I may get in trouble for not posting this in the proper section. I'm taking a chance because this is the only section where I know some people and am comfortable listenening to the responses.

I left my helmet in my friends car in LA this last Spring and I doubt I'll see it again. I need to buy a new one. I have a VERY large head. 7 & 3/4 hat size and have very full head of hair. Also, I am prone to getting hot and sweating so I need a good ventilation systerm.

I originally was planning on getting GT3 seats of my TT next year, but I think I'm going to leave the sport seats in there and just buy a dedicated track car instead. (Now THAT'S an expensive mod! (Either a used Cayman (modified), used 996 GT3 (RS?), Corvette Z06, or step up and try to find a used 997 GT3(RS) in a few years.

Any recommendations for the BEST helmet I can get for use on track days with my 2005 996 Turbo S Cabriolet, with Sport Seats? I'm willing to spend up to about $500. Further, I don't really know how much I should expect to be paying for a premium helmet.

I'll probably track the Turbo Cabriolet about 12-18 times a year, but will definately step that number up once I get a track car whose only purpose is to abuse safely around the track.

I hope this is topic will be usefull to many fellow members!

 

I got a Bell Sport 3. Very comfortable, but it does get warm (maybe me just sweating for fear on the track?). Also get a CG lock.

Got it from Apex:

http://www.apexperformance.net/

 

I've always worn Simpson for driving, and Shoei for motorcycle riding, but each persons head is different. Bell has never fit well on me.

Drop into your local Motorcycle shop and put on a few to see what is most comfortable. It's always best to try 10 or so, so you can really get the feel for what fits best. There's a whole bunch of great helmets that are less than $300.

For simple track days you won't need any of the Fire related ratings, so a nice DOT approved helmet will serve you nice.

 

Don't skimp out on a helmet, especialy for a Cab. try to get a S2005 cert,
most clubs are not allowing the old models! try ARAI, BELL, SIMPSON.

 

I would say to get the Arai GP5w or k (depends on how big you want the eye slit...)...I use a GP5w and it is one of the most comfortable helmets PERIOD. It is around 800 if you find the right dealer...I would NOT skimp out on the helmet if you are in a cab!!!

 

i second the Bell Sport 3. That's what I have and am very happy with it.

 

I have the ARAI GP5, light and comfortable.

 

That visor is nice, who makes it.

 

We sell a lot of helmets because we are in the motorcycle business.
Check out the Italian made Suomy helmets. They are very comfortable and are vented very well.

 

TDarby, it is an option from that helmet company.

 

Another Arai GP5 supporter

 

I purchased a Sparco helmet due to its specific reinforcments for a head and neck restraint device (See 3rd, 4th and 5th pictures below). A H&N restraint is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. If you are not running harnesses, you only have one option, the R3. If you have harnesses, you have all three options, R3, Hans and Isaac.

The R3 will work in all applications which makes it invaluable if you instruct (my case). You can gain the same protection if you get in a student's car that does not have harnesses. I feel the R3 is superior structurally than the other two systems (I am a structural engineer).

In any case, here are some photos...

 

That's a cool looking helmet, Tom!

Thanks for all the great input. It appears I have some shopping to do! I'll report back when I make a decision and describe my findings.

 

How (un)comfortable is the H&N R Device? You've surely adapted to it by now, but does it affect the usefull range of motion? Since you're already recommending it, maybe I should ask: What is going to be my initial reaction to the device if I make myself get one?

 

I have this one and love it - super light and very comfortable....good luck!!

http://www.bieffeamerica.com/predator1.htm