Helmet Sources?

Halm · 12-04-2006, 02:05 PM

I think I am ready to take the plunge and try a few autocrosses and DE’s. What are the better known places to buy a helmet? I tried on a few at VIR this weekend but I didn’t know if the priceses were good, bad or indifferent.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Make sure you know the helmet fits properly before you buy it. Fit is one of the most important features for the helmet to do its job.

This means that unless you have tried on the identical helmet somewhere before, ordering one on the internet is risky.

You can find a few deals on SA2000 helmets because they are being phased out. They will still be good for your intended use.

Here are a few links to try.

http://www.saferacer.com/

http://www.gforce.com/

http://www.racerwholesale.com/

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/home.asp

Gene Wilkes · 12-04-2006, 02:33 PM

You basically get what you pay for. For track use, make sure you get one that meets requirements (snell/dot/etc). As jester said, be sure to try them on till you find a good snug fit! Large motorcycles shops tend to carry many variations!

Jack Olsen · 12-04-2006, 03:02 PM

I just got my helmet delivered today. I love it. If you order early enough (in case you have to exchange it), and if you use the manufacturer's online sizing charts, i think it's possible to do online.

I wanted an SA-2005 helmet, and I'm very fortunate in that I happened to be born with a $149 head.

So I bought a G-Force helmet from Apex Performance. $149 including delivery is hard to beat for an SA/SFI-rated (that means it's fireproof) helmet. Apex not only didn't charge me any tax or delivery fee, they also include a free helmet bag and a baclava, and they also don't charge a fee if you need to exchange for a different size. Sweet deal.

Mine's open-face, because I instruct and talk a lot. I like the G-Force model better than the Simpson it's replacing (it's lighter, plus has ventilation).

Here's a link

Halm · 12-04-2006, 03:07 PM

Thanks for the links guys. It is very much appreciated.

BTW, are SA-2005 and Snell-200 in any way close to the same rating?

Gene Wilkes · 12-04-2006, 03:10 PM

The snell cycle every 5 years with new ratings. The current rating from snell is 2005. Previous would have been snell 2000.

skipdup · 12-04-2006, 03:14 PM

+1 G-Force for wieght & price.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

It is just the year. They come out with new every 5 years but they are good for ten from the number. So SA2000 is good until 2010.

charleskieffner · 12-05-2006, 02:39 AM

i have a bell vortex forced air. reason, off road racing demands parker pumper. but what i have found on cold mornings is with visor down you will fog it w/your breath until you start moving on track. since as the day warms up here have also found that some moving air would help greatly. solution 119.00 baby parker pumper. not the large one due to size constraints. 4-5 ft hose will work. easily mounted on roll bar. thats on my to do list. be careful to remember to remove hose from helmet, before exiting car or run the risk of breaking nozzle off of pumper.

check out bellhelmets.com they have a clearance section that changes every month. since this is end of year, im sure w/new model changes alot will be offered.

if the track your on faces east to west get the dark visor for sun coming up in am and going down in pm.

Joeaksa · 12-05-2006, 03:15 AM

Island,

Pls do not buy a used helmet and the makers recommend that once its been dropped that its scrapped.

Buy the best that your head is worth as its all that is between your brain and scrambled eggs.

charleskieffner · 12-05-2006, 04:14 AM

buddy crashed earlier this year at firebird.............HARD! roadracing vintage bikes. got himself a helo ride. shoei full face cracked like an egg. buddy had severe concussion. standard drill when he got home, wake up every 10 minutes, repeat til headaches gone blah blah.

have never seen a helmet front to back cracked. have seen them plenty dented by falling down in rock gardens off of dirty bikes. but never front to back cracked.

89911 · 04:34 AM

I've had a good experience with www.helmetcity.com Don't be fooled by the tacky title, they were very good with customer service. I opted for the Simpson model that you can get custom finished to any color for $25 extra. They also mounted the Hans anchors for me so I didn't have to mess with it. I choose flat black. Combine this with an Iridium shield and your done.