Going to my first TZC track event in a few weeks and have been shopping for SA2000 helmets for my knoggin'.

After much internet browsing, I think I'm going to go with either the Bell Sport III or the Bell X-15. Both are what I consider affordable since I won't be using the helmet often. Saw a few I liked better, but I'm not willing to drop $400+ in a piece of equipment I will only use 2 or 3 times a year if I can get the same protection for $250-$350.

Questions...
1 - After searching other threads on the forum, I'm a little worried about fit. Can anyone attest to their experience with the Sport III or X-15?
2 - Does anyone know a location in/near Charlotte, NC where I can "test fit" bell helmets?
3 - If no to Question #2, can you recommend an online source where I can get a good price and service? Right now, I've found several online stores that have the Sport III for $300 and the X-15 for $310.

Thanks!

 

I've had a Sport III for 2 years now, and it fits MY head fine. Sliding my glasses through the opening isn't easy, but doable. I definitely suggest you try one on before purchasing. I tried about a dozen different helmets on before I committed on the Sport III. Bell offers a cool blue-chrome visor too!

 

Take a look at http://www.pyrotect.com/. I went to their warehouse and talked to the grandson of the person who used to own Bell helmets.

Their cheapest full face helmet is an exact copy of the Bell Sport III (they manufactor their helmets from the same mold as Bell). That helmet typically sells for $248 and there are quite a few on eBay.

 

I bought a G-Force brand helmet. SA2000 rated helmets are $150 for open face and $200 for full face. I couldn't see the reason to shell out big bucks either. Any SA2000 rated helmet should provide adequet crash protection.

 

Check out your local barns and noble. There were 2 or 3 car rags out this month with good feature articles on safety equipment. I want to say Grassroots Motorsports, Racer, or Sport Compact Car...can't remember. You may want to hold off long enough and get an SA2005 certified helmet (should be out this summer). Most organizations only allow helmets to be used that have one of the last two Snell certifications. In other words, after this year, SA95 helmets will not be allowed with some organizations. So, in 2010, your SA2000 helmet may not be useable. If you only use it a couple of times a year, it may make sense to spend a few extra bucks and make it viable for another 5 years. Do the math and see if it makes sense for you and the groups you run with.

 

Whats your opinion of the helmet, fit, comfort all that fun stuff. I need a helmet as well.

 

www.soloracer.com has one of the cheapest prices to get helmets online, the fitting is based on # inches on your head if u have like a taylor's measuring thing u can try it out or ask them. i would suggest you get a helmet that fits snuggly that shouldn't move as much (or not at all) when you try to move it up and down with the chipstrap off

 

For reference, I just bought the GF 750 openface helmet. It fits me extremely well (the shape is similar to an HJC motorcycle helmet but its slightly smaller) and the quality appears to be good (no misfit pieces, etc.) but compared to some helmets I've handled, its a little heavy. I think that's the tradeoff you make when you get a cheaper helmet. I haven't actually used it yet but my first trackday is on 4/10 and if anyone's interested, I'll post a review afterwards.