ivangene

My approach was to buy an ARAI full faced helmet on sale, use it a couple times and re-sell it for a net loss of only a few bucks and some time. I would have a new helmet to wear. This only works on high end helmets as getting money out of low end stuff doesnt normaly work...

This plan went well till I descided to keep the helmet and use it more ! ! ! LOL

red911c2

Very informative thread. I'm planning to go to my first DE (Hallett) in May and I'll need a helmet too.

jyoteen

make sure you TRY the helmet on before purchasing. Different brands have different fitments. Since I have a huge head, I find Simpson helmets to fit me more comfortable.

If you wear glasses, that is also a consideration as motor racing helmets have smaller eyeports (full face)

Dave-ROR

Bell and Simpson both fit me well enough, the few Arai's I've tried haven't been that great although I couldn't find any of their SA helmets to try on. HJC never seem to fit right to me either.

If you are going to be wearing a head sock, test fit the helmet while wearing the head sock, it likely won't make a difference in helmets that are in XS/S/M/L/XL type sizes, but can in Helmets that use hat sizing instead (since the differences between each size is a lot smaller).

Make sure you attach the chin strap and tighten it correctly, then make sure that the helmet fits, won't come off, isn't too loose, etc.

Even with the chin strap attached, I can yank a XL HJC off my head, obviously not a good thing if I were to get in a wreck with it on.

I'm currently using a Bell M4 Pro, and would suggest the M4/M4 Pro for anyone that wears glasses (it has a big eyeport) if the Bell helmets fit you.

Also, if you plan on using a head and neck restraint system it can be easier to have the manufacturer of the helmet install the attachment points for you, for HANS attachments some manufacturers already include them as a standard option (some may even be included by default now.. not sure).

Dutchie in NC

Ok, after reading all the posts, and browsing the web for a couple of days... I decided to buy a helmet. Dell's advice and insight was very helpful and made me put things in perspective... I am spending money to drive a $100K car around a track, I am buying new tires and flushing the brakes, but should I go cheap on protecting my head...?? Would be a clear cut case of penny wise and pound foolish!!!

Hence I decided to buy the right helmet and get an SA certified versus the M certified.

At the winter track seminar I did last weekend, someone told me to drive up to Mooresville (20 miles North of Charlotte) and go to the Simpson race shop. I did that this evening and bought a Simpson Voyager helmet... normally $379, but got it for $200. Snell SA2005 rated and a special custom paint... silver/grey metallic, just like my car!

Thanks again to all and especially Dell.

skxf430

If you are looking for a helmet, I have a white Arai GP5W in size large and SA rated that I am selling. I have worn the helmet just once and is in new condition. I purchased it for over $950 and will sell it for $500.

Thanks

Dutchie in NC

I'm all set now... I should be good until 2015 with this helmet.

Thundertub

Smart move Dutchie. Enjoy your DE, and your safety. I hope that after your first DE that you will decide that buying a good helmet was the best thing, since you'll want to use it more and more.

rotokim

What a great deal on that Simpson helmet - I thought I got a deal at $250! Way to go, Dutchie.

Bob

redridge

Nice Dutchie... get a good night sleep the day before DE (if you can). But I bet you'll have better sleep the next day. DE can be exhausting!

Dutchie in NC

For those that live in this area, I believe the Simpson store in Mooresville can give you some real good deals