Helmet

[2012YellowBoss]

Hi All
Can anyone recommend a good helmet that meets all track requirements. I would like something that is economical but certainly not to the point of being dangerous. It is just that I will not be using it that much. Something you track guys feel has good visibility and comfortable for a noob.

Part number would be great to search unless you know links to places with good prices.

Thanks
Scott

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

Bell Sport.

http://www.saferacer.com/bell-sport-sa2010-auto-racing-helmet.html?productid=2210

I have the SA2005 version of this, good entry-level helmet. SA-rated in case you ever want to use it for actual competition.

 

[VoodooBoss]

I currently have a Simpson Voyager but the SA date is too old and I'll need a new one. I've been looking at that Bell and it will be between it and another Simpson Voyager. The Voyager has a large opening for good side vision but it costs a bit more. I also need a full face helmet which is required for Karting. The Voyagers are made in the US if that matters to you.

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-voyager-helmet.html?productid=1049

 

[cloud9]

I currently have a Simpson Voyager but the SA date is too old and I'll need a new one. I've been looking at that Bell and it will be between it and another Simpson Voyager. The Voyager has a large opening for good side vision but it costs a bit more. I also need a full face helmet which is required for Karting. The Voyagers are made in the US if that matters to you.

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-voyager-helmet.html?productid=1049

The one you linked to is SA2005. Won't you want an SA2010 so it's good longer? Mine's a 2005 but I've had it four years. At what point will tracks start requiring 2010?

 

[ufnavy06]

I have a Bell, but it's at my house in Florida and since I'm in Italy for 3 more months, I can't say much more than it was one of the lesser expensive full face helmets I found when I bought it 2 years ago.

 

[VoodooBoss]

The one you linked to is SA2005. Won't you want an SA2010 so it's good longer? Mine's a 2005 but I've had it four years. At what point will tracks start requiring 2010?

They didn't have a 2010 Voyager on their website. I'll get a 2010 and my understanding is most organizations use the current and previous rating. In other words only 2005 and 2010 are now valid. In 2015 you'll need to replace 2005 rated helmets. The issue is the styrofoam deteriorates over time.

 

[ufnavy06]

Well that answered a question I had... guess if I wanted crazy graphics on my helmet, it'd be better to wait until 2015. Hahah.

 

[PJWANNABE]

Well that answered a question I had... guess if I wanted crazy graphics on my helmet, it'd be better to wait until 2015. Hahah.

If you want graphics on your helmet go buy a SA2010 since it will be good until 2020 or until you wreck, whichever comes first. I was going to get my Bell M4 SA2005 painted until I learned that it will expire in 2015.

 

[ORANGE CRUSH]

G-Force

 

[MrBonus]

You really need to try them on and find one that's comfortable and within your budget. Also, I would strongly recommend an SA2010 helmet so you can get the maximum usage out of it before it's obsolete.

Personally, I use a HJC Si-12 (SA2005) that I bought a few years back. It's extremely light and breathable which makes it comfortable for me in those dog days of summer at the track.

http://www.hjc-motorsports.com/si12.htm

 

[VoodooBoss]

You really need to try them on and find one that's comfortable and within your budget. Also, I would strongly recommend an SA2010 helmet so you can get the maximum usage out of it before it's obsolete.

Personally, I use a HJC Si-12 (SA2005) that I bought a few years back. It's extremely light and breathable which makes it comfortable for me in those dog days of summer at the track.

http://www.hjc-motorsports.com/si12.htm

Nice and welcome to BMO. If I'm spending that amount of coin I'm going all the way and get a carbon fiber Simpson Devil Ray.

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-carbon-fiber-devil-ray-sa2010-racing-helmet.html?productid=2258

 

[VoodooBoss]

G-Force

That looks pretty nice.

http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-pro-vintage-sa2010-graphics-helmet.html?productid=2343

 

[MrBonus]

You really need to try them on and find one that's comfortable and within your budget. Also, I would strongly recommend an SA2010 helmet so you can get the maximum usage out of it before it's obsolete.

Personally, I use a HJC Si-12 (SA2005) that I bought a few years back. It's extremely light and breathable which makes it comfortable for me in those dog days of summer at the track.

http://www.hjc-motorsports.com/si12.htm

Nice and welcome to BMO. If I'm spending that amount of coin I'm going all the way and get a carbon fiber Simpson Devil Ray.

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-carbon-fiber-devil-ray-sa2010-racing-helmet.html?productid=2258

Thanks for the welcome. In my opinion, it's all about comfort and fit. If the Simpson gives you that firm but not tight feel, it's most likely going to not only protect your head better in a wreck but also not give you headaches that can ruin a run session.

I ended up choosing the HJC because it has great breathability (See the air intake to cool the head on top of the helmet) and was lighter than similarly priced Bells I tried on.

 

[Polaristxguy]

My helmet of choice! I have had Bell, Simpson and Shoei of the years and the X-11 & X-12 get my vote. I currently have a Glory and Matte Black and my mood determines my selection of the day.

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?X-Twelve&h=19&t=1

 

[ufnavy06]

I have learned much more than I ever thought I would about racing helmets from this thread. And I mean that in a very good way.

 

[VoodooBoss]

My helmet of choice! I have had Bell, Simpson and Shoei of the years and the X-11 & X-12 get my vote. I currently have a Glory and Matte Black and my mood determines my selection of the day.

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?X-Twelve&h=19&t=1

That's cool. Is it SA2010 certified? You need that for most car and Kart track events.

 

[Polaristxguy]

My helmet of choice! I have had Bell, Simpson and Shoei of the years and the X-11 & X-12 get my vote. I currently have a Glory and Matte Black and my mood determines my selection of the day.

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?X-Twelve&h=19&t=1

That's cool. Is it SA2010 certified? You need that for most car and Kart track events.

SNELL M 2010 for sure I'll need to K, I mostly do bike track days I have not thought about K ratings.

 

[Polaristxguy]

My helmet of choice! I have had Bell, Simpson and Shoei of the years and the X-11 & X-12 get my vote. I currently have a Glory and Matte Black and my mood determines my selection of the day.

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?X-Twelve&h=19&t=1

That's cool. Is it SA2010 certified? You need that for most car and Kart track events.

SNELL M 2010 for sure I'll need to K, I mostly do bike track days I have not thought about K ratings.

Nope it looks like I get to buy an new helmet! Woo Hoo it always fun to get new stuff

 

[ORANGE CRUSH]

G-Force

That looks pretty nice.

http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-pro-vintage-sa2010-graphics-helmet.html?productid=2343

Yup thats the exact one I have and no complaints.

 

[2012YellowBoss]

Thanks all, I ended up with the G-Force entry level, same as above but in white. Got it from a place in GA, got a free bag with it and was the same price as saferacer.