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      06-18-2015, 05:55 PM   #1
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Helmets

So, The wife and I are going to start doing some HPDE events. We will see what happens from there.

We've never done anything like this before so I'm looking for any tips for the best bang for the buck.

What are things to look for, what brands are people using, whatever else anyone can think of would be helpful.
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      06-18-2015, 06:19 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by I hate picking user names View Post
So, The wife and I are going to start doing some HPDE events. We will see what happens from there.

We've never done anything like this before so I'm looking for any tips for the best bang for the buck.

What are things to look for, what brands are people using, whatever else anyone can think of would be helpful.
Most organizations that run HPDE events have minimum standards for helmets. That is a good place to start.
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      06-18-2015, 06:27 PM   #3
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You really gotta try it on before buying. Different helmets fit different shape heads.

Will be no fun if you're driving around with a pounding headache because you saved $50 buying online but got the wrong helmet for your noggin.

I bet your local bmwcca has shops they can point you to.
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      06-18-2015, 06:46 PM   #4
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Definitely need to try the helmets on first. Ideally the lighter the better to not have the weight sitting on your head/neck/shoulders. All helmets are going to feel different so try as many as you can. I have a place here in the ATL area called Discovery Parts that has lots of these to try on. If you research im sure you can find something local to you. These are typically found in close vicinity to the tracks you'll run the HPDE events at.

Most HPDE events currently require an SA2005 helmet or newer. I would suggest getting a minimum SA2010 helmet and if available 2015. 2015 will be good for 10 years and the 2010 for 5 years. 2005 will have to be retired after this year. I would also suggest a helmet with HANS threaded mounting points if possible. If you really get into DE events these could come in handy down the road.
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      06-18-2015, 11:42 PM   #5
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I've been using a Bell M4 this past season and like it a lot. Has a slightly wider field of view which is nice.
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      06-19-2015, 01:27 AM   #6
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Stilo st4w. The composite is super light and they can have built in comms, water and air. There are basically two shell sizes and then you can get different sized inserts for nearly any fit. Measuring basically goes around the same area as a low baseball hat, 7 1/4 is roughly a 58cm if that helps.

As all helmets though, try to get to the track early and try on as many as you can before people sweat in them. I've been lucky to be able to helmet shop in the back of trucks because I don't know of any stores that stock more than one brand or more than 1-2 of any brand.

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      06-19-2015, 05:59 AM   #7
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Thanks for the feedback. Seems tough finding a place to try different ones on.

Search shall continue this weekend. Time is on our side, so that helps.
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      06-19-2015, 09:08 AM   #8
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You simply cannot go wrong with the Bell M4 to start off. Once you get serious, then upgrade to something lighter that is carbon. The Bell M4 has very good ventilation and great visibility (about 0.1lb heavier than the Simpson Super Bandit). You can't beat the sale price from Safe Racer.

On size, it's hard to find an auto racing shop let alone one that carries all brand helmets. The rule of thumb is auto racing helmet will fit 1/2 size tighter compared to motorcycle helmets. So if you're a loose medium motorcycle helmet wearer, medium in auto is perfect. If you're a tight medium, then go to a large. Safe racer will exchange the size for you as long as you didn't go out on a weekend with the helmet. Just remember the padding will break down, so the first fitting will be very snug.

Safe Racer has great customer service.

http://www.saferacer.com/bell-m4-sa2...-racing-helmet
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      06-19-2015, 09:50 AM   #9
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Here's my Snell and DOT approved AGV motorcycle helmet that I resprayed in M-Motorsports Livery. The Italian flag and Valentino Rossi's #46 didn't suit the M4 :-D

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      06-19-2015, 11:45 AM   #10
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That's fantastic.
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      06-21-2015, 08:51 AM   #11
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Another Bell M.4 user here. It's comfortable and fits my head well.
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      06-21-2015, 09:06 AM   #12
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I think that's what we will shoot for, the Bell M.4.

Now, just to find a place to try them on.
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      06-21-2015, 10:46 PM   #13
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You are in our region, go to OG Racing, they have verious helmets to try on and very knowlegeable people to help you with the right selection.
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      06-22-2015, 01:09 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JNoSol View Post
You simply cannot go wrong with the Bell M4 to start off. Once you get serious, then upgrade to something lighter that is carbon. The Bell M4 has very good ventilation and great visibility (about 0.1lb heavier than the Simpson Super Bandit). You can't beat the sale price from Safe Racer.

On size, it's hard to find an auto racing shop let alone one that carries all brand helmets. The rule of thumb is auto racing helmet will fit 1/2 size tighter compared to motorcycle helmets. So if you're a loose medium motorcycle helmet wearer, medium in auto is perfect. If you're a tight medium, then go to a large. Safe racer will exchange the size for you as long as you didn't go out on a weekend with the helmet. Just remember the padding will break down, so the first fitting will be very snug.

Safe Racer has great customer service.

http://www.saferacer.com/bell-m4-sa2...-racing-helmet
That is the exact opposite of my experience. The SA Bell that I have fit noticeably looser than the M Arai and Shoei that I use for bikes.

That said, you really need to try them before buying one.
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      06-22-2015, 09:47 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloud9blue View Post
That is the exact opposite of my experience. The SA Bell that I have fit noticeably looser than the M Arai and Shoei that I use for bikes.

That said, you really need to try them before buying one.
I had Shoei (which fit the tightest of all Motorcycle helmets), Arai, and HJC. I wear M Shoei and S HJC, so I ordered M Bell SA2010. I will get my Bell this week and will report back. Of course, everyone's head is shape differently. Safe Racer will allow size exchanges.
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      06-23-2015, 07:36 AM   #16
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Been quite happy with my HJC AR-10

http://www.amazon.com/HJC-Helmets-2B.../dp/B006MUWKQY
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      06-23-2015, 04:22 PM   #17
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For your first helmet you've got to go into a store to test fit and sit with the helmet on for at least 30 minutes. That's the only way you'll know it is comfortable (or at least order 10 helmets online with the expectation you will return 9)

Personally, I have no name brand SA2010 helmet from a local store. Has the right certification and fits great. I've used HJC in the past for motorcyle riding and would have gone back to them since their helmets fit me well.
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      06-23-2015, 05:50 PM   #18
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You are in our region, go to OG Racing, they have verious helmets to try on and very knowlegeable people to help you with the right selection.
That's where we will be going. Friend also referred OG. That's good enough for me.
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      06-25-2015, 12:00 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloud9blue View Post
That is the exact opposite of my experience. The SA Bell that I have fit noticeably looser than the M Arai and Shoei that I use for bikes.

That said, you really need to try them before buying one.
Well shit. The Bell M didn't fit me. It allows too much play room, I think I like Arai and Shoei better. That will be the first and last time I'm ordering a helmet online. I'd rather drive a couple hours to a speed shop to buy my next helmet.
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      06-25-2015, 12:49 PM   #20
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That will be the first and last time I'm ordering a helmet online. I'd rather drive a couple hours to a speed shop to buy my next helmet.
Like I said, order 10 knowing you'll return 9
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      06-25-2015, 01:33 PM   #21
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Like I said, order 10 knowing you'll return 9
Screw that, I'll just drive 2hrs to the race shop.
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      06-26-2015, 06:30 PM   #22
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Arai user here, no complaints
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