Choosing a new auto racing helmet?
 

I'm in the market for a new auto racing helmet but I'm not in a city that has much in the way of racing equipment shops. So I don't have somewhere to try them on before I buy.

These days I just do track days so I can't justify what I really want which is the Arai.

I've worn several Shoei motorcycle helmets and my first auto racing helmet was a Shoei and they all fit great. Unfortunately Shoei doesn't make auto helmets any more. My last auto helmet was a Bell and it fit like crap.

Does anyone know of a good head shape to helmet fit reference guide or have some first hand experience?

All I can say is get the lightest one that fits. With 20 years of racing under my belt, I can't count the guys who have developed neck trouble (including me with a cervical fusion). The lighter the helmet, the lower the chances of cervical spine issues.

Stand 21 makes one with interchangeable foam pad inserts that weighs like 2 lb. You can customize the fit perfectly. If you're going to do several track days a year, do not go cheap on a helmet. I think it's called the IVOS Double Duty.

don't get a motorcycle helmet.

just order one that you can send back if it does not fit
the first one m wife bought me would not let my glasses sit properly and she sent it back.
I forget what she bought me next.

I like simpson but could not justify the price, but I think the one she bought that she sent back was simpson. good fit but the glasses thing

oh, also get one that you can use a HANS device with if your tack time goes that far

I recently bought an HJC AR-10 iii (SA2015) and I like it. Attractive, comfortable and well priced at $329. Gloss white or matte black. I'm coming from an older Bell M4 model, the HJC is easier to put glasses on/off compared to the current Bell sport helmet. Also has the hans connector ports. I got mine at a local speed shop (Wine Country Motorsports at Sonoma Raceway), where I got to try on several different ones, which is key.

Also for reference, I was a Large in the Bell, but an XL in the HJC.

Look at Roux - decent value and make sure you get the SA version -

There used to be a few shops in Houston where you could buy auto racing helmets.

I forgot the mane, but the place in Texas makes some pretty nice ones that aren't horribly expensive. I ended up with the Bell Sport EV with the big eye port, but it fits me well. I must have a bell shaped head.

I got most of my auto racing stuff from these guys... Almost bought one of the lower priced carbon fiber helmets before deciding to quit racing midway through last season.
If you click on a helmet, they have a pretty good helmet fitting guide listed at the bottom and most brands also show sizing guides.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/helmets~14-24-295-14279

Arai are really great, but for sure they aren’t cheap. I found a seller on ebay that was a good deal cheaper than most and my Arai came directly from Japan.

You must have an “Arai” head like me. Shoei fits a lot like Arai. Bell doesn’t fit our melon shape.

I will add - look at Stable Energies. They are a race supply shop. Generally always someone who can talk with you on the phone and can steer you towards another brand that will fit an Arai head.

and don't forget the hans device - which may be more than the helmets you are considering...as the saying goes "if you have a $10 head buy a $10 helmet" ....

This is what I have as well and I really like it...

Although if you want to spend some $$$ the CF helmets are Uber light.

Also, buy from somewhere you can negotiate with, there’s like 40% margin on helmets. ;)

If you really want arai, but direct from Sammy tanner, the ya distributor.

BTW - I have the Bell M.8 Carbon Fiber SA2015 Racing Helmet and really like it

I'd suggest a little driving maybe to find a shop???? You didn't mention what type of belts you use on your track days but I would hope they are at least 5 point? If not well in case of a bad crash the stock belt may not do much good but at any rate I would suggest finding a race shop that has a wide selection of helmets that you can try on to see how they feel. Note they should fit snugly so your head does not move around which can make it hard to get on/off. An old timer told me to get a children's inflatable ball, put it inside and pump it up to help compress the foam. Take it out just before putting the helmet on and the foam lining will expand by the first lap and fit snugly. If you wear glasses that is also an issue as when I bought mine years ago there was only one brand and model that had a larger than standard eye opening and it also only had a clear face shield. Mr. Simpson told me at a race at the CA Speedway that the shields can be died with RIT cloth dye just to be careful and support the sides so the plastic doesn't collapse. I used a yellow which gave me great contrast on the desert based road courses we have in CA and NV. Finally I'd see if you can get a HANS device at the same time...….it saved my buddy Ted's life.

I agree. Take a drive. Nothing compares to trying on a bunch of different helmets.

I’ve always used Bell helmets. It’s my last name so I felt obligated. They fit me though. I had the big eye port opening and it worked well with glasses. Used a tinted visor as well.

What’s everybody using for head and neck restraints now a days? I used the Isaac and really like it. Years ago, it was a big debate on what was best....just like what oil to use in my Porsche.

Check these guys out,...

https://www.discoveryparts.com/

They have several brands and can help you with your questions..

Measure your head circumference and get a hat size. Helmets don't come in as many sizes as men's hats, but it should give you a good starting point.

Black Armour. Carbon helmets at fiberglass prices.

You want max protection an least weight. Everything past that is marketing.

If you want marketing - thats cool - then go Stilo.

News flash from before 2010!

Ummm. Bell doesn’t make helmets anymore.

You are buying from a licensee who has these helmets made in China and affixes the Bell sticker to them.

You are buying a brand name that in no way is linked to the Bell racing helmets of days gone by. If you want a quality motor sports helmet, it probably won’t say Bell on it.

My helmet is SA2010 so will be in need of replacement next year. The current one is a Pyrotect. At the time I bought it, it was imported by the same licensee as Bell and this was his other brand. I chose this because it was lighter, had removable padding, and seemed to be way better quality. I’ve done lots of endurance races, track days, kart races, etc with this helmet and really like it.