SuperCarrera

Hey all -- I'm brand new to RennList.

I'm about to buy my first helmet and could really use some feedback regarding two Bieffe styles I'm considering (the Integral GT and the Predator).

I would greatly appreciate anyone "out there" with personal experience with either of these giving me some input. I'm "locked" into just Bieffe as this was a Christmas gift that I am upgrading (I received an "M" rated helmet) and the dealer where it was purchased only carries Bieffe automotive helmets.

As an "FYI", I am starting in closed roof racing only in my Carrera (autocross, DE, and then possibly SCCA/Club Racing), live in the south central Florida area (heat/humidity), and would like to possibly get into go-kart racing at some point in the future (are goggles even an option with the Integral or should I just plan to get a full closed face helmet if/when I get serious about carts?). My main concern/priority is having as cool/comfortable a helmet as possible while covering the needed safety/drivability issues.

Thanks...

Bill Gregory

Tim,

Get an SA2000-rated helmet and go try the helmets you are considering on. They all fit differently.

tasracer

if your budget allows get a non visor helmet w/ a wide eyeport for autox and club events... then if you go Karting get a GOOD full face helmet... when you think about price range and your budget ask yourself "how much is my head really worth"

DTFASTBEAR

I have the Predator and I love it. I've been using it primarily for autocrossing (I have a cabriolet)and karting, but will be using it for DE this season.

I've been doing quite a bit of indoor karting with the helmet recently, and it gets hot on the track, but I doubt as hot or humid as South Central Florida! The liner soaks up sweat nicely and isn't too difficult to clean.

I'd highly recommend the Predator, but Bill is right, you have to try one on to be sure it fits your head correctly.

My two cents regarding the "How much is your head worth" argument... All well rated helmets will offer about the same protection - the more expensive ones (typically) are just a lot lighter. Don't think that you HAVE to spend $500 to get a safe helmet and don't think that because a helmet costs more that it is safer.

Have fun,

Dean

SuperCarrera

Thanks for the input -- I agree with the "consensus" and have decided to get a non-visor helmet (the Integral GT) for my current and forseeable future participation in autocross and DE.

If/when I get seriously into any open cockpit racing and/or any series requiring a fire suit, roll bar, etc., I'll invest in a quality full visor helmet as part of the overall safety upgrade.

On another note -- does anyone on this forum know if indoor go-kart racing has made its way to central or south Florida?

Rob/RSA

I love my Predator, very happy with it. I was at Watkins Glenn last year; When its hot I drive with the visor open, and somthing (a bug?) flew into my eye, at about 90mph, now I pull the visor down enough to at least cover my eyes. Somthing to think about.