rushing23

Looking at buying either a Bieffe F1, Bieffe Predator, or
Bell M2. Please feel free to refute some
of my observations if you think I'm incorrect:
- Predator is lighter than F1
- Predator appears to have slightly larger eye opening than F1
- M2 looks to have largest eye opening
If there's any personal experience in considering
between these helmets, I'd like to hear it. I have read
the extensive comments on the M2, so I'm looking
for more info on the Bieffe helmets and also how they
compare to the Bell M2. Also, please comment
on sizing between the Bell and Bieffe. Seems like
I'll need an XL. I've tried Bieffe XL and it fit pretty good--
any personal experience in comparing comfort and sizing
to the Bell. Thanks.

DAR951

The three most important things to consider when buying a helmet are fit, fit, and fit...

Try on all the ones you're considering and buy the one that fits your head best. Subtle and not-so-subtle mold differences (and the unique shape of your head) make it virtually impossible for someone to tell you how a helmet will fit... you just have to actually try them.

Bill Gregory

And one more vote for fit. Last I tried helmets, I tried 3 brands - first was uncomfortable, second I damn near couldn't get off my head, and 3rd was the proverbial charm. Bell M2. Been very pleased with it. Will replace with another M2 when the time comes.

Zeke

I buy helmuts that come in hat sizes. S, M, L & XL are not good a good enough selection for me. When you try helmut on, there are some peculiar circumstances to consider. Did you just get a haircut? Will you wear a balaclava? Glasses?
A balaclava requires one more hat size, but then you always need to wear it. If your hair gets too long, the helmut will fit tighter. Some temples are too tight for any thing but wire frame glasses. Yes, it's that close a fit.

Weaver

Rush-
I have never worn a M2, but I use a M3ec (extended coverage) and two Bieffe F1Gps with my shifter kart. The Bieffe is lighter than the M3ec and seems to fit across the jaw and cheek better than the Bell. Some of the guys I work with and I also noticed that the shell seemed to be stiffer than a comparable Simpson (Super Shark). The F1Gp eyeport is smaller than the M3ec, I don't know about the M2. The F1Gp has a nomex flap that goes between the chin and the chin strap that I find alittle awkward, but I've seen people remove it. One nice thing about the F1Gp over the Bell is the visor ratchet action is much,much better. The visor never closed over harsh bumps on a kart where my Bell has a problem sometimes, even after the Bell rep replaced the fixtures.

My hat size falls between 7 1/4 and 7 3/8 and I like my helmets on the tight side. My Bell is a 7 1/4. I ordered the medium F1Gp and it was too loose for my liking. It worn more like a motorcycle helmet, very little pressure on the back of my head and neck. The rep told me the Bieffe autos like to runs alittle big, so I got a small, and it fits just fine.

Since you stated that you need an X-large I will say, try a large on before you buy, Bieffes are like that.

I guess I can also throw out my sales pitch for my helmet. I agree with everyone on this board; never, ever, ever, purchase a used helmet! But, one of my Bieffe F1Gp is for sale. This one is the newer of the two F1Gps, it still is white and has five laps or about 8 minutes of track time on it. It still smells new and comes with bag, three shields (one clear, one smoked,and one super dark with visor strip) and original box. Its the same helmet used by Paul Tracy, Jarno Trulli, and Alex Wurz. Got it from my drivers helmet rep and is priced at a smoking deal compared to retail. E mail me if interested.

I hope some of this helped.

Weaver