VECCA

I am getting ready for my first track day in the GT3. Any suggestions on what to look for and where to go? I live in the South Bay area of Southern California.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

earlyapex

Ideally, you should try on as many helmets as possible as each manufacturer has their own ideas on how our heads are shaped. I've got a Bell M3 which fits snugly and is fairly light. My only complaints are that Bell has a cheap face shield hinge mechanism and the material that they use to line the opening of the helmet where it meats the shield falls apart with time. I've tried on G-force and HJC helmets and found them to be quite comfortable. They are very economical. I could not get comfortable in a Stand 21. I've heard many good reviews of the Arai GP5-K so I'll be off to Wine Country Motorsports to try on a few.

rockitman

Stand 21 F21 Double Duty(HANS ready and is the lightest on the market). Try Wine Country Motorsports out of Sonoma. They are knowlegeable and offer great service. That's where I got mine.
no affiliation: http://www.winecountrymotorsports.com/

VECCA

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, that's a little too far for me. I'm about 300 miles from Sonoma. I'm near LAX.

4 Kurves

Helmets are definately a personal thing as far as fit is concerned and like others have mentioned trying them on is of great benefit.

When it comes to fit and finish (and probably safety although I cannot for sure attest to that) nothing in my book beat Arai. In particular the Arai GP-5.

I've raced motorcycles much of my adult life (about 40 years - gulp) and over the years have used (an dbeen sponsored by) almost every major brand. Nothing, nothing fits me better or is better made then Arai. This brand is more expensive and of lower volume (I think most of the work is hand done) then most but it is worth it. Only Shoei (another Japanese brand) comes close in the motorcycle world - and Arai seems superior in the autoracing world.

BTW - while I can claim to be connected with the glove world I have no afillation with Arai or any other helmet company. I bought my GP-5 on-line for $909. I still have a Bell M2 but haven't worn it since I got the Arai.
-Kevin

vegasgolf98

Try Sube sports in Huntington Beach. I got my Stand 21 DD there. I recommend it or the Arai.

Nice paint job Kevin!!! DOG!

edit: I just remembered that the Racers shop in Redondo Beach also carries stand 21.

mooty

i have bell m3, waiting for 05 helmet.
i have seen many eye shields with poor pivoting mechanism and the lens will not stay up after 30 track days or so. i don't mind spending more money to protect my head, sound like stand 21 and arai are the one's to try?

what about sparco?

4 Kurves

Self-portrait?


"Goin' To the Dogs" is my wife's pet sitting business. I claim her as a sponsor (indirectly - hahaha). Her income did actually pay for my RS wing!

rockitman

they are very good from what I understand.

4 Kurves

Shield mechanism is excellent on the Arai.

Another cool thing about the Arai is that it is pre-drilled for the HANS. Don't know if that is true of the Stand 21 but it wasn't of my Bell M2.

mooty

thanks for the info, i will goto winecountry motorsport to chk them out.

VECCA

Thanks everyone. I like the looks of the Arai (for what ever that's worth). I'll go and try a few on in person.

stevewashburn

4 Kurves I love your paint job. Who did it?. Does anyone else have recommendations on helmet painters?

Thanks

Steve

ltcjmramos

I use a full-faced Arai on my motorcycle, and have for about 40 years (a new one every 3 years). I used the same helmet when I started autocrossing in '86, and when I started tracking in '94. However, for the last 3 years for the track I have been using a Bell MAG 5 open-faced unit. I know it doesn't offer the same level of protection as a full-faced helmet, but I just find it so much more comfortable, especially when it's 104 deg air temp.

RevUrGT3

I used Bell for several years and I just bought an Arai... I likely a lot!!!