What brand and type of helmet do you use?
04-09-2009, 09:56 PM
#32
HJC AR-10. Lightweight. Full face. Shaped much like an Arai at a fraction of the price. Great quality. I didn't buy it because it was cheaper, I bought it because of its quality. But it was nice to pay less and get more.
I was lucky enough to try some Bells and HJC before I bought. The Bells I tried were top heavy, the HJC was lighterweight overall and the center of gravity much lower. It just felt better. Of course, your own experience may differ depending on the shape of your head.
I was concerned about the smaller eye opening of the HJC relative to the Bell. But I ended up prefering it once I was on the track. Also, while the Bell had an overall larger opening, it actually offered less peripheral vision. The cutout for the HJC is not as tall, but it's wider. So if you're factoring in eyeport size, don't just consider the overall size, but the shape of the cutout.
Everyone told me "try them on." Well... that's not so easy to do. There aren't a lot of brick and morter race shops left. I recommend dealing with Steve Wu at OG Racing. He was willing to let me return any helmet that I didn't like. Keep what I did like.
OGR is great.
P.S. mine didn't come HANS ready but you can easily drill a helmet for them if you don't get one pre-drilled.
I was lucky enough to try some Bells and HJC before I bought. The Bells I tried were top heavy, the HJC was lighterweight overall and the center of gravity much lower. It just felt better. Of course, your own experience may differ depending on the shape of your head.
I was concerned about the smaller eye opening of the HJC relative to the Bell. But I ended up prefering it once I was on the track. Also, while the Bell had an overall larger opening, it actually offered less peripheral vision. The cutout for the HJC is not as tall, but it's wider. So if you're factoring in eyeport size, don't just consider the overall size, but the shape of the cutout.
Everyone told me "try them on." Well... that's not so easy to do. There aren't a lot of brick and morter race shops left. I recommend dealing with Steve Wu at OG Racing. He was willing to let me return any helmet that I didn't like. Keep what I did like.
OGR is great.
P.S. mine didn't come HANS ready but you can easily drill a helmet for them if you don't get one pre-drilled.
04-10-2009, 07:52 AM
#33
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Fit.
Homologation (SA)
Be sure that the helmet is not too big...it won't do you any good if it is.
It should fit snugly (but not uncomfortably). If you move the helmet side to side, the skin on your cheekbones should move along with the helmet. Ask someone at the shop to assist.
If you simply can't find one that is comfortable, there is always the (previously mentioned) Stand21 custom designed/custom fit option.
04-10-2009, 01:29 PM
#34
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I am not sure of the difference between the GP5K and the GP5W....both are a little heavier than the GP5 but with a bigger eyeport. What differentiates between these 2 models though?
Thanks.
Marc
Thanks.
Marc
04-10-2009, 02:06 PM
#35
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My son has raced both the GP5K (lost in a crash) and his current GP5; they were different helmets, most noticeable were the air vents.
Both used the same shields/visors.
The GP5W is a different shell/mold, due to the eyeport.
Both used the same shields/visors.
The GP5W is a different shell/mold, due to the eyeport.
04-10-2009, 08:29 PM
#38
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Yet another Arai GP5W (yes, usually wear glasses). But I'll one up all of you guys and boast I installed the little "aero" enhancements! First time you have a helmet lift, you'll understand.
I still have my Bieffes, and pretty much use the quasi open face one for DE duty in enclosed cars. The full face with integrated aero is appreciated by passengers when I'm giving rides in the Radical.
I still have my Bieffes, and pretty much use the quasi open face one for DE duty in enclosed cars. The full face with integrated aero is appreciated by passengers when I'm giving rides in the Radical.
04-11-2009, 01:08 PM
#41
I'd encourage you to buy something American made ,if you can find one to your liking.Bell,Simpson,Impact come to mind.
I've always favored Bell.
Full face for sure,even if you drive a tin top.If you ever think you might also drive an open cockpit or open wheel car,get one with a smaller eye port,as you want to limit exposure to flying debris.The smaller opening will not impact your vision even in a closed car.
You should begin to see some reduced prices as we move closer to the next Snell revision for 2010.Negotiate.
Tom B.
I've always favored Bell.
Full face for sure,even if you drive a tin top.If you ever think you might also drive an open cockpit or open wheel car,get one with a smaller eye port,as you want to limit exposure to flying debris.The smaller opening will not impact your vision even in a closed car.
You should begin to see some reduced prices as we move closer to the next Snell revision for 2010.Negotiate.
Tom B.
04-11-2009, 01:56 PM
#42
Yet another Arai GP5W (yes, usually wear glasses). But I'll one up all of you guys and boast I installed the little "aero" enhancements! First time you have a helmet lift, you'll understand.
I still have my Bieffes, and pretty much use the quasi open face one for DE duty in enclosed cars. The full face with integrated aero is appreciated by passengers when I'm giving rides in the Radical.
I still have my Bieffes, and pretty much use the quasi open face one for DE duty in enclosed cars. The full face with integrated aero is appreciated by passengers when I'm giving rides in the Radical.
If you think an open cockpit car is in your future, get a helmet with a chin spoiler and the little spoilers on the posterior-superior aspect of the helmet. Having 10 pounds of traction applied to your head by the lift from your helmet at 100mph is distracting to say the least.
04-11-2009, 03:37 PM
#43
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Marc
Last edited by Marc Shaw; 04-11-2009 at 07:03 PM. Reason: typo
