I have narrowed down my helmet choices to the following: Bell BR-1, HJC AR-10, or S1-12. The Si-12 is the lightest and the HJC-10 is the least expensive and the second lightest. Anyone have first hand experience with any of the above choices?

 

I have the HJC HX-11, great workmanship, super comfortable, good ventilation and light weight. I'd recommend carbon fiber or composite if you plan on making track events a serious hobby, or plan to participate in lapping sessions longer than 15-20 mins. Otherwise any helmet that meets or exceeds SNELL SA2005 would be perfectly acceptable.

 

Thanks for the feedback. The Si-12 is actually lighter than the HX11 helmet and a bit cheaper.

 

I got my Bell with free Hans anchors from CDOC. They hooked me up

 

Decided to go with the HJC Si-12 do to the light weight (less than 3 lbs) and the reasonable cost. I found The site below which has them on sale and is currently running an additional 15% off with free shipping special. I have attached the link below for anyone who is interested in checking them out. I will post a review once I receive the helmet. Thanks for the input.


http://www.streetbikerider.com/

 

The Si-12 looks like a great brain bucket choice. I got my HX-11 in early 2007 and it has seen lots of use and has held up well. The interior padding is just velcro'ed in, which makes it a cinch to snake in wiring for a radio if you do any instructor lead/follow. You can also remove liner to wash if it gets sweaty, or if you accidentally loose your lunch.

 

Make sure you get some proper driving shoes and gloves - they can really help shave the tenths!

 

The removable liner is a really nice feature, unfortunately not available in the Si-12. Interestingly the lower cost helmets come with the same liner as HX-11. Not sure why they went with a different liner other than possibly weight savings. I have the shoes but no gloves as yet, any you would recommend?

 

Lots of glove options; I have a pair of Nomex gauntlets from OMP, the HT09's, that I wear over Nomex driving suit. Those would be a bit of overkill for DE. PUMA, OMP, SPARCO, and ALPINESTARS all make good stuff in the shorter rally cut.

If you haven't already done so, most people would say that the best thing you can do to improve your skills and precision is wheel time at a good driving school. Most, if not all, are offering recession discounts, with the same great fun and camaraderie. Some of them will even accept your AMEX Reward points instead of cash.

 

I have a 2 day PCA DE event this weekend. The first of many I hope.