New Helmet

Looks like the real deal. Does it fit?

 

Your helmet really looks awesome. Is it all paintwork on top? How about the cavallino on the back? Decal or paintwork too?

 

This is not a helmet Michael ever wore. Michael has only worn Shoei, Bell and Schuberth over the years. Officially licensed replicas have been made and are available but are much more expensive than the one you purchased. I believe the one you got was a motorcycle helmet made by RB Formula in Italy (value about 250 Euros) with a paintjob that is similar to the one MS had in 1999. I know it has the Bell logo on it but that is not a Bell helmet or product for sure. Enjoy!

 

I think it is a beautiful replica of the helmet Schumacher wore in 1998, regardless whether or not it is a real Bell helmet. Did you buy it from Sellerdiix by any chance?

 

Well, he does sell the real deal...

BTW, I think it's cool. What rating deas it have? Can you use it on the track?

 

Yeah, that's a "replica" alright, certainly not a Bell. I've been wearing Bell motor racing helmets since 1991.

Perhaps this is a broke-down, used-up motorcycle helmet...

 

I just hate seeing people get taken daily on ebay with uninformed or scandalous sellers. There are two types of 'replicas' - 1. Vague representations of what an original looks like, ie. helmet similar in design and shape, paintjob and logos kind of close to the original, and then there are 2. Authentic replicas made by using the exact same helmet, identical paintjob, perfect logos done in the very same font, size, placement, etc. as the originals.

Most of the helmets on ebay are not done using the proper helmet type, paintjob or logos. However, they are loose representations. There are all types of items for all buyers and budgets, it's just important for people to know what they are getting. For example, all of the so-called "Schuberth RF-1" replicas on ebay are not made using real Schuberth RF-1 helmets, rather, modified QM1 helmets made in Argentina from fiberglass. Yet the vendors claim they are 'perfect in every way' and often 'signed by Michael' (who does not sign unauthorized helmets).

Caveat Emptor to the Ebay buyer....

 

Most importantly, if you're happy with your purchase just enjoy it!

I will say, with great emphasis, do *not* wear that helmet on track. Regardless of what might be stamped inside or proclaimed by the seller, a proper track helmet is purchased from a race supply house, and comes with correct manufacturing certification. The stuff on eBay is for decorative use, and in that context, just enjoy it.

Naturally, if Morry would like to send me one of Shuey's old brain buckets "gratis", of course I'd have to keep it.

 

Cool helmet, here's my replica.
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Very Cool!
Are the white spots really white or did you edit out something?

 

No editing, that's how it came. I think the white areas are where the Marlboro branding would usually go?

 

Hey! I resemble that remark, this is my karting helmet. It's actually SA 2005 rated.
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Thanks. That's what I was thinking.

 

lol... There are several memebers here who use Schumacher replicas for the track or karting.
I plan on buying a new Bell helmet and getting it painted by Mike C (FChat sponsor). It'll be similar to the Schumacher paint scheme except I'll add my URL, the Texas flag and a couple of other things.

 

What he said.

 

Most of the "replica" helmets on eBay (unless you're paying well over $1K) are not SA-rated so they're not suitable for sanctioned track events and actuall also not painted! They're like many production motorcycle (and even SA) helmets that have a PRE-PRINTED design on them. Yes, not painted, but a printed shrink-wrap. You can tell if you look closely at the design under a magnifier -- if they have lots of dots like when you look closely at a printed magazine or newspaper, they're not painted. Nothing wrong with that, as long as the buyer knows what he's getting. Or some of them use a lot of vinyl decals for the details and logos, like the Marlboro text or the prancing horse... if they are strongly raised when you rub your finger across them, that's likely the case. If you got one that's actually painted, including the sponsor stuff, so much the better!

I've painted track-rated helmets to serve close replicas for Schumi fans -- here's three, including the almost famous ALABAMA ROLL TIDE modified version I did for Dr. Tommy Cosgrove! You can see more that I've done that have similar elements, but not really replicas, at www.helmet-painting.com
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Mike C., you do amazing work! I've got to get a helmet to you for painting soon.

 

Thanks! I'd enjoy working with you on customizing/personalizing yours.