Current helmet recommendations for a beginner?
03-23-2006, 05:52 PM
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Current helmet recommendations for a beginner?
I've been borrowing one for track events that's a bit too big, so I want to buy a reasonably priced helmet that fits, and will be my own.
ACNA is having an informational event next weekend at HMS Motorsports in Peabody, MA. They'll be offering discounts on lots of items, including helmets I believe.
Rather than the usual "spend as much as you can; it's your head" comments, how about some suggestions about features and affordable helmets. I see that HMS carries a bunch of Bell helmets, and a couple of Simpson ones too.
I really can't afford to spend more than about $400 on this. I'd like to get the new SA2005 rating if possible, as well as HANS mounts for when I eventually can afford one of those (unless mounts can be added at a later date). I also would like a full-face design, rather than an open face. I like my teeth ;^)
I'd also be interested in some affordable glove recommendations.
Comments? Thanks.<ul><li><a href="http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/store/racing-apparel">HMS helmets</a></li></ul>
ACNA is having an informational event next weekend at HMS Motorsports in Peabody, MA. They'll be offering discounts on lots of items, including helmets I believe.
Rather than the usual "spend as much as you can; it's your head" comments, how about some suggestions about features and affordable helmets. I see that HMS carries a bunch of Bell helmets, and a couple of Simpson ones too.
I really can't afford to spend more than about $400 on this. I'd like to get the new SA2005 rating if possible, as well as HANS mounts for when I eventually can afford one of those (unless mounts can be added at a later date). I also would like a full-face design, rather than an open face. I like my teeth ;^)
I'd also be interested in some affordable glove recommendations.
Comments? Thanks.<ul><li><a href="http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/store/racing-apparel">HMS helmets</a></li></ul>
03-23-2006, 06:08 PM
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$319 seems to be the average pricing for that one.
Think it's worth a try even though it's due for a re-design by 2007?
Is it tough to paint these things? I don't like white. I was thinking some decent spraypaint followed by a spray-on clearcoat.
Is it tough to paint these things? I don't like white. I was thinking some decent spraypaint followed by a spray-on clearcoat.
03-23-2006, 06:17 PM
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Check this link
<center><img src="http://www.pyrotect.com/product_image.php?imageid=32"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?productid=47&cat=0&page=1& featured">Pyrotect</a></li></ul>
03-23-2006, 07:11 PM
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HMS are good people, they know their crap.
I think you would be hard pressed to beat GForce prices on just about anything. Just so you know, when it comes to helmets there is no correlation between price and safety.
You shouldn't shy away from a SA2000 helmet. It'll likely be on discount since it's an old helmet and it's still good for 9 more years. The most important thing of course is to try a helmet on before you buy. Having the HMS guys there will insure that the helmet fits right and meets your needs.
You shouldn't shy away from a SA2000 helmet. It'll likely be on discount since it's an old helmet and it's still good for 9 more years. The most important thing of course is to try a helmet on before you buy. Having the HMS guys there will insure that the helmet fits right and meets your needs.
03-23-2006, 08:03 PM
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Re: HMS are good people, they know their crap.
Chris, i agree about the HMS guys knowing their stuff when it comes to safety equipment...
"I think you would be hard pressed to beat GForce prices on just about anything. Just so you know, when it comes to helmets there is no correlation between price and safety."
also agree that g-force is hard to beat for the money...as far as corellation between price and safety, yes all the SA rated helmets have to meet the SA standards but usually more expensive helmets are lighter, lighter helmets are safer...i chatted with some guys at RA last weekend that had stand21 helmets and i couldnt believe how light those things are...my bell vortex is lighter than some of the lower end bell helmets but stand21's seemed a LOT lighter than my helmet...
"You shouldn't shy away from a SA2000 helmet. It'll likely be on discount since it's an old helmet and it's still good for 9 more years." - i thought SA00 helmets were good through the end of 2010? SA05 helmets are good for another 9 years...regardless, if you use your helmet with any regularity, i would recommend replacing it every 5 years anyways (helmets are a very minor expense in the grand scheme)
"The most important thing of course is to try a helmet on before you buy." absolutely! try on as many different brands/models as you can, then buy the best fitting and lightest helmet your budget allows...
as far as hans posts go, you can always add them later if you dont want to do it now...
"I think you would be hard pressed to beat GForce prices on just about anything. Just so you know, when it comes to helmets there is no correlation between price and safety."
also agree that g-force is hard to beat for the money...as far as corellation between price and safety, yes all the SA rated helmets have to meet the SA standards but usually more expensive helmets are lighter, lighter helmets are safer...i chatted with some guys at RA last weekend that had stand21 helmets and i couldnt believe how light those things are...my bell vortex is lighter than some of the lower end bell helmets but stand21's seemed a LOT lighter than my helmet...
"You shouldn't shy away from a SA2000 helmet. It'll likely be on discount since it's an old helmet and it's still good for 9 more years." - i thought SA00 helmets were good through the end of 2010? SA05 helmets are good for another 9 years...regardless, if you use your helmet with any regularity, i would recommend replacing it every 5 years anyways (helmets are a very minor expense in the grand scheme)
"The most important thing of course is to try a helmet on before you buy." absolutely! try on as many different brands/models as you can, then buy the best fitting and lightest helmet your budget allows...
as far as hans posts go, you can always add them later if you dont want to do it now...
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03-24-2006, 05:22 AM
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Another link for information: discussion about helmet fit from racers...
Everybody's head is a bit different: narrow or wide, etc.
Best idea is to try on a few different brands. Also, leave the helmet on for 5 - 10 minutes, take it off in front of a mirror and see where the pressure points are(where your skin is red).<ul><li><a href="http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16186">Click here</a></li></ul>
Best idea is to try on a few different brands. Also, leave the helmet on for 5 - 10 minutes, take it off in front of a mirror and see where the pressure points are(where your skin is red).<ul><li><a href="http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16186">Click here</a></li></ul>
03-24-2006, 06:26 AM
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several things to look for...
first of all fit...not every brand will fit comfortably and not every "large" or "7-3/8" size will fit correctly. Also dont forget to try it on with a Ballaclava if you ever plan on racing or wear one at the track.
Secondly, weight. Heavy helmets suck for obvious reasons and IMHO it's not worth $100, $200 or even $500 to have to "lug" around a particularly heavy helmet.
Third: quality. Cheap helmets are cheap...look at the details and you'll see why they're cheap. Will the protect you the same? Well the Snell test says so but if the rivet holding the strap isn't flush (as it wasn't on a Simpson helmet I got) then what are the odds that thing is going to hold up in an accident? If the liner is already slipping out, the paint is flawed, the mouldings are crooked...how carefully was that thing assembled and how well will that particular unit survive in a crash?
$300-400 helmets are at the top end of "cheap" and you may find a combination that fits perfectly, has decent "lightness" and is put together well...try to look at and try on as many brands as you can. IMHO Bell and Simpson's quality has gone into the toilet. They went from the world leaders in racing helmets to 3rd rate old-fashioned low quality junk. I know that's a strong statement but I wouldn't buy another Simpson product and the Bell stuff I've tried pales in comparison to the quality of what they were making in the 80s.
Secondly, weight. Heavy helmets suck for obvious reasons and IMHO it's not worth $100, $200 or even $500 to have to "lug" around a particularly heavy helmet.
Third: quality. Cheap helmets are cheap...look at the details and you'll see why they're cheap. Will the protect you the same? Well the Snell test says so but if the rivet holding the strap isn't flush (as it wasn't on a Simpson helmet I got) then what are the odds that thing is going to hold up in an accident? If the liner is already slipping out, the paint is flawed, the mouldings are crooked...how carefully was that thing assembled and how well will that particular unit survive in a crash?
$300-400 helmets are at the top end of "cheap" and you may find a combination that fits perfectly, has decent "lightness" and is put together well...try to look at and try on as many brands as you can. IMHO Bell and Simpson's quality has gone into the toilet. They went from the world leaders in racing helmets to 3rd rate old-fashioned low quality junk. I know that's a strong statement but I wouldn't buy another Simpson product and the Bell stuff I've tried pales in comparison to the quality of what they were making in the 80s.
03-24-2006, 06:31 AM
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you have to be careful...
about sanding and painting helmets. Not every type of paint is compatible with the fiberglass and gelcoat and in some cases you can etch or even soften the structural finish with the incompatible chemicals.
The manufuacturer has or supplies information about safe painting procedures...I used to paint helmets and it's a pain in the butt...harder to paint a helmet well than half a car.
Not saying you can't, just saying treat that thing like a relatively delicate safety device that can be compromised by careless handling or exposure to incompatible chemicals.
The manufuacturer has or supplies information about safe painting procedures...I used to paint helmets and it's a pain in the butt...harder to paint a helmet well than half a car.
Not saying you can't, just saying treat that thing like a relatively delicate safety device that can be compromised by careless handling or exposure to incompatible chemicals.