So I've been doing some research and have decided to order the Impact SS helmet. Key thing that sold me was 1) Fitment and 2) Snell 2005 & SFI/FIA Approved!
http://www.soloracer.com/impactsshelmet.html

 

Nice wide eyeport for good peripheral vision! You'll be using THAT- I can assure you!

 

I come from 30 years of motorcycle riding, and unfortunately, hitting my head on the ground a couple of times. I have ever owned a helmet other than a Bell.

 

Thanks David. I went by Morton's but found they weren't too friendly. Also found the helmet online for $30 + tax cheaper.

 

I've been a loyal Bell user for years (decades) as well. But when it came to replacing my SA95 M3 Pro Series model, I shopped around. Impact has a solid line with some very good products. The SA05 Charger model had the same features I was looking for, the fit was good and the cost difference was considerable.

You really can't go wrong with either brand- IF the fit is good!

 

Well I ordered it yesterday. Awesome service at SoloRacer. Called and asked about a military discount and they give me another $10 off with the already free shipping. Also ordered the Impact helmet bag and the Blue Iridium shield. Thanks to Uncle Sam for the nice tax return I get to play this summer. Guess me deploying last summer and lowering my tax bracket was worth it.

 

Impact = Bill Simpson.

Mr. Simpson has made his life work protecting the safety of racers. He's a former racer.

 

Nice choice; you'll appreciate having upgraded to the iridium shield right away!

Interesting that you had to buy the helmet bag separately; when my wife bought her Impact helmet last year, the bag was included. It's a good bag, though, and worth the money.

 

i still don't have a helmet bag..

huge mistake. a lot of scratches, dents, etc.

oh well.

sharp looking ehlmet. i'm looking to get a better shield for mine but the bell shields are sooo $$ (m3)

 

Well the helmet does come with that think bag but I wanted something that can take the beating of rolling around un the trunk. Hoping to make more Solo 2 events and looking into NASA as well.

 

I guess maybe the included bag doesn't have the fleece lining; I was going by the picture, not the description, and they sure look the same on the outside.

 

Perfect Valentine Gift!!! Status: In Transit - On Time Scheduled Delivery: 02/14/2007

 

The first few weeks of searching for a helmet last year I was a bit floored how much helmets cost. I bought an HJC CL-15 because of fitment, greater visibility, and Snell M-2005 approved. Eventually I want to get it painted but no hurry for now...

 

For those who are helmet shopping for HPDE and Track use, go ahead and spend the extra money on a SA2000+ version. Most organizations will be on SA requirements by then end of this year if they aren't already

 

mhoward: That was one of the key features I was looking for when I was shopping around. Fit than price was right behind it.

 

It's important that we define what a Snell 'SA" rating is about. The Special Application (SA) Snell rating is for helmets designed for auto racing. The most significant difference from a 'M' (motorcycle) rating is in the testing and construction for multiple impacts. In high-speed impacts where the car could be going over, your noggin will be taking multiple hits. A SA-rated helmet will provide superior protection in such circumstances. There's also a flame retardant interior as well (let's hope none of us ever have to test THAT).

Snell updates their ratings every five years, so the latest helmets with a SA rating will be labeled SA-05.

 

So I'm good for 5yrs? Awesome! Perfect timing to buy. Knew I was waiting for a reason! lol

 

As long as you don't take a hit (or drop it badly LOL), the helmet should be good for longer than 5 years. Hopefully, it will sit on your crown for years and never do anything but give you superb views of the track!

 

As long as the track is under me and not any other position.

 

We expire helmets every 10 years, so a SA2005 will be good unti 2015. So you can pick up a new SA2000 on sale and still be good for another 3 years.