meteor10

Maybe this question belongs in the racing forum, but I am looking for suggestions as to what helmet to buy. I want to try a DE but do not know how deep I will get into track driving so I don't want to necessarily buy the best helmet out there but one that is adequate. Any suggestions as to brand or rating and cost and where to buy would be helpful. I assume it is best to try it on before buying so I am thinking online buying is out but maybe not. Thanks

orthojoe

A good helmet that won't break the bank is the HJC-AR10. That's what I use, and many other friends too.

fhp911

ditto to orthojoe's comment

stevecolletti

Try them on until you find one that fits properly; that's the critically important thing. Some people can use anyone's helmet; some (like me) will find their body limits them to 1 or 2 brands/models.

pdxjim

And lighter is better.

http://stilo-usa.com/helmets

Alan Smithee

My advice - before buying an "adequate" helmet for your first DE, try to borrow one to see if it is a hobby you are going to pursue. Some schools have 'loaners' (in which case, I would buy a helmet sock - sticking your bare head into a helmet sweaty from somebody else is nasty).

If/when you are hooked on track days, invest in a good helmet. I went from a relatively cheap and heavy Bell to a relatively light and expensive Arai, and the difference is big. You absolutely need to try on different brands, models, and sizes - like shoes, they all fit differently.

the_vetman

Alan is absolutely right. You don't want to spend a whole bunch of money then realize that DE or autocross aren't for you.

You'll need a Snell-certified helmet. Get Snell 2010. Most, but not all, regions allow motorcycle helmets (i.e. M2010). Motorcycle helmets are cheaper, but may limit your future options if you end up getting hooked.

Auto helmets are SA2010 or SAH2010 (HANS-ready). For a very good helmet at a ridiculously low price (relatively speaking), search for Zamp FSA-2. May or may not be backordered. Note that they run LARGE.

Schmidts Cat

As stated above. All brands fit differently. Some work for me... many just don't fit right. Go to a shop, not on-line.

fhp911

I agree completely -- do NOT buy online since you won't be able to try on several of them for good fit.

As for lightness, I do not feel this is important for starting DE. Sessions last only 20-30 minutes; you won't be harmed by a heavier one -- and as in all things racing, lightness costs money.

pdxjim

I bought my carbon fiber Stilo online. Used their measurement system and everything was fine. Closest dealer was in Seattle so took the chance. On the weight issue, if one should ever be in an incident, one wants the least amount of weight on the head decelerating.

stevecolletti

I bought my CF Stilo online (Apex RL-supporter PCA-discount) after trying one on at the Monterey Historics. Most online dealers will take it back if it doesn't fit, but that only makes sense when you know that a particular manufacturer/model will fit, but are unsure about sizing.

Lighter is always better, but only critical when you crash... then any weight is multiplied by the number of Gs your body is subjected to during the crash deceleration - so any reduction can become significant.

fhp911

hmmmm. re lightness, i can understand that "lighter is ... only critical when you crash", BUT how does HANS-like protection minimize the meaning and consequence of the lightness (or heaviness)?

stevecolletti

Hans controls where the loads go, it can't change the loads.

You're 100% right on lightness costing dollars that multiply as fast or faster, too.

zedcat

Yep, fit is critical. I considered HJC, Bell and Arai for my first SA helmet. Arai fit me best (which is what I had for motorcyling). HJC make good helmets, I just don't fit. I really like my GP-5W. Price no object, I would look at Stand 21 in vintage Martini livery.

stevecolletti

Stand 21 will build to fit, too.