Helmet recomendations

[Ken Etter]

Would like to get some input on what helmet everyone likes. I would like the pros and cons. I used an HJC motorcycle helmet before but may get something with better chin/jaw protection.Thanks for the input.

[Run to Rund]

I use the Bell S2R or SR Pro. The chin area is not real close to the face so I don't know if it is what you want. It does have a big eye opening so works well with glasses. Might as well get SA2005 (is 2010 available yet?) vs. M=motorcycle for the fire resistance and ability to survive multiple inpacts.

[Kegracing]

If you look at NASCAR or open wheel, Bell seems to be on a lot of heads. Know they do a ton of testing.

Also, more money does not always mean a better helmet... get what you pay for to some degree, but you can go overboard.

Make sure what ever you get fits you correct. Good helmet fit will be snug. IF we ever really need it, will be worth it! Different models and especially brand to brand, there are some real differences in fit and feel. Years ago, when racing dirt bikes a lot (young and single...), I used several types. Had a friend that owned a bike shop, and got some good deals, and went thru a bunch of them. Always had to try them on, could not just order and assume.

The 2010 stuff just got released last month, if I read it right. Probably hard to get for a little while. Will create some sales soon I guess for the 2005 labeled stuff.

Ken

[jmcarter]

Arai is the way to go for fit and good venting. They have fitments based on head shape so shopping in person at a place with plenty of inventory is key.

[cad]

Check out www.helmetcity.com. They advertise in Natl Dragster.

[Run to Rund]

Another source is www.saferacer.com where I got my Bell a bit cheaper because of shipping policy vs. helmetcity's.
I test fitted the Bell at the SEMA show and agree that different head shapes may work better with different helmet brands. Vents don't help us much as we (most of us) aren't on motorcycles. High priced helmets are often because more advanced materials are used to save weight. We don't use them for very long so that is les important than for motorcycle riders. OTOH if you go to the Snell website, you will see that the SA series have several advantages for us vs. the M series.
http://www.smf.org/
http://www.smf.org/standards/pdf/sakartfinal1204.pdf

[JP]

Always choose a FR (fire retardant inner liner), step away from M helmets, they are not built for Car Racing. The Nylon inner liner burn and melts in your face...not good.
A Full face helmet is probably the best buy, the open face helmets are on there way out of the rule books.

A good helmet that fits well is always worth the money. I would not choose the S, M, L, XL sisze helmets, If you instead choose the hand built helmets in 1/2" inch sizes will you propapbly get at helmet you like.
Besides that is the choice between big or narrow eye opening, Drivers in S/SS and other brake classes do prefer the big opening. AND finally, alway shut the shield when racing.

And, the SNELL 2010 standard will be available in october.