J-RAD

Does anyone have a good connection for helmets? I am looking for a new helmet (Snell 00). I'm not interested in buying the "top of the line" (i.e. lightest weight, best ventilation, etc...) right now since I'm only doing a few DE events. Nonetheless, I obviously want a good quality helmet...and definately full face. The 3 leading options right now are the Bell M2, M3, and the Bieffe Predator. I'm open to other suggestions as well. I've found these with prices between $275 and $350, depending on the helmet of course. I really don't know if these are competitive prices or not. All three seem to be descent helmets and definately meet my current needs.

Carrera51

J-Rad:
The Bell M2 and M3 are both good helmets. The M2 has the larger eye opening which is good if you where glasses. The M3 is lighter than the M2.

If you can find a leftover SA95 helmet at a shop, buy it. The SA95s are good until 2005 and you could probably get a good deal. I replaced my M2 with an M3 last year because the 95 helmets were being sold at a discount. If you end up doing a lot of track driving, you will want to replace your helmet after about 3 seasons. Two reasons: 1) the padding will compress and the helmet will feel loose, 2) since nomex doesn't breath the padding will smell. I used my M2 for three seasons and now its a back up.

E. J. - 993 Alumni

J-Rad,

Call Jamie at <a href="http://www.ogracing.com" target="_blank">OG Racing</a> They carry all the Bell and Simpson helmets and have competitive pricing. They are a local PCA supporter and club racer as well, so you can keep it in the family.

E. J.

C4S

I got my helmet from these guys. They seem pretty reliable with competitive pricing (check the closeouts). Good luck.

<a href="http://www.racerwholesale.com/" target="_blank">Racer's Wholesale</a>

Z-man

My vote also goes to Racerwholesale. They have a wide variety, from G-force to Simpson.

Anyone have any experience with the G-Force SA helmets? I'm thinking of getting that as my next Kranium protector....

-Z.

KOAN

I agree that after 3 seasons or so, a well used helmet can be, eh...well used. I have a Bell M2, which I was going to replace for olfactory reasons. But I returned it to Bell, and, for $125.00, they completely re-lined it, and it fits and smells like new. For the long run, this is a great service. My next helmet will be a Bell for this reason, and for the fact that it fits so well. When considering which of these helmets to buy, try to try them on. The Bieffe, with a removable liner, didn't fit me as well as the Bell. The M2-Pro is a lightweight with a larger eye hole. I couldn't feel the difference in weight between the M2 and the M2-Pro. They are about $100.00 different. I also like to deal with OG Racing. They have always given me great service, and I'll continue to support them, so they'll be there to support me. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Carrera51

Definately contact OG Racing. I buy just about everything from them. Have been going there since 1997. Bill and Jamie are great to deal with.

mm86911

Z-Man: I purchased a G-Force 950 series (closed face) from Racer Wholesale last fall and have used it for several events since. Good fit, ventilation, and I liked the breath deflector. I tried both Simpson and Bell but found the G-Force fit me better. Plus the price made it a bargain ($239).

Z-man

Thanks for the info, Mike.

BTW: I just got back from a DE at Pocono, and I no longer am a fan of open faced helmets for any type of track driving! (I have a Shoe Open Face)

I took a ride with our track chair (Bill Gilbert): excellent driver, great fun, but the rubber chunks of debre that were flying into my face convinced me that a full face helmet will offer the better protection. (What if that rubber were sharp debre or rock/stones, or???)

So, my next cranium protector will be a full faced helmet: I'll keep the open-faced one for autocrossing...

I'm a believer!
-Z.