SA2010 helmet - any recommendations?

[The Stig]

Unfortunately I need to replace my lovely and very expensive Sparco SA2000 helmet.

 

Now I plan to scale back my track action, I need a reasonable quality and not too expensive SA2010 helmet. Been looking at a few options in the $300 range.

 

Any recommendations on helmets and best suppliers?

 

Thanks

[yellowss7]

Martin, the SCDA website looks like they still allow SA2000 helmets. Although I know that the NJMP tech guys are looking for 2005 or newer.

 

Bell do some nice ones in your price range.

 

Tom

[The Stig]

Hi Tom. I did see that but don't want to roll up anywhere and get turned around if they change the rules!

[bball7754]

I have the Bell M4, which seems to run around $380. It has an extra large eyeport, which I like.

 

I purchased mine (and the helmet before) from Helmet City. If you're a memeber of Lotus Ltd. you get a 10% (I think) discount. And they offer free 2nd day delivery shipping.

 

Steve

[CarMan]

Got a Cheap head? Get a Cheap Helmet.

 

Every one has their own prefrences but I have a Simpson Diamonback and a Bell K1.

The Diamondback is a great helmet if your seating position is upright. The K1 is better if your seat is raked and you need more vision in the lower sight range.

[Guest Terry]

Unfortunately I need to replace my lovely and very expensive Sparco SA2000 helmet.

 

Now I plan to scale back my track action, I need a reasonable quality and not too expensive SA2010 helmet. Been looking at a few options in the $300 range.

 

Any recommendations on helmets and best suppliers?

 

Thanks

 

I have a full face Med. Arai SNELL 2005 legal till 2017 it has on small chip Hans ready, cost $900 bargain $400

[JohnCh]

I replaced my Bell M3 with an HJC AR10 II. The rear section of the shell doesn't protrude as far back as the Bell, so it's a lot more comfortable when sitting in a one-piece seat.

 

-John

[Mondo]

I recently bought a Pyrotect helment in that price range. I wanted the aero-ductbill but it doesn't come in black

 

http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?productid=46&cat=14&page=1

[Boxologist]

http://www.stableenergies.com/

http://www.drivingimpressions.com

both are in NJ w/ showrooms so you can try on various helmets. You do not need to go further.

[Croc]

+1 for a Bell M4

 

I got mine at Stable Energies as I wanted to try them on and be sure of a good fit. Some brands like Simpson and Arai just did not fit my head well (big head I guess? ) I recommend them if you visit their store in northern NJ not far off the Garden State Parkway.

 

Driving Energies have a great reputation but you must call in advance as they often close despite the hours on their website. Their location at Dover, NJ is really out of the way but it is a good store when you get there. They also have a shop open at NJMP on June 23/24 weekend if you want to come down and see a few sevens and maybe join us for the Mon/Tues track day (go on...play hooky from work! ). Just give them a call first to see if they will have enough helmet stock for you to try on several.

[The Stig]

Guys

 

Thanks for the feedback. The Bell M4 is looking favourite based on what I read about it and I like the larger eye hole. I remember going up to Driving Impressions a year or so ago for a tech session or something and it is a bit out the way but they were pretty helpful.

[jeffs]

Wont your handle be revoked if you go with anything other than a Simpson Bandit?

[CarMan]

No the Simpson Daimondback is the Stig's helmet of choice!

[The Stig]

Rats! The cover is blown!!

[jimrankin]

Automobile helmets have to undergo much more stringent testing and production standards than motorcycle helmets so that is part of the cost difference. The other part is "mass production". Any time you can make more of something it gets cheaper. I don't remember where I read it, several years back, but they tested several automobile helmets and the price didn't have a great deal to do with the increase in safety. Lighter on some for sure and more comfortable for others but multiple impact/G reduction test etc. were about the same. The big name brands like Bell did about as well as the rest.

Should be some independent test on line somewhere if you look for it.

Interesting note in the article about motorcycle helmets. They are tested for a SINGLE impact, so if you fall off your bike don't bounce more than ONCE!

[Mondo]

I think the biggest difference is that motorcycle helmets don't have to meet the flammability (paint) restrictions... Motorcyclist not likely to get stuck on bike with gas dripping on them.

[jeffs]

No the Simpson Daimondback is the Stig's helmet of choice!

 

I'm pretty sure he's used both the Diamondback and the Bandit

[jimrankin]

All the materials meet flame spread/combustion standards and they also have to be able to withstand multiple impacts, like bouncing off your roll cage on a quad flip-over. Bike helmets can burn and I guess they figure if your slamming it more than once your already dead. I rode for all the years before the helmet laws without one unless I had to leave Califirnia. Would not now even if the helmet laws were repealed. Got my first Harley in '72 but always used a helmet when off road on smaller bikes. I like my head, even though it was never pretty.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

To add to what Jim said, The SA2010 helmets have to go through much more rigorous testing standards than the SA2005 helmets. ( http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/sak2005/sa_k2005_final vs http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/SA2010/sak2010_final )

 

I'm surprised no one has said this yet, but the best helmet is the one that fits you and your purposes best. This can be hard to do when buying a helmet online. I've read somewhere that motorcyclists are about 40% less likely to have a concussion if their helmet fits properly. You may want to consider increasing your price range by $100 - there are quite a few more options @ the $400 price point.