Question about first racing helmet

does it look like the helmet of your cat

helmet should fit snug but at the same time should not be uncomfortable.
If it is, return it and go for a size larger.

 

It should snug but not too tight. Try wearing it for say 10 min. and see if it gets too uncomfortable. If it does not work go to a local store and try a larger size, keep in mind that some manufacturers have additional pads to make the helmet fit better

 

If you are going to use a balaclava try it on with it.

Check out Bell's website, they have fitting instructions
http://www.bellracing.com/pdfothr/HowToFit.pdf

 

I have a Simpson helmet - it feels tighter around the face area than around the back of the head. If you move you head forward and back a couple of times, the helmet should not shift forward and back - it should only move in unison with your head movement.

 

The crown are is more important than the cheek area. If you're comfortable in the crown area then you're good to go; the padding molds to the shape of your face and head over time so a snug fit is best. I also second the reccomendation for a balaclava - it'll keep you from stinking up your helmet as it'll absorb the sweat in place of your helmet's lining.

 

My helmet is a Motoquality in size medium according to their charts. When I first got it it felt almost painfully snug and had similar thoughts of returning but didn't have time before the next event. Used it one weekend and while driving my thoughts were elsewhere while on track and didnt even notice it. Its seems to have formed to me ( or else it has reshaped my skull to it ) and now I absolutly love it.

 

I assume that your helmet is Snell approved, SA 2000. You may want to consider the fact that Snell SA 2005, the new standard, will be released in October of this year. While SA 2000 will likely be permitted for a few more years in whatever organization you are planning on racing, SA 2005 will eventually be the standard to which your helmet will have to comply.

A helmet should fit snugly, but not be painful to wear. I have always used Arai helmets and only recently realized how good they are when I tried on other helmets that I didn't feel fit proper, and/or caused pain. Head shapes are also different and some manufacturers may fit certain head shapes better than others.

I am planning on picking up a new Arai GP 5K when it gets Snell SA 2005, or whatever the replacement is.

 

Firstly, ordering a helmet without actually trying it on is never a good idea. While you may have the sizing correct in theory, different manufacturers build helmets with different overall shapes that suit some people better than others. That's why I tried on 6 different helmets from two different manufacturers (Arai and Bell) before coming to a final decision.

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think helmets such as the Arai GP-5, GP-5K, Bell Racestar, etc, which are top-line helmets currently rated at SA2000, can be recertified to the new standard if they comply. Surely the helmet manufacturers would resubmit their top models to SNELL for testing to enable this to happen. Then it's a matter of replacing the old SA2000 sticker with an SA2005 sticker.

Can anyone provide clarification on this matter?

 

The way to see if it really fits, from what i was told, is this. Put in on when you're watching TV or something and leave it on for about 30 mins or so. Hide the digital camera so your wife doesn't take a pic of you looking foolish. If it doesn't give you a headache, it's fine, it does loosen up a little over time but it does have to be pretty snug.

 

SA2000 helmets will be good until 2009 in some organizations (SCCA) and 2011 in others.

Regards,

Jon P. Kofod
www.flatoutracing.net

 

I don't think that is correct. At least I can not imagine. The reason why they have "expiration" stickers in the first place is that materials fade and the structural integrity after so many years is in danger in case of an accident. Just replacing a sticker would be circumventing that.
I agree though, it is harsch to buy one today (2005) and have it outdated by 2009 (SCCA).
I have to check, I think mine is a 95 and I will need one for club next year. SCCA may not allow this one at all at this point.

 

Happy to help, let us know how it goes.