Where to go helmet shopping?

[JTG]

Before I hit the track for the first time I need to get a helmet (of course). Where would be the best place to go try some on? I would expect the local track (Englishtown, Atco or even NJMP) would have a very limited selection. Or am I wrong? There are some motorcycle/performance shops around but from my searching here I need an auto racing helmet, not motorcycle.

Also, there's a large swap meet coming up next month. Is buying a new one there from a true vendor a bad idea?

Thanks for the help,

JT

 

[2012Boss302]

Check with the event organizers first, but all the HPDE events I've been to here in Texas don't care if the helmet is SA or MA. As long as they are SA/MA 2005 or newer. MA is a motorcycle helmet BTW....

 

[Tucson 302]

There are lots of stores online Winding Road Racing is a good one

https://store.windingroad.com/racing-helmets-c15.aspx

 

[LP Heaven]

I got my helmet and fire jacket here. Pretty good prices, fast free shipping and no issues.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Shop/Helmets-and-Accessories-Helmets/12.html

 

[VoodooBoss]

I would stick with an SA helmet so there are no issues with any group you run with. Lots of good helmet choices out there but hardly any are made in the US anymore. For a good quality helmet with excellent fit try and find a Simpson dealer. Their US helmets are made using hat sizing so you can get an excellent fit. Note I'm not taking my own advice on the Simpson and I'm buying a Bell K-1 Pro as I do some karting as well.

Here's a couple of other options for you.

http://winecountrymotorsports.com/driver/auto-racing-helmets-c-321_24.html

http://www.saferacer.com/auto-racing-helmets

 

[F.D. Sako]

Here are a few more options.

http://www.ogracing.com/driver/helmets

http://www.racerwholesale.com/

http://www.saferacer.com/auto-racing-helmets

You'll realize that most of these sites have the same retail price. However, some clubs and organizations (e.g. SCCA, NASA) offer discount codes that can be used towards your purchases... usually 5-10% off.

Keep your eye out for some SA2010 helmet clearance/sales form these vendors, as SA2015s slowly trickle to market.

 

[TMSBOSS]

What I did to save some cash was to find the helmet I wanted and searched on Amazon for same model number and size. I saved a few bucks that way.

SA2015 is the way to go. the SA2010's will defiantly be cheaper but will have 5 years less usable time.

 

[LikeABauce302]

Find a model you are interested in and visit the manufacturers website. They should have clear guidelines for measuring yourself to figure out what size you need. I did that when I bought my Simpson helmet. I took my own measurements and then placed an order through summit racing. The fit was spot on.

 

[byronj]

The best way is to try on a helmet, if you look at the Aria site they have multiple helmets for different head shapes. Go to Cycle Gear and try on their helmets. Just to get a feel. DO your homework and see what fits you best. I don't know your experience, but a good helmet will be tight and fit to you, then it breaks in. I've been doing street bike track days for years and fairly new to car track days but the best advice I will give you is if you have a 5 dollar head get a 5 dollar helmet, if you have a 500 dollar head well....

 

[noldevin]

I also live in NJ and got my helmet at a place called Stable Energies in Garfield. They have seats, safety equipment, and helmets. Helped me find the right size and had some different styles to choose from.