Best brand/style/type of helmet

Sep 11, 2010, 6:58 am

#1

Member

Joined: Jun 14, 2010
Posts: 372

I will eventually need a helmet if I am to attend track days etc. What are everyone's opinions on the aforementioned subject? Thx for your input.

Sep 11, 2010, 12:16 pm

#2

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Joined: Sep 20, 2009
Posts: 202

In my circle track days I used the predecessor of THIS HELMET. I'd buy again if I were to get back into that type of hobby.

1994 Acura NSX
1997 Saleen Mustang S281 Convertible 97-0158
1989 Saleen Mustang Convertible 89-0587
1976 Mustang Cobra II 302EFI
1965 Volvo 1800S

Sep 11, 2010, 2:37 pm

#3

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Joined: Jun 2, 2008
Posts: 431

Depends on how much you want to spend. I looked at it that my brain was worth a lot so...... I ended up with an Arai but that was many years ago and it was salty expensive. I actually need a new one now because mine is of the age it needs to be replaced. I am in interested to see what others have bought recently. I remember back then the major players were Arai, Bell, and Simpson. This was 10 years ago so I don't now if things have changed.

Sep 12, 2010, 2:33 am

#4

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Joined: Aug 5, 2007
Posts: 2,352

Simpson sold Simpson, started a new company, Impact. Not sure which company was recently in the news about the quality of their helmets vs actual testing. Something about putting approved stickers on helmets that weren't approved. I don't remember the details, so research it first to see what I recall is correct or not.

I had a chance to try a carbon fiber helmet at Putnam. More expensive than my head and light as a feather.

While not meant for a car, I have a kevlar kayak helmet. Literally saved my life. Lesson I learned, don't skimp on helmets.

1983 Datsun 280ZXTurbo

Sep 12, 2010, 1:29 pm

#5

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Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Posts: 1,615

I've got a Zamp FSA-1 that I absolutely love. Nice and cool, and no fog issues with the visor.

9/18/10

Sep 12, 2010, 1:47 pm

#6

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Joined: Jun 14, 2010
Posts: 372

ZUL8TR wrote

Simpson sold Simpson, started a new company, Impact. Not sure which company was recently in the news about the quality of their helmets vs actual testing. Something about putting approved stickers on helmets that weren't approved. I don't remember the details, so research it first to see what I recall is correct or not.

I had a chance to try a carbon fiber helmet at Putnam. More expensive than my head and light as a feather.

While not meant for a car, I have a kevlar kayak helmet. Literally saved my life. Lesson I learned, don't skimp on helmets.

I didn't realize that Impact was owned by Simpson, or that he was based out of Brownsburg. My son uses an Impact helmet for his karting. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

Sep 13, 2010, 2:48 am

#7

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Joined: Sep 10, 2009
Posts: 177

I bought mine from North American Race Gear down on Gasoline Alley. He doesn't have a huge selection in his shop but he can order anything in. I purchased a Bell and really like it. Might go with something a little lighter when I get a new one. Here is a link to his website: http://www.northamericanraceparts.com/site/index.cfm

Sep 13, 2010, 5:46 am

#8

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Joined: Jun 2, 2008
Posts: 431

I was thinking about an open face helmet like this one.

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-cruiser-fr-open-face-helmet...

My question is will this type helmet be ok for track days? Or do they require a full face hemlet? Anyone know?

Sep 13, 2010, 7:25 am

#9

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Joined: Jun 14, 2010
Posts: 372

Indy430 wrote

I was thinking about an open face helmet like this one.

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-cruiser-fr-open-face-helmet...

My question is will this type helmet be ok for track days? Or do they require a full face hemlet? Anyone know?

You read my mind. That was going to be my next question. Open face or full enclosure.

Sep 13, 2010, 8:56 am

#10

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Joined: Sep 10, 2009
Posts: 177

KSv10 wrote

You read my mind. That was going to be my next question. Open face or full enclosure.

I do not know the rules but I like the full enclosure since most of the road tracks make you drive with your windows down.

Sep 13, 2010, 9:10 am

#11

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Joined: Mar 14, 2009
Posts: 479

I have an Impact helmet that I use for karting, and I love it!

Sep 13, 2010, 9:58 am

#12

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Joined: Jun 14, 2010
Posts: 372

tony513 wrote

I have an Impact helmet that I use for karting, and I love it!

My son has one as well. I think he would get a kick out of it if my helmet matched his. Did you pick it up at their offices on the west side? Any issues with the helmet/visor etc.? I am sure you have used your helmet longer than my 6yr old, and can tell me a little more about it other than 'Dad its on backwards....."

Sep 13, 2010, 10:35 am

#13

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Joined: Aug 5, 2007
Posts: 2,352

I've seen both open and full at the track events. Just have to meet the current standard. Motorcycle helmets don't meet the requirements. I've only used a full at the drag strip for street-legal drags.

If you have a full, you can wear it karting at Fastimes.

1983 Datsun 280ZXTurbo

Sep 13, 2010, 11:57 am

#14

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Joined: Jun 2, 2008
Posts: 431

My old helmet was a full face. I wear glasses and I found it hard to get comfortable in the full face with glasses. That and I just think you would have more visability and range of motion in a open face design. I could be way off base though.....

Sep 13, 2010, 3:35 pm

#15

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Joined: Mar 14, 2009
Posts: 479

KSv10 wrote

My son has one as well. I think he would get a kick out of it if my helmet matched his. Did you pick it up at their offices on the west side? Any issues with the helmet/visor etc.? I am sure you have used your helmet longer than my 6yr old, and can tell me a little more about it other than 'Dad its on backwards....."

I got it from a friend who won it in a raffle, I love the style of the Impact helmet but my cheap $80 Vega motorcycle helmet has a much better view of everything. The visor on the Impact is much smaller. You're peripheral vision (spelling?) is taken away and the way the helmet comes to a point covering your nose takes away the ability to take a quick glance down at the tach on a kart, or dash on the car

I like full face motorcycle helmets cause they let you have a much better view of your surroundings!

Sep 14, 2010, 3:56 am

#16

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Joined: Jun 2, 2008
Posts: 431

tony513 wrote

I got it from a friend who won it in a raffle, I love the style of the Impact helmet but my cheap $80 Vega motorcycle helmet has a much better view of everything. The visor on the Impact is much smaller. You're peripheral vision (spelling?) is taken away and the way the helmet comes to a point covering your nose takes away the ability to take a quick glance down at the tach on a kart, or dash on the car

I like full face motorcycle helmets cause they let you have a much better view of your surroundings!

Motorcycle helmets dont meet the requirements for use in auto events. Different kind of impact ratings.

Sep 14, 2010, 9:30 am

#17

Activities Director

Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411

This one looks pretty attractive. Designed by Bell, larger eye port for those of us with glasses (or sun glasses), great price.

http://www.soloracer.com/pyrofullfacesa.html

Sep 14, 2010, 10:01 am

#18

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Joined: Jun 14, 2010
Posts: 372

Thought about this one $379.

Or I could be a super hero...$399

The opening is crucial as I do wear glasses. Just need to get some time and get out to see what fits.

I appreciate all the input. Quite a lot of good information and suggestions. Thx to everyone.

Sep 14, 2010, 3:22 pm

#19

Official Carrera GT Slayer

Joined: Mar 22, 2007
Posts: 5,668

buy the Stig mask

the Sledgehammer

2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 - Baby Huey!!! <3
2004 Porsche Carrera GT -Terrorizing society since Oct 16 '09 - DEAD
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Nov 19, 2010, 10:55 am

#20

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Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411

New Snell 2010 rated Bells are out. My new Sport: Under $300, lightweight, nice fit. Added extra smoke visor.

Need paint scheme ideas.

2006 Time Magazine's "Man Of The Year"