helmet recommendation

[stevet]

Looks like I'll have to get a new 'lid' for the Autox at 7/7/7. Any recommendations for a reasonably priced, comfortable helmet (I wear glasses) appreciated. Also any good experiences buying these online?



Thanks, Steve.

[slngsht]

Steve, they do have loaner helmets... Just pull a nylon stocking over your head and use their helmet http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif



I ordered my helmet online, but I opted for a bike helmet with a flip jaw. You will need a Snell rated helmet.

[Al Navarro]

My Schuberth Motorcycle helmet does not have a Snell sticker (that I can see), but Schuberth made Michael Schumacher's lid so hopefully that will be acceptable.

[Birkin42]

I find the fit of a helmet very important and can very considerably from brand to brand and even models within a brand. I'd recommend you go to a place where you can try on a helmet and see how it fits. When you find what you like, you then can shop around for deals on the net or buy it locally.

If the helmet doesn't fit right, particularly if it is too loose, it may not offer the protection it was intended to.

[slngsht]

I find the fit of a helmet very important and can very considerably from brand to brand and even models within a brand. I'd recommend you go to a place where you can try on a helmet and see how it fits. When you find what you like, you then can shop around for deals on the net or buy it locally.

If the helmet doesn't fit right, particularly if it is too loose, it may not offer the protection it was intended to.



http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/iagree.gif

The helmet I bought online is a little too tight. OK for short use, but little too tight to be comfortable for a long drive.

[stevet]

Mazda, the last time I wore a nylon stocking on my head...



sorry, wrong topic http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif



Good advice - especially about trying on first. There's a big Motorsports distribution center near here - I'll see if I can go up there and try a few on. They don't have retail there, but I know the owner, so maybe can arrange a 'fitting'

[drew...]

guys - none of the helmets that have the chin protection pivot/ open in the front pass the Snell requirements. They pass DOT but not Snell.

[slngsht]

guys - none of the helmets that have the chin protection pivot/ open in the front pass the Snell requirements. They pass DOT but not Snell.



That's correct. I was implying in my post that I opted for flip jaw's comfort, rather than a snell helmet, but I guess I wasn't clear enough.

[Boxologist]

definitely need to test fit. some heltes will have the Snell sticker inside the helment under the padding stating the actual designation.



the thread in National says they need SA helmets, but the ETR SCCA guidelines ask for SA/M passing helmets. some clarification would be a great for those who haven't purchased yet.

[Al Navarro]

Box-For clarification, here's the reference from that thread, which mentions both types:



Helmets: Required to wear a Snell 95 or later SM or SA certified helmet. ETR (Eastern Tennessee Region...the sponsoring chapter) will have loaners available. DOT certifications are not recognized.

[WestTexasS2K]

Although sizes vary from one company to the next, each company usually has ways to measure your head to size their helmets. I bought a really nice M2000 helmet on ebay that was a new discountinued model that normally sold for 400.00 I paid 60.00. Most DE weekends and Autox will let you run with a M model helmet. If you do get into wheel to wheel then most require an SA rated helmet. But there is plenty of them on ebay too. With the event still a few months out you have a little time to look around and find a good deal. I only looked at full face helmets but there are alot of open face helmets that are very reasonable.

[Al Navarro]

For even more clarification: SA = Auto and SM = Motorcycle



You can get a Bell M4 open face for under $300, but I find that the dust really gets me sneezing and my eyes itching...so I'm going to try and find a good inexpensive full face. Or take my chances with the loaners and a stocking. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/blush5.gif



Oh, and I know that the Pyrotect helmets are brought in by the former Bell people, so I think they won't be terrible. A preferred helmet supplier would be a good resource for club members (and of course, we should try and negoiate a club discount of some kind)...I'll reach out to the two from whom I've bought: Extremesupply.com and Pyrotect/Bellhelmets.com. Both in California.



Anyone have a good East coast source for helmets (one that you've bought from before)?<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2007-04-10 04:28:04</editDate></edited>

[stevet]

Boxologist is right. I just looked under the padding on my old Bell and there was the Snell sticker! Unfortunately the expiry date for motorsports on said helmet is 1991, so I guess I still need a new one.



Al. I'm going down to the local distributor I mentioned later this week. He's offered me his distributor price which is about 22% below retail - do you want me to see if they would do us some kind of group rate?



Steve.<edited><editID>stevet</editID><editDate>2007-04-10 06:14:45</editDate></edited>

[slngsht]

Group rate would be nice http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

[Deman USA]

I was wondering about the Bell K-1 Sport. I just picked one up and got it airbrushed. I will post pics later tonight.

[Boxologist]

oh hell, time to start looking at helmets with intercom setups then!

[Deman USA]

heres my helmet i just finished. What do you guys think. If any of yu want to get yours airbrushed, Mike over at Razorimage.com can do yours any way you want.

[Deman USA]

sorry. here they are

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g285/Grkmf3/h3.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g285/Grkmf3/h1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g285/Grkmf3/h2.jpg

[stevet]

Sweet.

[Al Navarro]

Steve-



You're talking about CDOC...right? If so, yes, please inquire about getting a club discount and how to do that (what "secret password" do members have to say when ordering)?



Logging on for a little while this AM here at Tapoco while the family gets ready.

[stevet]

Yes, Al, CDOC. Probably makes sense to see if we could get some kind of general club discount rather than one just for Helmets... I'm going up there later today.