Which helmet to get?

i've been looking around for a replacement helmet--

i started looking at the Bell Sport 3 and the M2, both are relatively inexpensive, for quality helmets... and i would like at least a chin/face bar..

i saw that Pyrotect is Bell's inexpensive line of helmets. which are about $50 cheaper for the same helmet shape/options..


what's your choice for helmets?

 

I have used my G Force Pro Force 1 for a couple of years and like it fine. It was ~$250. My buddy has a new M2 and the liner is already pealing and looking mangy.

 

My M2 is two years old, and still smells new. No peeling whatsoever.

 

John-

How do you like the m2? i wear oakleys when driving, i just dont want to have to squeeze the frames over my temples when i'm inserting them... which is why i'm sorta worried about the sport3's smaller port-


(by the way.. what reconstructive surgery.. is ur Z ok?)

 

With glasses, it can be a bit snug, especially with my Oakleys. If you're wearing a communicator in addition to it, the fit is going to be a little too snug. There are certain helmets that are designed to accomodate glasses, but I don't remember the models. Best suggestion would be to go to a racing shop that carries several different helmets and try them on. Hope this helps...

Yeah, I had an argument with a pole in the parking garage at work last week. I lost unfortunately...

 

Over the last few years I have had a lot of different helmets..i think the ARAI's are the best ones out on the market.
I am wearing perscription Oakleys with it also.
Sparco has relseased some new hats this year that are priced fairly well.
BJ

 

Another satisfied M2 owner here. I've had it for three or four years and am quite happy with it. I can wear Oakleys and a communicator, no problem. And no problems with the liner, either. It smells like sweat and Febreeze, which is what I use to clean it when it gets too sweaty.

 

I have M2 pro - very satisfied

got it from www.northstarmotorsports.com

I use it for autocross and wear regular glasses.
I really have nothing to compare it to but this helmet has really good ventilation as far as I can tell. I never get hot in it..but then again I only use it for autocross. I am 6.0-6.1 and I have about .5 to 1in clearance.

If I had to do it all over again I think I would get the M2 not the M2 pro - better suited for my purposes at much lower cost imho

Dmitry

 

bell m2 here... i have a fat head so it makes it hard to wear my glasses (silouhettes) ... but i can wear suglasses/normal glasses fine.

 

wow.. looks like alot of satisfied m2 owners

thanks guys.. for your input!

 

anyone like the simpson bandits? i am looking to get one. . .

 

m2 here

 

I have to put in a good word for the Bell Sport III. It fit my malformed head better than the M2 or M2 Pro.

 

I have the Simpson Super Bandit. For the money, I don't think the quality is all that. The rear bottom cushion came off and a heat gun wouldn't do it so I had to epoxy it back into place.

I would probably look at the Bells or Bieffe or Sparco.

Arai's are definitely the best but you have to pay to play and the costs aren't cheap.

 

When it comes to head protection, what is your head worth? When it comes to helmets you get what you pay for, a helmet is the one piece of safety equipment that you dont want to try and save a buck on. Buy the best helmet you can. I recommend Arai (they definately make the best) and Bell as a good alternative (not as good but still good).

Personally I think my head is priceless so I bought the best helmet available with the features I wanted. If you want to find a good place to shop for a helmet, go to

www.speedwaremotorsports.com

Or call them at 425-869-5680 tell them I refered you. They are building my 350Z racecar and are sponsoring me.

Alex Long

 

I got the Bell Sport 3. I tried on both the M2 and the 3 and felt that the Sport 3's fit me better. I wear them with Rudy Project glasses and they're great sort of.

Only problem is I should have walked around longer with the Sport 3's. Medium felt fine for a couple of minutes, but after a whole day in the sun I realize it might be too small for me (I'm really glad I didn't get the M2's cuz they felt tighter.)

So if anyone is interested in a once used Sport 3...

Arai makes SA2000 helmets? Didn't know that thats cool...

 

well how tight are you saying was tight? were you seeing stars when you took the helmet off?

my head size is borderline medium large... i need to go see the helmets in person.. pitty there aren't any local dealers to where i'm at. i have to drive down into LA... hmmm.

 

I think my headsize is also borderline medium large. When I tried on the medium in the store it felt nice and snug but not black out inducing.

Unfortunately they didn't have any Large's to try on.

I don't really notice it WHEN i'm on the track, but after a whole day my head does get kind of sore and uncomfortable so I try to get out of my helmet as soon as I get off the track.

Definitely go try on the helmet before you buy (that's the only downside of online places). And especially if they don't have a return policy I would even suggest you wear it in the store for half an hour (unless its clear that Large fits better than Medium or vice versa.)

Its really tough if you have an odd head, because you wan't the helmet as snug as possible but not too snug.

 

The best way to ensure that the fit is right (not too tight, not too loose) is to make sure that you can't rotate the helmet by grabbing the front and pulling from side to side. If the helmet slips around, it's too big. The largest size that actually turns your head when you do this should be the proper size with the most comfort.

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for helmets is to make sure that it will fit on your head when you're in the car. When shopping, I found several helmets that fit my head, but only one that fit in the car. Fortunately this one (Simpson Super Voyager) was also the most comfortable, and had the biggest opening for visibility.

Gary

 

I am definitely not a pro on this stuff...

I got an HJC AC-11. It is a motorcycle helmet, but Snell M ratings are legal in autocross. It is Snell M2000, so it should be good for quite some time. VERY inexpensive compared to the Bells, etc. If I remember right, I paid around $150, plus a little extra for the nice iridescent visor. I got it from http://www.motorhelmets.com/

It seems very well made. I use a mirrored/iridescent shaded visor on it, instead of wearing my sunglasses underneath. It has the coolmax lining (which I recognize from my mountaineering clothing as being a very good moisture-wicking quick-drying cloth) and is very comfortable.

Now... you get what you pay for? In general, I agree with this, but I would like to know, what am I not getting? What will be deficient about this helmet? It is Snell M2000 rated, comfortable, and appears well made (to a novice). So, what is the story?