Cory M

If you like the fit of the Bell but want to spend under $300 take a look at Pyrotech.

Moogle

yes, why would you settle for anything less...

viperbob

Also check out www.helmetcity.com

Cowhorn

I am getting close to making a decision. It's between Bell and Pyrotect. I really like my Snell 95 Bell M2, but I see these prices on the Pyrotect helmets and wonder what the differences are between the two brands. Anybody have any experience with both?

Cory M

From what I understand the Pyrotech helmets are made by Bell. The vents and shield hardware are the same on the M2 and the Pyro. I don't believe there is much of a difference between the two (aside from how the breathing vents look), the price difference is most likely due to the Bell name. There is a difference between the high-end Bell helmets (like the Vortex) and the Pyro (weight, lining material, hardware, quality, etc) but that is why they cost half as much.

Another affordable brand that you can check out is G-Force, I know a few people who really like their helmets but I haven't used one personally.

Austin

Bell does make the Pyrotech line, it's their lower price label. I hate my Pyrotech helmet. Vent ports fell out, shield folds up too high and hits the roof and it's frigging uncomfortable. I'm all about the Stand21, best tin-top race helmet ever.

Austin

viperbob

For sedan driving I like a wide eye port. I do not wear glasses, but I like to see what is around me. The M2 has a pretty narrow port. Not that is bad or anything. A lot of people like it.

Cory M

Apples and oranges:

You can buy 4 Pyrotech helmets for the cost of one Stand 21 helmet (and have cash leftover!). The original post is asking about helmets that are under $300, so I think Stand 21 was crossed off of the list a long time ago. My Pyrotech helmet is holding up fine after 40+ track days.

Helmet fit is critical and some brands just won't fit your head comfortably. I can't wear a Simpson helmet for this reason, others don't like Bell, etc. It is important to try before you buy, even if it means taking a road trip to a shop that has a good supply of helmets in stock.

vegasgolf98

FWIW,

I recommend the Stand 21 due to its light weight. That's important when you're pulling a lot of G's. It is also very comfortable. The others are too heavy. The Arai would be my second choice. Look this is an expensive sport, buy the best helmet you can afford. Your head is worth it!!

mooty

vegas, i am in absolute agreement.
stand 21 (especially that oh hell so nice carbon fiber looking one, at 1800 bux)
arai is next.

Moogle

wow - is that paint, or a thin layer of CF Over the actual helmet

mooty

i think it's painted. but you got to see it.
i was glad that it was the wrong size for me. else, i would have irrationally taken it home, like all my other irrational purchases ;-)

Cowhorn

Just a little update from the original poster. I decided to go with a Bell M2 because that is the same helmet I bought in 1998 (with a Snell 95 rating) and I really liked the fit. So I received the new Bell M2 in the mail and tried it on. I doesn't fit anything like the old M2. Very loose compared to the Snell 95 version. I had ordered the old M2 in a 7 1/4 (58cm) size which translated into a generic "medium" in the new model, and the fit is nowhere nearly as precise. So back it goes for a "small" which will probably be too tight, right?

BTW, the vendor explained to me that Bell acquired Pyrotec years ago when Pyrotec was making mainly racing suits. Bell then began marketing helmets under the Pyrotec name, and after Bell sold off Pyrotec, Pyrotec continued making helmets based on Bell designs. The big difference is that Bell helmets are made in the USA, and Pyrotecs are made in China. At least that is what I was told by the vendor.