need some helmet reccomendations
 

My car is nearly at the point where i would consider taking it out for a track day, i.e. oil cooler, new shocks, etc... and now it's time for me to get some safety gear. I'd like some reccomendations for a good open faced helmet (I hate closed face).

Here's the thing, I have a rather large head (no jokes, please =P) and in the past, finding a motorcycle helmet has been a challenge. I'd really prefer going somewhere and trying helmets on rather than ordering one online... Anyone know anywhere in the L.A. area?

Arai GP5K fits us large of head folks quite well.
Works for me - when you find a shop with one, try a 5k, you'll like it.

ugh full face.. cant handle full face helmets...

Still try Arai - they have the large headedness down pat -

Jared,
In the LA area two places I've been with plenty of helmets and other racer supplies. First is Werks Two in Burbank. Second is Simpson Products in Torrance. Either place can fit you with a wide variety. I'm a 7 5/8" so I know where you are. Some groups require nomex lining in the helmets. The other thing you want to be aware of is the SA-2005 helmets are coming out later this year. I have a SA-95 which I can't use after this year. The SA-2000's are good for five years. Anyway, either shop can help you get what you need.

Thanks!

I didnt now Simpson had a store local. And yes I am in the same boat as you with my head. i cant even wear baseball caps, as that little plastic deal with the nubs on the back wont fit...

I race, and do track days, plus I instruct a little, and take the occasional motorcycle ride...

So I use my helmet from time to time! LOL

Have learned the hard way...get one that fits correctly!

A $200 helmet that fits properly is better than a loose $800 carbon version!

Secondly, if you have seen crash videos, a full face can start to make a lot of sense....ESPECIALLY when the user doesn't have a 5 point harness properly installed and retained.

Third, don't get a bike helmet. The standards that they are tested against are different, and not just due to the fireproof nature of the SA helmets lining, but due to different impact standards that are more appropriate to a car racing environment. Although the MA helmets are pretty comfy!

Other than that, most good brands will perform well. I have a MotoQ from AGV which is quite nice. But agian, you are 100% correct in test fitting first.

If I were buying today, I would give Bill Simpsons new company, Impact Safety, a very close look. He's really a cornerstone of the safety industry.

Jake,

is a full face required in most instances?

I too have a 'fat head" (my dad's endearing term for me when I was young, imagine how fat it is now that I'm 50). Anyway back to helmets, I bought an open face Shoei and it fits and feels wonderful. Advice above is good to try on many and buy the most comfortable regardless of price. Don't buy on-line you may end up very disappointed. Try it on and go for it. Last thing, I had to get black because of fat head status, but I would have preferred white.

FWIW, most motorcycle helmets don't provide the same protection as one designed for a car. As lateapex911 said, they have different ratings. Also, some clubs, i.e. PCA don't allow motorcycle helmets for DE's, however they do allow them for HPDC's.
I got a Bell Sport III helmet in black similar to this:
http://img29.echo.cx/img29/9500/sport3lg1vs.gif

I know you don't want a closed face helmet, but I would highly recommend one over an open faced helmet. After seeing and hearing stories of wildlife venturing onto the track and ending up in the passenger seat of some cars while travelling at 100+ speeds, it sounds like a good idea to cover the whole face. A closed face helmet is alot cheaper than plastic surgery. Plus there are other projectiles you need to worry about on the track, you never know when a tire chunk, rock, or peice of asphalt may find it's way through your windshield. This is just my opinion, and I like to take the better safe than sorry approach when it comes to my beautiful mug:D :p .

Here's where I got my helmet from:
http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/home.asp?ses=121ycmdj31ad4q62ak&view=&categ=7&orde r=1&how=up&from=10
I would recommend trying on a helmet at a shop after you decide what model you want.

Good luck, and welcome to the slippery slope of track driving.

I would highly recommend a Simpson. I have had an annoying fire retardent stink in my Bell M2, and then the screw holes that hold the visor screws in stripped out inside the gel coat (and no, I didn't overtorque them.) Couldn't get Bell to answer the phone either...won't buy another one of their products. Have a few things made by Simpson and have been pleased...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-autocross-track-racing/209247-stinky-helmet-but-its-not-sweat-bacteria.html?highlight=bell

After I read this I decided to get a closed face ...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-autocross-track-racing/196721-helmets-full-face-vs-open-face.html

Anyone have recommedations for tall guy helmets. That is helmets that don't chew up alot of the all important headroom.

Our local PCA club does allow motorcycle helmets for DEs.

Yeah... a motorcyclew hemet is the wrong way to go, but some clubs will allow them,, but some won't. ALL will allow a SA rated helmet that is current.
Closed face is just a smarter way to go. IMHO.

look at this thread for an idea of what happens in a 35mph offset hit:

www.improvedtouring.com/chat2

the thread is "video" and right click and save it to be nice to Bill.

or, go direct! www.planet6racing.com/movies/Isaac%20Test.wmv

BTW, I have a new Isaac i am selling as I have two. Shoot me a PM if interested.