Azikara

Replacing my current Bell M2 and really want a lighter helment. Looking at the Bell M3 and M4 but cannot seem to get any specs on them except they say they are lighter weight. Which one is lighter? They are both the same price so I cannot differentiate between the two.

Also, it's been suggested to me to look into a Arai GP5/W or GP5/K ... any idea on weight vs. the Bell?

Thanks
Azzy

Rick

Azzy,

I have both an M2 and an M3 Pro...honestly, they're both heavy and not much of a difference between the two. I just bought a Bell Infusion and it's dramatically lighter. I bought it from: http://www.bellhelmetstore.com/index.html. I ended up buying a black helmet because of the great closeout pricing. It appears as though black isn't "in" so they're blowing them out.

BTW...it's all about fit & comfort. I tried the Arai but id didn't fit me well. It's very light but I found it to be less comfortable than the Bell. I'd try them all before you decide.

Cheers,

Rick

RonCT

I have an older M3 and a new M4. The M3 is XL in size and the M4 is L, but both fit the same. As for weight - I don't know if there's any difference...

Circuit Motorsports

Let me run down to the shop and weigh them for you. I think I have one of each in stock.

Circuit Motorsports

Well my small scale decided to die but the difference in the highly suspect alternating which helmet I'm holding there isn't a largely noticeable difference. I even pulled out a T-6, Bell's whizziest helmet and it also wasn't too different although it was lighter. I think we are looking at difference of a few ounces. Compared to a SA00 M2 Pro they feel just a bit lighter.

If I can figure out what is wrong with the scale I'll get real numbers, if not give me a day or two to buy a new one.

paradisenb

Though weight is important, fit is the most important factor in choosing a helmet IMO.
Go try on several models from different manufacturers before you buy. Pro races and DE have track support vendors who will have these available.

Helmets are not all the same size, L or W. I have a Bell and always felt it was long in the back. When I bought a HANS that came into play. I have to remove the pads for it to fit w/my helmet. An Arai on the other hand fits w/o issues. That will be my next helmet.

spare tire

Lightweight helmets are not unsprung weight, Therefore they cannot be used in the summer or fall.
Enjoy them only in March April or May.

Circuit Motorsports

I forgot my usual fit rant. Oops.

As for Bell vs. Arai. Bell fits me perfect right now and Arai just doesn't. I have both on the shelf and even though I really like the Arai helmet it just doesn't fit. Older Simpson use to fit me but now they've moved to a different shape or my head has changed in shape from the repeated banging it against the wall while working on the car.

Where are you located?

Austin

+1


Stand21 seem to be the most comfortable from the ones I've worn. We all have different noggins.

If weight is a concern for safety, get a Hutchins or HANS to control the helmet during incidents. Or if for performance only, use diet and exercise to get where you want to be.

race911

And I'm the opposite, my GP5W is the absolute BEST fitting of maybe 8-9 helmets I've had over the years. Never have had a Bell. Simpson (waaaaaaay back, old school ones) and then a couple of Bieffes 'til I did the Arai last year.

davidf1

You have to try them on. I worked with Northstar Motorsports and they sent me the Arai GP5W ( I wear glasses) in both L and XL sizes and a Bell M4 Pro in 7 5/8's. As much as I wanted to buy the Arai my head is sized between the Arai sizes and the Bell just fit. I didn't have a small enough scale to measure weight difference but I couldn't tell a big difference just holding them side by side. I'm glad I tried both and I strongly suggest the same. As said earlier we are all built a bit differently.

david

C.J. Ichiban

I've got the arai gp5W and it fits me well- the cheek pads are interchangeable on them but if you've got a round, large head or a skinny face they all fit differently- without wearing one for a few mins i'd have no chance at knowing what's what.

rickdm

I have a G-Force Pro and need to buy another helmet, tried the Arai, but I was right between sizes. Any other brands that fit in a similar way to the G-Force? Perhaps Bell, or HJC?

ApexPerformance

I spoke with the BELL folks in the past and asked why they don't publish helmet weights. They hand-laminate their helmets so the weights can vary slightly; however, the weight difference on average is usually about 6-8 ounces depending on the size helmets being compared.

Best thing to do is try them on if you have the opportunity.

speedread

Check out your height requirement. To miss hitting my cage, I needed the shorter Arai. I was lucky that it fit me well. (I also put in lower seats, and lowered the mounts, and took out the seat padding).