Where does one try on helmets?

[xflow7]

Since my maiden autocross earlier this year, I want to do many more plus trackdays in the future (although my summer has been sufficiently busy that I haven't managed any more yet ). I figure it's probably worth picking up a decent helmet for these and possibly occasional road use for long trips.

 

There are any number of mail-order sources for helmets, but I am well aware of the need to find a proper fit and that shapes vary by brand, so where does one go to try a bunch on and find the right brand/size? Do people go to motorcycle supply places and try/buy there? Are motorcycle helmets generally compliant with Snell or do I need to find some specialist motorsport supply house?

 

Dave

[Boxologist]

keep going to the autoX and trying on everyone's helmet. i'm using an M2005, but for most track events, u will need a SA rated helmet. not sure what speed shops there are near Bing, but if u head towards the Glen u should a better selection. If u make it out to Lime Rock for labor day weekend, u may find other shops there as well.

[WestTexasS2K]

I have had luck ordering online using the manufacturing directions on how to measure your head. The two helmets I bought have fit well.

[slngsht]

I have had luck ordering online using the manufacturing directions on how to measure your head. The two helmets I bought have fit well.

 

I bought one using their directions, and it's a little too tight around the cheek bone area. I can wear it for 20-30 minutes at a time - max :banghead:

[Kiwi]

Motorcycle helmets meet Snell and other safety test requirements. Nothing stopping you trying it a the shop then ordering online!

 

 

 

Since my maiden autocross earlier this year, I want to do many more plus trackdays in the future (although my summer has been sufficiently busy that I haven't managed any more yet ). I figure it's probably worth picking up a decent helmet for these and possibly occasional road use for long trips.

 

There are any number of mail-order sources for helmets, but I am well aware of the need to find a proper fit and that shapes vary by brand, so where does one go to try a bunch on and find the right brand/size? Do people go to motorcycle supply places and try/buy there? Are motorcycle helmets generally compliant with Snell or do I need to find some specialist motorsport supply house?

 

Dave

[xflow7]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will see if I can try some on at events (if I make it to any more this year), although I have a smaller than usual head.

 

I am not opposed to trying some on in a cycle shop and buying online; just wasn't sure if I'd be able to find any that met the correct standards. Sounds like they will, though.

 

I may also try the measurement method but find a place with a good return policy and buy several brands in the same size and return those that aren't quite right.

 

Cheers,

 

Dave

[WestTexasS2K]

If the helmet is tight in the cheek area you can order different thickness pads for the cheeks. Us with a fuller more round face may need thinner pads. They are usually very inexpensive around 15-20.00. Or you can do like I dd remove the check pad pull of the matrial. It is just glued on. Take a razor and remove some foam and reassemble. Takes about 15 min tops.

 

If I were you and buying a helmet for car use I would avoid the motorcycle helmets for track use. some sanctioning bodies will let you use them others require an SA rated hat. So if your going to spend the money might as well get the SA from the start and avoid being disqualified from the event for an M rated helmet. I know been there and done that. I will say that my motorcycle helmet has way less wind noise. I use it on long travel legs and then the SA for the track.

[dmairspotter]

Make sure that the events you want to run will accept M helmets before you buy. SCCA club racing requires SA rating. Both M and SA are Snell ratings, (M)otorcycle and (S)ports (A)utomotive.

 

Lime Rock up in our area has a pretty good store with a wide helmet selection you can try. (Driving Impressions, www.teamdi.com, I think)

[ottocycle]

On the same topic, I need a new helmet (Snell 05). Who has the best prices? What do people like? I have used Shoei bike and car helmets and like them but will consider others. What is the experience of members? I have never seen a "consumer reports" on helmets. Any input?

Cheers,

 

Dermot.

[WestTexasS2K]

Bell makes nice one but they are on the more expensive side I have a G force that I like pretty well but it is one of the cheaper helmets. I would pick up a GrassRoots Motorsports rag. There is all kinds of adds in there. It will give you an idea of what to look for.

[slngsht]

If the helmet is tight in the cheek area you can order different thickness pads for the cheeks. Us with a fuller more round face may need thinner pads. They are usually very inexpensive around 15-20.00. Or you can do like I dd remove the check pad pull of the matrial. It is just glued on. Take a razor and remove some foam and reassemble. Takes about 15 min tops.

 

If I were you and buying a helmet for car use I would avoid the motorcycle helmets for track use. some sanctioning bodies will let you use them others require an SA rated hat. So if your going to spend the money might as well get the SA from the start and avoid being disqualified from the event for an M rated helmet. I know been there and done that. I will say that my motorcycle helmet has way less wind noise. I use it on long travel legs and then the SA for the track.

 

I will give that a shot. Thanks :cheers:

[PAULDEMAN]

I would recommend using a SA rated helmet especially if you are going to use this for track events. I'm not a helmet expert, but from what I've heard the difference between motorcycle helmets and automobile helmets is the way they are designed and tested. Motorcycle helmets are tested for hitting and skidding across a road, where SA helmets are designed to withstand being smacked into a roll bar or cage. Dino and I both got our helmets from www.northstarmotorsports.com because they are not too far from us and we were able to try them on (plus they are really nice people and have great prices). My helmet is a medium and it fits me perfect (Bell M2). Dino's is a small and he also has a Bell, but I forget the model. If you are able to go to a place locally I would recommend doing that, or use northstar motorsports.

 

-Paul Roupas

[Al N.]

A couple a quick thoughts before I set up Laura's new Epson 3800 printer...

 

A) When I was at VIR, the CDOC shop on site had a lot of helmets for try on...Driving Impressions up at Lime Rock is similar...perhaps Mid-Ohio has a shop (or is Summit Racing close by?) Keep in mind that I'm generally not a fan of trying at one place (and taking up a salespersons time) and buying from another (especially if you're trying to save $10). You can usually get some discount if you tell people that you saw it online for a certain price.

 

B) Right before 7-7-7 I was in the middle of negotiating a club discount with extremesupply.com in California. I bought Laura's Bell Mag 5 (motorcycle, "jet style" ) helmet there and they were very good about exchanging it when it came and was too big (she needed an XS not an S)...I'll try to finalize some club discount this week.

 

C) As for sizing, I had good luck with simply measuring my head...and the people I bought from (as well as a few online reviews of the Schuberth Concept moto helmet I bought) advised that the factory sizing was not accurate and put me into the right size for my measurement (I measured a medium, but bought a large). My full face helmet was comfortable for the 9 hours I wore it on my way down/back from Skyline last year.

[Kitcat]

Motorcycle helmets don't have to be fire proof, for obvious reasons.

 

If you wear glasses, some full face helmets can be very hard to use (impossible to put on your glasses once the helmet is on, and impossible to leave glasses on while putting on the helmet). Open face helmets are less of an issue for glasses-wearers, but don't provide as much protection which, in a 7, is relevant.