lopro

Im looking to buy a helmet, Id like it to be around a while

Which do you guys recomend?

early_grayce

Lots of thread on this, please search and read up.
My basic rules?
It's your head, don't cut corners and cheap out.
Lighter/carbon fibre = more expensive = less neck strain/fatigue. Not essential but something to consider
Oval head (longer front to back) = Arai or Stilo
Round head = pretty much all the others, although Stilo should fit as well
You have to try them on before buying. No way around it.
Snell 2010 is the current standard, and will be ok for at least a few more years
I have an Arai GP-5 which is great, but just bought a nice Stilo which I prefer.

roberga

What Rob said. Has to fit.

P.J.S.

Not a motorcycle helmet

lopro

very good info, thanks

BBMGT3

Would even consider getting one with the HANS holes ready.

But what e_g said - although I might not go for the $3K carbon fibre options, definitely make sure its Snell2010 rated.

lopro

my local shop seems to only have sa2005 - is this old?

they have in carbon stilo st4f1 8860 or st4 carbon both for $895 canadian ` is this cheep ?

weight is 1.3 is this about right?

BBMGT3

1.3kg is about right

but don't get sa2005. Get sa2010. Go to Arai or Bell helmets online and order it. $895 for a carbon helmet is dirt cheap, but something is not right; a proper carbon fibre helmet is impossible to be less than $2k US.

lopro

it seems they are trying to clear them out because they are sa2005 but I coule be wrong

ill wait and call them tomorrow and see what they say about stock an pricing

early_grayce

Don't get a sa2005. Useless, many clubs won't accept it. You need a Snell 2010.

Good point above, get one that's upgradable to equip a Hans, e.g. pre-drilled holes.

On Pole

Arai GP-6

mdrums

Rob nailed it with fitments...BTW...love that Speed Merchants PDK race car...you guys going to be back to the 48hrs race at Sebring?

Arai, Stilo, Bell all make great helmets but I have also recently looked at some of the high grade carbon HJC helmets and was impressed.

My tip to add to these other great tips is to buy a helmet that has removable inner padding so that you can wash and clean it. Also get a balacava to wear to help with the sweat.

lopro

I found this thread today called " Helmet ****, R Rated!" and I must admit it was interesting.
am having a hardtime getting the direct link (not sure why but its not coming up in the address bar)

I was thinking since the reviews are top notch I would be interested in getting a job done,
would it be best to order a helmet from this guy and get it done as appose to buying one local and sending it in??
http://www.censportgfx.com/store_arai.html
I was thinking of choosing one of these in the link above

but then i found this also. I am scared to order online because I dont know the correct fitment

http://www.rallynuts.com/motorsport-...ll-sa2010.html

so im not sure what I should do interms of being sure it fits before buying. That's top quality graphics work tho

JoshuaB

There is nothing wrong with sa2005 helmets, they will be within minimum standards for at least 5 more years.

http://www.pca.org/portals/0/images/...g_RuleBook.pdf

Excerpt from the 2011 PCA Club Racing Rules:

Helmets must be certified in accordance with one of the following standards: SNELL SA2000, SNELL SA2005, Snell SA2010 or SAH2010, FIA 8860-2004, SFI 31.1, or BS6658-85 type A/FR. As of June 1, 2011, Snell SA2000 helmets will no longer be allowed. Helmets certified to specifications other than Snell must be within 10 years of the date of manufacture. Helmets must have the driver’s name on the rear and have the approved PCA Club Racing Inspection sticker displayed on the left side. It is recommended that helmets be replaced or relined after 5 years of actual use.



PCA DE Minimum Standards references the Club Racing Rules, http://www.pca.org/Activities/Driver...Standards.aspx

Excerpt from the minimum standards:
Clothing: All car occupants must wear a Snell approved helmet, which has the current available Snell rating or the one previous Snell rating. Other helmets are acceptable if they are approved for PCA Club Racing. Footwear must be enclosed, non-slip, with a relatively smooth sole. Hiking type deep lugged soles are not acceptable. If the entrant chooses to wear a driving suit, it must be one that is approved for PCA Club Racing.


The SCCA GCR (general competition rules) also has a 10 year life to helmet ratings...

Nick Wong

SA 2005 certs should be fine for most DE events, at least those that use current and one prior certification (I've never been in a DE or race series that didn't).

Depending on how often you use your helmet it will last 4 months or 5 years. On average I wouldn't use a helmet beyond 100 days of use because the foam breaks down from contaminants (sweat, oil etc). I would never wear a helmet without a balaclava.

Personally I have one current cert and one prior at all times, one with a wide eye port and one with a regular one. Since 1998 I've gone through about eight helmets, one Stand 21 and the rest Arais.

I wouldn't get a helmet that flexed from hand pressure. First generation Sparco helmets did that. Some of the current offerings like Zamp I would also stay away from, but that's me.

As for painting helmets there are lots of choices.