favorite helmet?

IF i buy this challenge car, i will then be using it for some track days. so what do you guys recommend for helmets and where is the best place to buy them?

 

This is a brilliant helmet and perfect for your application.

http://www.bellracing.info/hp5.php

 

The CF Bells are PRICEY! But, they're a great helmet. I use a Bell myself and will be retiring the old Dominator soon. I'll stick with Bell.

But, Ross, the REAL issue is fit. You need to try brands as they fit differently. Bell fits me, but it might not fit you. Once you establish what's most comfortable and whether you want open v. closed, there are plenty of vendors that will be happy to sell you. The Internet is a great place to compare prices.

If you're going to do a custom paint job, just have the helmet drop-shipped directly to your painter.

Also, have you considered a HANS?

CW

 

Hey,

Check this out: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=283819

He discusses helmets with my buddy Bruce from Arai - There's a little ad at the beginning, but it's worth the few minutes of your time IMHO.

As it says in the trailer: "Did you know that 8 out of 10 riders are wearing the wrong size helmet?".....

Cheers,
Ian

 

Well, yes, if your eyes bulge out of your head, it's the wrong size! But, proper fit is a LOT snugger that you think it would be. Until my Dominator broke in, I could feel my head throbbing every time I put it on. But, once that liner compacts, it's right on the money.

I would like to have seen them go through a measurement example for the viewers. Whenever I measure, I follow the instructions, but it would have been a nice thing for them to walk us through.

Anyway, I thought Leno was going to say he wore the wrong size bra, too. Mildly disappointed. He is a comedian, after all.

CW

 

[And you've got a monster chin!]

Trouble is, most peoples lids are way too loose, not tight.....

 

Oh, I know that. Just my attempt at an audition to replace Conan!

CW

 

think i can do without the cf model.
in the non cf models of bell, anybody have a favorite?

i was looking at this vortex
http://www.bellhelmets.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=4884

seems a good price

 

The Vortex is a fine helmet, and that is a good price. Just make sure it's a SA2005 model, which it almost surely is.

However, also be aware that the SA2010 standard will be out shortly, and some track events won't approve the older model for use. At least on this side of the pond.

CW

 

My primary helmets are the Bell Infusion and Dominator.

I think the Vortexes are all on close out now, but they're still a great helmet, particularly at that price.

For you, I'd probably recommend the Vortex, actually. It's a great price, it's relatively light, it has the SRV style shield and doesn't have the chin bar/spoiler thing that the Dominator has, which always gets in the way in sedans. All Bell SA2005 helmets will be pre-drilled for HANS anchors, making installation a snap. Get a couple of extra shields and you're good to go.

CW is right, though. Fit is most important and Bell might not fit you. Try different reputable brands like Bell, Impact (worst name ever for safety gear) and Arai. Note that Bell US has their own in-house testing lab that other helmet mfrs do not. I wouldn't touch an HJC helmet.

If you're considering a HANS, make sure you get the right fit. I found that the "Tony Stewart model" which is a 30 Large and was prescribed by HANS did not fit well and found a better fit with a 20 Large.

We're probably not going to see SA2010 helmets until late next year. From what I hear, the 2010 standard is going to be markedly different than the 2005.

 

For the past two seasons I have worn a Bell Infusion TFA (Top Forced Air) helmet. The fit is very similar to most of the bells out there. The difference is the eyeport is a little bit bigger than the older Vortex helmets and the TFA intake tube is a lower profile so it allows me to get in and out of a lot of different cars better. The TFA is the way to go with a Forced Air helmet as it allows the air hose to be mounted over your head. This helps as the hose doesn't put more pressure on one side of your helmet than the other. Also air blowing across the top of your head helps to give you both fresh air and maximum cooling. Having a cool head helps to maintain focus in the longer races or the soaking heat of the summer.

Link to the Infusion TFA: http://www.bellracing.com/public/index/product/detail/127/

 

Stand 21. Once you try it you'll know why.

 

The proper fit is when you can't get your fingers inside of the helmet up to your cheeks. Much snugger than people seem to realize. Bell had a problem with fitting, and got sued a couple of times when the helmets came off. I use Arai, get them from Sammy Tammer, who distributes the motorcycle version in California, but he also gets the cars helmets, if asked. When he was racing, was called the "flying flea".

Art

 

Very nice helmet but very expensive. Useful visor combo.

 

I like the Arai GP5 (www.soloracer.com/araigp5.html) or the cheaper GP5k with a slightly larger eye port (www.soloracer.com/araigp5k.html). One of these two will be my next helmet.

A few months ago I checked out the new OMP helmets and was pleasently surprised. Made by the same company as the Sparco helmet line, the OMP Grand Prix has removable cheek pads to ensure proper fit and a visor combo (like that of the Bell hp5 posted above) helpful for closed car driving/racing.(www.ompamerica.com/helmet/728.html)

 

What are you wearing now?

 

I'll second the Arai GP-5.
I made the mistake of putting one of these on my head @ the CDOC trailer during our practice days of Rolex24 in '07. They couldn't sell it to me on-site because they weren't the official equipment sponsor but because it was the most comfortable helmet I have ever had on my head, I ended up getting one pretty much immediately after getting home from the race. The rest of that event I was pining for that Arai...

Light, comfy, & safe, it's an expensive bucket but considering what it's protecting, it's worth it.

Cheers & C U @ d'Track!!
C

Chuck Hawks,
Pro-Driver, Coach, Instructor & Facilitator
DreamsFulfilled, LLC & rEvolution Performance Driving System ©

 

I'm still have my Bieffe F1GP from back when I was racing, custom painted by Mike Corby. Too bad they are discountinued, the shape fits me nicely and like that it has no vents. Before that I used a Bell M3.
How about you?

EDIT: saw your response to the other thread

 

Corby does great work.

 

Whatever model you choose be sure to get a full face one. An open face is just that.

 

I've posted on helmets before, but I have 2 Arai GP5-W helmets. The W has a wider eyeport that is easier if you wear glasses or want to wear sunglasses with the helmet. If I was racing single seater I'd probably go for the regular narrow opening, but for a sedan I prefer the "W". FWIW I've hit a big bug (like a bumble bee kinda size) in an open wheeler at 140+mph right in the middle of my visor. I've also seen bent steering wheels from helmet impact, so I'll second the no open face stuff. Obviously the pro-rally guys do this, but I wouldn't.

Absolutely go and try helmets on, Arai fits me well but Bell not so much, make sure its super snug. My GP5 was uncomfortable for a few days with a headsock when I first used it, but its now like an old friend.

Finally if you get addicted and do alot of this, I thoroughly recommend a helmet drier. Mine has an ionizer which goes someway to avoiding the "I'm putting my head into a filthy sock" experience that helmets otherwise take on after a while.

 

I have an Arai GP5 which is a very nice lid and perfect for the racing I do. I would suggest that for Track days it is probably over engineered and Ross could get away with something cheaper like a Bell k1 sport. GP Raceware is as good a place as any in Europe to buy this http://www.gprdirect.com/racewear/race-helmets.html but I think they are cheaper in the US. A Hans device could be a better investment than a Kevlar lid as most deaths are neck related. Hans are cheaper in the US.

I have a great contact for painting if anyone needs that service. Considerably cheaper than the big name painters and does a good job. http://www.dzign-uk.com/

 

I think Bell, Impact and Simson are the best helmets, and the top of their lines are the Carbon fiber ones. As mentioned previously, the fit differs between helmets; they need to be tight, but not headache inducing. My experience is that if the first impression is comfortable, it is probably not tight enough.

A sign I saw in a motorcycle shop years ago made a lasting impression " If you have a $10 head wear a $10 helmet"

 

I have had a lot of helmets, Bell, Simpson, Arai, Bieffe, Stand 21.
My current helmet, the Stand 21 IVOS, is the lightest, most comfortable helmet I have ever had, period. It also has zero buffeting / lifting in open cockpit cars.

Not cheap, but very, very good.

 

I have a Zamp helmet that i'm very happy with.