Smiles

I would love to buy from a local supplier of racing equipment.

The biggest one I could find didn't have a lot in stock. I ended up with a SA2005 Bell that is OK, but I think I could do better. An Arai, perhaps? But I can't find anywhere to try them.

Do you guys have any advice? Thanks in advance,

Matt

VERBOTN

You may want to try a big race weekend if close, lots of local vendors and great guys. Otherwise you can do what I did and order, try, ship back repeat. Now I have a Stand21 that fastidious milliner crafted for my fat head.

Circuit Motorsports

Right now you won't find a lot of 'big' stock places. Mfrs have pretty much finished making all the 2005 helmets they are going to make and have them out to dealers. Starting the beginning of next year everyone will have good piles of helmets to try on.

If the Bell fits you, often the Arai will not.

acao

Try a motorcycle store. Those are easier to find. A brand should fit similarly between motorcycle and motorsport models.

Update: To clarify, try a motorcycle store for fitment. Buy an SA helmet.

Bull

Bell helmets fit me well. Arai don't come close. YMMV.

Careful with helmets from motorcycle shops, as they will likely me MA rated and some organizations will only allow SA rated helmets. I only use SA rated helmets.

Circuit Motorsports

Also, with the greater number of motorcycle helmets sold, many manufacturers have a couple different head shapes in the motorcycle lineup vs. one for their auto lineup. Arai has three in their motorcycle lineup for example.

ironimages

I feel your pain also! Not a single darn place in 250mi radius to get a good helmet. Just went through that!

Joe, from Circuit Motorsports hooked me up with a real sweet looking HJC AR10 at a super price! Joe spent a lot of time with me on the phone discussing fit etc... and the helmet that he sent was a perfect fit on the first try! If your in need give him a call he is top notch!

Stuttgart951

I also have an AR-10. Fits my head perfectly and its tough to beat for the price; light, comfortable, great airflow, etc.

If, by "something better," you mean to look for an SA2010 brain bucket, you'll have to wait until October to get one, I think.

As for locations - its a bit of a hike from Pittsburgh (3 - 3 1/2 hours) but OG Racing in Sterling, VA has a very large selection of just about everything, a great staff and they have been a PCA sponsor for several years.

www.ogracing.com

No affiliation. Just a happy customer.

roberga

Speedware in Redmond WA is a great shop and can determine the right helmet. I think they still will ship one out with a will fit policy. Does not fit, send it back.