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Track junkies: which helmet?

2490 Views 19 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  doug
I need to start shopping for a new brain bucket... been a while since the last one I had with a bike, and I am wondering what sage advice you guys might have.

In addition to an occasional M5 track day, I am looking for something good for open-wheel racing. Lightweight, good visability, and good ventilation are key considerations, I think. The Bell M3 looks and sounds appealing, but I've not yet tried it on.

Appreciate any feedback.... thanks!

Bell M3
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I like the new Impact Champ which I can't wait to use.
I tried the Arai GP5K which is very nice, just out of my size when ordered.
Stand 21 is the lightest you can get and they are customizable with foam inserts/pads.

http://www.stand21.fr/casques/casques-2.html

Jordan
SANguru said:
This helmet you listed is an M2000 helmet, many track organizers will require an SA 2000 helmet, which differs in it's fire resistance, i believe.

Helmets are definately something that you want to try on. I like the bell M3 that you mentioned.
Mike
oops.. you're right Mike. I had the wrong link. Here's the correct one

http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/PROD/pyrotect/fullsa2000


mottati said:
This helmet you listed is an M2000 helmet, many track organizers will require an SA 2000 helmet, which differs in it's fire resistance, i believe.

Helmets are definately something that you want to try on. I like the bell M3 that you mentioned.
Mike
Doug,

Of course you need to protect that wonderful head of yours from harm :D

I have had a Bell Sport 3-SA 2000, in black of course, since last summer and found it to be just fine/comfortable. Of course it's going to be a matter of finding a good fit for YOU! I agree with Mike too that if you are going to be buying a new helmet, you probably should go for a SA helmet as more and more clubs are requiring an SA helmt as opposed to just a M helmet.

Here's an old thread about SA helmets:
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=42534&highlight=sa+helmet

The only additional thing to consider, and yes I just got back from a 2 day event at Road Am, so hopefully I'm remembering this right. I've got brain freeze--so anyone please correct me if I'm wrong..........but because the new SA2005 helmets are coming out I believe late this year, some shops may be stocking fewer helmets/less style and size selection because they don't want to be stuck with "old" inventory they may have to discount when the newest helmets come in. So this may mean fewer helmets to choose from. The flip side is maybe you can get a deal on one of the SA helmets (?).

Good luck and let us know how you like your final pick!

Anita
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I've read/heard some concern expressed about wearing a full face helmet in a car equipped with an airbag. The issue is what happens when the airbag strikes the lower part (i.e., the chin) of the driver's helmet. I don't know that there's anything definitive on it, but you might want to look into it.
Great input guys (and girls!) :) as I knew it would be!

Anita, thanks for the SA2005 info... will look into it. The Boston and White Mountain CCA's do require SA2000's at the moment. I'd be a little disappointed to buy one, and then have the certification change right after! I'll keep ya' posted on what I find out.

:cheers:
I have the Bell M3 as well, which has a nice large eye opening for those who wear glasses. As Mike suggested, you should seriously try on a few helmets before buying. Go to a race shop in the area & try some on - you can always do you shopping locally & buy from the internet if its cheaper.
I have the Bell M3 also, really I suppose it works pretty well (although thankfully I have never tested it), it's light enough with a decent sized opening. I have removed the visor from mine though, I never used it and it's much cooler with it open. Go the store and try it on before you buy, sizing does not seem to be all that consistent even within same size helmets of the same kind and fit is critical to your comfort.

Really, decide upon how much you want to spend and then find the best helmet that's within your price range. The only real differences within SA rated helmets are: aerodynamics, cooling and lightness. They all protect your head the same, you pay more for more features.

Regards
jhowton said:
The only real differences within SA rated helmets are: aerodynamics, cooling and lightness. They all protect your head the same, you pay more for more features.

Regards
Not true at all. An MA helmet is tested with 1 large impact and a scrape.. The SA helmet is tested for 2 impacts. They are also fire retardent.

The SA is for automotive and is tested with the 2 impacts because this is a more likely situation inside of an automobile. (multiple impacts to the head)

Just wanted to clarify.

http://www.smf.org/

Jordan
Arai - No question
doug said:
Great input guys (and girls!) :) as I knew it would be!

Anita, thanks for the SA2005 info... will look into it. The Boston and White Mountain CCA's do require SA2000's at the moment. I'd be a little disappointed to buy one, and then have the certification change right after! I'll keep ya' posted on what I find out.

:cheers:
Most organizations allow current certification and most recent certification. That means since SA2000 is current, you can also use SA1995. That will change in Oct, when SA2005 is expected, SA1995 will no longer be good (prob after Jan. 1,2006 as most clubs will allow a couple of months to transition), but SA2000 will still be good for 5 years, plenty for the life of a helmet.
Other than that, most helmets are personal choice for comfort. I like a lightweight helmet and a wide eyeport to help periperal vision. As light as possible without dropping mega $$$ and proper fit. It should be snug, but not tight. You don't want the helmit flopping around on your head. If you wear a balaclava, make sure you fit the helmit with it on. And buy a couple of spare face shields while you are there, you will be glad you did!
Regards,
Jerry
How are your headrest set when wearing a helmet?
jordantii said:
Not true at all. An MA helmet is tested with 1 large impact and a scrape.. The SA helmet is tested for 2 impacts. They are also fire retardent.

The SA is for automotive and is tested with the 2 impacts because this is a more likely situation inside of an automobile. (multiple impacts to the head)

Just wanted to clarify.

http://www.smf.org/

Jordan
Hey Jordan, Jamie did say "within SA helmets"... he did not compare MA to SA.. Just wanted to clarify.. :thumbsup:

Hey Doug.. good luck with yr choice .. I add nothing new except, try it on !! I love Simpson helmets and I used Arai recently when I used to ride Motorcycles.. You really cannot go too wrong with the spec needed.. as was said before, you just pay more for more fancy features..

Be safe,

Edited to add "thumbs up".. did want to sound like a pin head picking a fight .. :M5eyes:
Ah yes I see that now. Sorry about that.

Best,

Jordan
Thanks a lot, guys.... will keep all this in mind when I go shopping.

Andre, good to hear from you man! Please do join us for the next get together-- you're always welcome.
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