I'm going to start doing DE this year and have a question about helmets. I understand that you need to try them on and that fit is paramount. However, assuming I find several that fit, my question is what is the difference between a $300 G-Force, a $500 Bell or Simpson and a $1000 Arai? Obviously, no price is too great to protect your noggin, but I don't want to spend just for the sake of it. Any advice? Thanks.

 

I have a bunch of helmets - from Arai for my motorcycle to this Zamp helmet I bought for DE last year because some clubs have a Snell SA 2005 requirement, and a G-Force I used for many years in DE. I believe the most recent rating is the SA (Special Applications) 2005 requirement - as long as it meets this, you have a helmet that is current. Regarding price, I bought my Zamp from Helmetcity.com for about $200 - I've been happy with it for DE use but my Arai is certified M (Motorcycle) 2000. With M, the main criteria is 1 severe impact test - with SA, there are other criteria such as fire, etc. Arai is extremely comfortable and light. Hope this helps.

 

I was once told that if you have a $10 head, get a $10 helmet. With that said I never skimp on helmets but I think sometimes you pay for the 'extras' on a helmet that don't make it any safer (i.e. venting, anti-fog, etc.).

 

Find a brand that you like and spend as much as you can.
I use Sparco.
http://www.sparcousa.com/helmets_comp.asp

 

I recommend open face for DE events.........others may have a different opinion but this is mine

 

Triple Nickel Is Dead On. Arai Wideport For Coupes $799

 

Very simple...get the helmet that has the best fit.

Different helmets fit different heads.

The extra money is worth it for a helmet that fits.

If it is just DE events, an open face helmet could be a good choice. I know a lot of guys who don't use their nice Arai/Sparco for DE events.

When I had my motorcycle I used the 'cheapo' helmet that 'came with' the bike. I finally got the $800 Arai and it was worth every penny.

For now, use the rental helmets or use an open face helmet until you see that you will be using the helmet a lot. Then spend the money on a nice sparco or arai if you need it. I agree with the previous poster that open face helmets are great for DE events.

Just my 2 cents.

SoCal

 

Depends on how many DE events you plan to take? ...why spend over say $300 bucks for 1-2 events (plus you won't be going fast enough to crash test it). But if you think you're gonna like tracking, then buy the best you can afford - simple.

 

I have a moderately priced open face helmet. My understanding is that open face helmets are safer for use in vehicles WITH airbags. Also, I like the being able to wear sunglasses instead of the flip down visor. Lastly, I feel it allows a little better visibility.

 

gforce has an outlet online section with the best prices anywhere on open and closed helmets. some are sa2000, some are current sa2005 rated ones.

apexperformance has the best prices on other makes such as pyrotect, bell, simpson etc. Mention code rennlist-10 and they'll give you 10% discount.

on what to buy, get a sa2005 one.

open face or closed? i like open myself for easier communication and put on/off. more comfortable too. sure your face is not protected in a fire but unless you are doing time trial or racing which requires a fire suit, hans, fire supression etc, I doubt there is a need for close face. Some say you'll get debris in your face with an open, I haven't had such experience.

which brand? i like my pyrotect. it's quality made. same with gforce. why pay 2x for a bell or simpson if your head is more or less standard sized.

Which size? Measure head many times and use the sizing chart for the brand you want. if you are between 2 sizes, get the smaller one. consult the shop by calling too.

just about all helmet shops are online these days. so it's much harder to try it at a store. check return/exchange policy just in case.

 

I've got a brand new Pyrotect helmet and R3 head-and-neck restraint device for sale in the merch f/s section:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d.php?t=113621

 

Different helmets fit differently. From brand to brand and within a brand. You really don't want to get this mail order unless you are getting a replacement.

You really want to go somewhere that has a GOOD selection and try on several. This is also not something where you want to save money. Stable Energies is probably the best place in the greater metro area. The people there are great. I got my first helmet there. He stayed open late for me because I was stuck in traffic and then patiently had me try on 10-12 helmets before he was satisfied that I had found a good fit. I can't recommend them enough.


dan

 

If you get an SA 2005 helmet, you have the highest standard available. After that, price is largely a function of comfort, style, brand, and functionality.

Do you need to hook up a drinking tube? it cost more. Forced air?, more vents?

I do think it is important to have some venting (i'm in the NW so only a few track days are scorchers) But I think it is very important to have a helmet that will accept a HANS device. You'll likely get one, once you start tracking regularly, and it would be a shame to buy a second, more expensive helmet.

FYI, I have a G-force pro and it is very comfortable, light, and accepts a HANS. It is also the most purchased helmet at Saferacer.com

 

So something like a motorcycle helmet is fine? I have a Shoei RF1000 from when I rode.