On the hunt for a Helmet

[OnTrack]

I had a decent G-Force helmet with a HANs device and didn't have issues after a wreck around 80 MPH into a wall. The helmet did it's job as did the HANs device plus a containment seat. I was not even sore afterwards.

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[honeybadger]

I personally found helmets under about $600 to be heavy, a bit rough (i.e. not soft to the skin), and lack in accessories. Highly recommend spending a bit more to get a better helmet. I use an ARAI GP-5W. Feels like putting your face in a pillow and has the ability to add tinted lenses - which are great during sunny track days. Plus, you look like a f**king badass.

 

[Demonic]

I have the Bell M8 carbon. I've only used it for two days, but love it. It's light, eye opening big enough to be able to look down and see the cam-lock, good airflow, different visors available. The top section of head foam is more of a free-floating halo that contours to the shape of your head versus the older style helmets that just have fixed foam pads inside in which you have to try different brands to see which best fits the shape. Also no chipmunk cheeks since the cheek pads are lower profile and you can buy thicker pads to put inside them. I also tend to get headaches from pressure-points on my head, and no issues like that with the M8.

 

[raiderjatt02]

I use a Stilo ST5 GT and while it's pricey, I love it. It feels so comfortable during long sessions and has the option of adding ventilation or hydration systems if you decide to take things a little further down the road. It looks awesome and you can get a ton of different lenses to customize your taste. Most helmets are White, Black or CF so the Silver stands out from the crowd too.

https://store.windingroad.com/stilo-st5-gt-composite-auto-racing-helmet-sa2015-p1378.aspx

Tons of accessories too!
https://store.windingroad.com/stilo-helmet-accessories-c334.aspx

 

[Phoenix]

I have a GForce GF3. i have a big head so i needed a large size but not very expensive. Still works just fine. i also bought a Simpson "Neck Donut" head restraint. keeps it from moving around.

 

[svttim]

Tough call. I like full face with good visibility and previsions for Hans. Weight seems to be the price variation but for 20 minutes, not as important to me. But, I will still look at weight

 

[jmn444]

Tough call. I like full face with good visibility and previsions for Hans. Weight seems to be the price variation but for 20 minutes, not as important to me. But, I will still look at weight

agreed, the weight only seems to bug me as a passenger for some reason... Otherwise it's not a problem with a cheaper helmet... I do get it that w/o hans it adds to the risk though.

 

[TheDeadCow]

Here's a link to a good article.

https://www.windingroad.com/articles/reviews/the-10-best-auto-racing-helmets/

Each brand fits differently so make sure to try some on. Bell has a lot of options at may price points, but their shape doesn't work everyone (me) YMMV.
Just remember, if you get in a wreck you'll need to replace the helmet. Like everything else, it's a wear item.

HJC & Pyrotect are good low budget options too

Will be helmet & HANS shopping once the tax return arrives

 

[oldbmwfan]

I use a Stilo ST5 GT and while it's pricey, I love it. It feels so comfortable during long sessions and has the option of adding ventilation or hydration systems if you decide to take things a little further down the road. It looks awesome and you can get a ton of different lenses to customize your taste. Most helmets are White, Black or CF so the Silver stands out from the crowd too.

https://store.windingroad.com/stilo-st5-gt-composite-auto-racing-helmet-sa2015-p1378.aspx

Tons of accessories too!
https://store.windingroad.com/stilo-helmet-accessories-c334.aspx

+1 on the Stilo. Fantastic helmets, and can get built-in jack for a communicator to talk to your instructor without shoving a mic boom up under the padding.

 

[Trackaholic]

I've used HJC for a while now (gone through two helmets, due to expiration rather than damage). Currently have the HJC AR-10, but it is an SA2010 so I think I'll be needing a new one soon.

Most organizations allow you to use a helmet that is two certifications old. The certifications are updated every 5 years, so you can get about 10 years if you buy at the beginning of a cycle. Buying in 2019 hurts a little in that regard because it is likely to be SA2015 certified, which means that many places will require a replacement when the 2025 standards are rolled out. If you can buy an SA2020 instead, you might get an extra few years of life, but that would mean waiting a year and who wants to do that.

If you can find a shop to try on the helmets, it is very useful due to the different helmet and head shapes. Finding a good fit might make a person favor one brand over another.

A more expensive helmet isn't necessarily safer in an impact, but is often lighter (due to the use of fancier materials like carbon fiber). The weight reduction can lead to improved safety due to reduced neck strain, but not all of us can afford the real high end stuff, so in the end we use what strikes the best balance between comfort and cost.

-T

 

[ctandc72]

I will reinforce the posts about going somewhere where you can try on a variety of helmets - or make sure the place you buy from has a no hassle return policy. I can tell you from years of riding sport bikes that every manufacturer helmet fits different. As for price, if the helmets are certified at the same level - the extra $$$ usually affects the comfort, weight and accessory areas. I could never get a comfortable in an Arai or Shoei - and while they make some really nice helmets - it doesn't help you if they don't fit correctly and feel comfortable while wearing them.

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