Helmets

PaulProe

PaulProe

TREASURER & Web Administrator, Member # 019
GCC Member
Location
Manchester
First Name
Paul
Last Name
Proefrock
Curious about helmets. Looks like they vary in price from $200 to well over $800 What's the difference. What should I be looking for?

Paul
 
A good fit is most important which generally goes along with comfort, removable and washable interior padding, good ventilation (full face), materials range from plastic fiberglass, composite, carbon fiber (this is generally where the extra cost comes in). If your looking to do open track I believe you will need a helmet with a SA designation(Tim correct me if I am wrong). Its the most important piece of safety equipment,buy the best you can afford.I have a couple grand worth of wrecked ones sitting on the shelf from get offs on the bike.
 
Difference?

Is there a structural difference between a $200 and $500 helmet? I would think they all must pass a given standard.

I understand how carbon fiber is more expensive. Is the rest of the difference the bells and whistles?

Anything I should avoid (other than seeing if it works :eek: )

Paul
 
I would try on as many as possible, field of view or periphial vision is different helmet to helmet. Different latching systems are available, weight is also a factor.Cost of replacement visors vary a great deal as well.Some come with a few sets of cheek pads to vary the final fit.
HTH
Keith
 
Paul,

What I did when I needed to replace the one that was outdated when I raced go-karts. Go to a local motorcycle shop and try on as many as you can. Find the one you want and write down all information about the helmet, size style and product information.
Then start surfing sights like racerwholesale.com and other web sights and order the one you liked. Sometimes you can save a hundred bucks doing that.
I would think the rating should be newer then SA95. when I was racing, the equipment was updated every 5 years, so look for a manufacture date. Get the newest you can.
Outside of that, it's just what ever you think your head is worth.
There are differences for motorcycles and automotive helmets as well.
I haven't done this for a number of years, but google helmet differences if you haven't already.
Hope this helps,

Skip
 
Skip said:
Paul,

....Go to a local motorcycle shop and try on as many as you can.....Skip
Click to expand...

Make sure you don't buy a motorcycle helmet. All of the track events I've run in have specifically excluded them.

If my memory serves me correctly the oldest SA version allowed was 2005. The current version is SA2010.

Steve
 
Trying them on at a motorcycle shop will get you at least the proper size for a specific brand.
There are not a lot of places around that have a large selection of SA helmets to look at.
It was just a suggestion.

Skip
 
Skip said:
Trying them on at a motorcycle shop will get you at least the proper size for a specific brand.
There are not a lot of places around that have a large selection of SA helmets to look at.
It was just a suggestion.Skip
Click to expand...

Skip:

Good point. I didn't mean to criticize. Just learned the hard way. I have a brand new 5 year old motorcycle helmet collecting dust in the closet.

Steve
 
Huh?

Seems strange they'd have two different spec's on helmets - cars vs bikes

Either way, you're head is going 100mph and about to stop real quick :eek:

We need more politicians
 
I think the big difference is that an SA is fire retardant and an MA is not. I would get a 2010, full face G-force from Summit. I have a nice Bell helmet M2 sport. It is expired but I like the bell helmets because they always smell fresh. I has something to do with the fabric they use but I wouldn't buy a $500 dollar fiber glass helmet again. I think Jegs has a new Carbon fiber helmet for around $400. Thats a good price but not as cheap as the G-force brand which would be as safe.
 
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