Helmet recomendations

Ken Etter · 09-26-2010, 08:03 PM

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 · 09-26-2010, 08:12 PM

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 · 09-26-2010, 08:45 PM

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 · 09-27-2010, 05:44 AM

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 · 09-27-2010, 08:21 AM

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

Run to Rund · 09-27-2010, 10:39 AM

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 · 09-28-2010, 12:24 PM

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.

09-26-2010, 08:03 PM	#1
Ken Etter Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Riverside,Ca Posts: 112 Likes: 0 Liked 87 Times in 9 Posts	Helmet recomendations 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. __________________ Ken Etter 7375 STK/5 SS

09-26-2010, 08:12 PM	#2
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 583 Likes: 8 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Helmet recomendations 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.

09-26-2010, 08:45 PM	#3
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Helmet recomendations 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

09-27-2010, 05:44 AM	#4
jmcarter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond Hill GA (and Port Ludlow WA) Posts: 4,297 Likes: 2,383 Liked 3,184 Times in 973 Posts	Re: Helmet recomendations 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. __________________ Jim Carter 2340 Super Stock 2340 SST/2340 Stock Set another place at the table

09-27-2010, 08:21 AM	#5
cad Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 702 Likes: 202 Liked 91 Times in 51 Posts	Re: Helmet recomendations Check out www.helmetcity.com. They advertise in Natl Dragster.

09-27-2010, 10:39 AM	#6
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 583 Likes: 8 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Helmet recomendations 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

09-28-2010, 12:24 PM	#7
JP Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 125 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Helmet recomendations 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. __________________ Facebook: Dodged Viper SS/D Facebook: Swedish Stock & Super Stock Association Last edited by JP; 09-28-2010 at 12:35 PM.