Racing helmets

[Sharkman]

Where do most people purchase their helmets? I used C2 Motorsports, but understand they are closed. And on that note, what feedback to people have regarding Simpson? I have a full face Bell, but it's awfully large.

[c4s4pcs]

I believe that JBA on Kearny Villa Road is planning on stocking some safety equipment - you might check with them.

[lrayner]

I've been happy with my Simpson full face, but it is time for a new one and I'm thinking of switching to an open face as it might be more comfortable and easier to instruct.

[Cajundaddy]

Proper fit, helmet weight, and price, are the three things I look for in a helmet in addition to current Snell SA rating. Those who do club racing often include ventilation. The only way to know if it fits is to try one at a local supplier or find a friend who owns in the size you need. My newest Bell helmet fits great and is noticeably lighter than my last one which reduces neck fatigue. Open face are the lightest with the tradeoff being less facial protection.

Good hunting!

[Old Guy]

I'm no expert, but will observe that "some" folks (me included) use an open face for autocross and a full face helmet for the track. If having only one is the option, reckon it should be full face. I know this has been covered before, but to save our searching around, will someone remind us about Snell 2005, 2010 and 2015? Some good advice I recall reading not so long ago was to get the 5-year-only-left unit on sale because it'll be OK for the next few years...and a 10 year unit will be too grungy to use for the full 10 years anyway.

As for trying it on: a MUST. Nominally the same size helmets can fit entirely differently. Also, don't forget your intended track haircut, not to mention whether you'll be wearing a do-rag, head net/scarf or a full race Nomex baklava. Any/all of these will affect the helmet's fit. Oh, what about glasses? Prescription? sunglasses only? Especially with a full face make sure to try for fit with your eyeglasses.

FYI, our son that lives in Vegas found that the local kart racing facility was the go-to source for helmets.

[kjr914]

Here is a recent thread on helmets:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6477

[Sharkman]

Just spoke with Bill @ JBA. He is waiting for a stock from Simpson and will let me know when they arrive.

[944Greg]

Go to the California Festival of Speed. There will be vendors there with helmets that you can try on.

It is important to try on some helmets before buying as there are many different head shapes and a different brand seem to fit different head shapes. A helmet that fits me may not feel good on your head.

I did this at a track event last December and got a much better fit than the last helmet I bought.

Also, Sube Sport in Huntington Beach has 4 different brands of helmets in stock. I recently bought a new halo race seat from them as I wanted the sit in one before buying.

http://www.subesports.com

Good luck.

[Old Guy]

Good advice. Thanks.

[Old Guy]

Was at Fontana today. (Honestly, what a great event.) I only found two outfits selling helmets: 1) stand21 selling only gear they manufacture themselves for race use - low 4 figures being the cheapest Snell helmet; 2) Winding Road Racing selling several helmet brands (Bell, Arai, Simpson, Sparco, Stilo and Black Armor...plus lots of other gear. Coincidence? Both are in Costa Mesa (although Winding Road is actually home-based in Austin, TX).

After trying on various helmets, I settled on a Black Armor (never heard of 'em) carbon fiber unit that fit great, has a bit of ventilation, and is Snell 2015 rated. Nice looking (if that matters) and did I mention? Fits great.

https://store.windingroad.com/black-arm ... p1471.aspx

See if this opens for you and you can check it out. With a bit of a discount and tax, the tab came to just over $600. Rather a bargain for a carbon fiber unit, I'm thinking...and indeed, that is their selling point.

[944Greg]

Glad you found a good fitting helmet.

Winding Road is who I bought a Stilo helmet in Dec at track event they were displaying at.

This year has been my year for safety upgrades. Halo seat, new driving suite (lighter weight), and fire system in the car.

I also recently got the Lid Lifter balaclava made by Stand21.

Hope they showed one. It fits comfortably even though it looks bulkier than the standard balaclava.

[Old Guy]

New helmet in hand brings to mind the obvious question: what do we do with our 2005 helmets?