints. Removable padding for washing and adjusting purposes.

 

Is this the same Bieffe Predator for only $249??

http://www.cyclemallusa.com/cgi-bin/...653&PID=673632

Seems cheap, particularly when they say the retail price is $299, which I don't believe it is - isn't it $500 or something (retail)?

 

that's the motorcycle predator. not fire proof

has anyone used any impact racing gear? It's Bill Simpson's new company...

 

Offroad:

The most important thing about a helmet is fit (outside of snell rating). You can't take recommendations and hope it will be comfortable. You have to try them on. I use a Bell M3Pro because the Arai and others didn't fit my head well.

 

I have used both Simpson and Bell. Go with what fits your head best... preferably a full face with visor. As far as price... can you really put a price on safety?

 

well no, but there are definitely diminishing returns very quickly. Most of the more expensive helmets are made for open wheel racing. This is a totally different set of needs that i don't need to pay for.

I've been riding motorcycles my whole life and know what a difference a good helmet makes. However, to be honest i feel that my motorcycle helmet is perfectly safe for the driving i do. The only reason i need a car helmet is i'm finding more and more groups that require them, eventhough that seems like bull**** to me. The only difference between my Shoei X-11 and these car helmets is the fireproof lining, which i feel is totally overboard for just lapping, espeically when we're not required to have fireproof gear on any other parts of the body and generally not even required to have a fire extinguisher in the car!

-Steve

 

My advice is never skimp when it comes to safety and especially helmets, an extra $100 or so is well worth it.

 

I would echo this sentiment. Don't buy without trying it on. Bell helmets fit me perfectly, but trying to cram my head into the same sized Simpson requires a shoe horn and a tube of KY jelly. Every bodies head has a different shape even if the same numeric size.