911vet

I posted this in the Racing/DE forum but all my buddies are here, so I want your opinions too.

I'm sliding down the slippery slope and ready to buy a helmet.

I used an open face at the DE and liked it, but want the protection of a full face. For that reason, the Bell S2R appeals to me. I'm also considering the Bell M4 and the HJC AR-10.

I'll be wearing contacts and sunglasses.
Here are my 3 choices... I welcome any and all opinions on these. Thanks!

Bell S2R, Bell M4, and HJC AR-10

Marty916

Car application may be somewhat different from the motorcycle world that I'm more familiar with but there are some general rules of thumb to consider. The size of the opening in full face helmets vary between manufacturers. Some limit peripheral vision and can interfere with glasses. Ventilation also varies around the face shield area, some helmets tend to fog up more than others. Fit is critical for long term comfort. This is subjective and depends on which helmet works best on your particular melon. Arai has a good selection for various head shapes. You don't want a loose fit, the helmet will rotate on you at speed. The liner will also loosen up after a few hours of wear so a bit tight when new is ok. It should not be able to be rotated off your head in a forward direction with the strap cinched tight. Weight can be very different between helmets. Removable and washable liners are a must unless you have no sense of smell. Look for a DOT sticker at the minimum. Snell certification is even better. Most of these points can be checked while trying helmets out at the vendor but I suggest getting input from any other motorcycle friends and folks on this board. Helmet performance can be very different at speed from manufacturer to manufacturer. The biggest suggestion I can offer is to don't go cheap. The old saying holds true "$10 helmet, $10 head.."

911vet

I'm having difficulty finding any to try on. Seems the local shops are all defering to the internet and no longer stock much. Can't find anyone who has HJC here.

I've ruled them out. Eyeports seem small except for the 5W model. They begin where my budget ends.

The HJC has that. The Bells I've selected do not.

I'm only considering sa2005 so I can drive at (most) any DE I want.

Thanks for the input.

VroomGrrl

Do they have auto supply vendors selling stuff at the events you attend? I did a little online shopping for a helmet, but once I found a few I thought I'd like, I checked with a particular vendor I knew would be at NASA-SE events (in this case, discoveryparts.com, no affiliation!). They had decent prices, so I emailed to be sure they'd have a decent selection on hand at the next event. They had their full trailer set up for the event, and I was able to try helmets on, select one, and buy it on the spot.

Look at the sponsor listings for the events you do, or coming events you can attend in any capacity - even if just to buy a helmet. Hopefully Discovery or some other "general store"-type auto sports vendor will be at an event you can attend and do some looking & trying on. Happy shopping!

PS the helmet I ended up selecting was a Bell Sport Full Face, #BEL-5408

PPS fitting tips I was given when trying on - your mileage may vary, I'm no expert, disclaimer yadda yadda: with the helmet buckled securely, hold it at the nape of your neck and try to pull it over your head from the back - if you can slip it far enough for the top edge of the eyeport to cover your eyes, it's too loose. Hold it at the sides and attempt to rotate in either direction side to side - if you can get it far enough around for either side to cover either eye, it's too loose

g-50cab

http://www.zampoutlet.com/

I have the Bell S2R - a little freebreeze and you are A-OK. Really to me the nomex smells worse than any body odor. The bigger openings are a plus. I'll probably buy my next helmet from zamp.

MUSSBERGER

If mine was a little older I'dtake a hard look at one of these

http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/p...8&prod_id=8489

radvan

Shannon,
As already mentioned, nothing beats being able to try on different helmets. You may get lucky with fitment off the Internet, but you won't know what you are missing, and in the worst case you'll be laboring with an uncomfortable fit. Even if it takes a trip to a vendor, it's probably worth it.

I don't have removable lining in my current helmet, but I do have a few washable balaclava's (head sock) that protect the lining from sweat.

Most clubs require Snell certification for helmets and I wouldn't consider one without it. Current standard is SA2005 for car applications. Although the M2005 standard - for motorcycles - is accepted by some clubs, I'd still recommend a SA2005 helmet to avoid potential problems.
Good Luck.

911vet

Thanks for the input. There are no dealers for the HJC anywhere near me. And I am even having trouble finding the Bells to try on.
Though it's great advice to try before I buy, I won't have the luxury.

All the helmets I'm considering are sa2005. I have it narrowed down to the three I listed above based on my research, weight, etc. I'll just take a chance on one and hope for the best.

Thanks everyone.

VroomGrrl

Well it's not exactly true that you can't try on a selection. You can do like I do when I order shoes from Zappos.com (mind you, their free shipping makes this painless) - order a selection, try them on, keep the one you want, and return the rest. Yes, it's a pain, but as long as you don't get hurt too badly on shipping, not a bad way to "shop" in the comfort of your own living room. Or garage!

JV911

you might be able to find a package deal somewhere i.e suit, gloves, boots and helmet...might save some $$$ in the long run

try and try again. i wouldnt buy anything without trying it on as fit for a given size varies between brands and even styles.

Marty916

As mentioned before, I've noticed a distinct lack of helmets and gear to try on at the various car speed shops I've visited but I did run across a fairly good selection at a roundy round specialist a while back. The dirt guys seem to have more to offer in regards to equipment that one can actually try on for fit/function. You might look around and see if there is a similar circle track specialist shop near you. You might also consider contacting Bell corporate and ask if they have a distributor in your area that has their helmets in stock. They are located in Santa Cruz Ca. just over the hill from me. I could follow up with them for you if you need assistance.

911vet

Marty: good suggestions. I called one of the local Bell dealerships. He only has the BR1 in med and lg to try on. It's getting pretty crazy. Everyone says they don't stock them in the showroom anymore. They just oder them when they need them.

The internet has all but ruined brick and mortar shops, I think. Yeah - I'm the most guilty of all, I order off the internet all the time.

I may just order the HJC from OG Racing. If it doesn't fit, I pay return shipping but no restock fees.

911vet

Good suggestion, but I already have gloves and Piloti Spyders. Wow, those shoes are great. My athletic shoes often caught on things other than the pedal. Very annoying. The Pilotis are perfect.