Racing Helmet Options?

[killer 33]

Any suggestions and thoughts regarding what and where to purchase?

Thank you in advance,

Mike

[Dman]

I've had full face forever since I was used to them from bikes and used them with my verts. Now with a coupe I picked up Pyrotect SA2010 model, it's open face, feels like I have nothing on, very light, vented & I got for $182 and a $20 gift card, net $162. I wouldn't use it as a "racing" helmet, I'd use my serious full face, but for track days and autocross, I really like this open face.

[BLUETA#1]

I prefer Stilo as a brand:

http://store.windingroad.com/stilo-s...FZY2aQoduAcA1w

The pricing is similar all around. I get the integrated radio for the race car…the set up is top notch. I know they are pricey…however, as someone once said: "If you have a $100 head, then buy a $100 helmet!"

[Nine Ball]

Just be sure it is Snell SA2010 rated. Summit Racing has a ton of them. I wouldn't recommend the cheapest helmet, they tend to have lower quality visors and lining, and seem to get beat up easier. Like BLUETA said, how much is your head worth to you? I prefer Bell or Simpson, they've been around a long time and have good reputations.

[killer 33]

Thank you guys, I appreciate all the information and advice. This gets addictive real fast!

[ACR Steve]

Stilo is latest . They are very nice but you pay for what you get. Bell's are very nice as well

I recommend
http://www.apexperformance.net/

Speak to Clark or Linda tell them you are a buddy of mine Steve Katz they will take care of you

[Bruce H.]

When I needed a new one I visited a dealer who showed me the Bell line. I forget the details, but some of the least expensive open face models are made off-shore and sold under different names like Bell. I think they are maybe fiberglass construction instead of the normal and carbon fiber models. I chose to stick with a Bell full face for protection against an airbag, chose a model with improved ventilation, and also leave the visor open to be cooler. I'd recommend a proper fitting as opposed to just ordering on-line as some do fit differently.

[Dman]

I agree on the test fitting, my head isn't a "Bell" head, they just don't fit me well at all. Just like bike helmets, they are shaped differently and even the sizing, from the padding etc., varies, if you can try one in a shop or from someone just to judge the shape, it'd be great. And make sure the online store has a cost-free return policy. I get my bike track gear from the same place online & they're so liberal they encourage buying 2 sizes of shoes or whatever & just return the other one.

If you are competitively racing, I'd drop a grand+ myself easy, right now I've got the $200 job and the $600 job depending on the event, but I'm NOT racing, just track days.

[daytonprowler]

If you are interested.... I had these new Bell Sport helmets shipped down to the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona. Ben Keating was kind enough to have all the drivers, crew chief, and crew engineer autograph both helmets.

These helmets, as well as many other one of a kind custom Viper items, will be auctioned off "LIVE" online at the VOA Ohio Region's Ultimate Viper Party on April 25th, 2015. Everyone is welcome to participate! Bidding information will be posted in a couple weeks.

The black helmet is a Large and the white helmet is an XL.

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[killer 33]

Thanks guys. I plan on doing track days for now. If I get a little more serious I'll go up a couple of levels. A test fitting definitely makes sense, I'll check around with some of the local shops before ordering anuything. I've done a few racing school events and track days and finding a comfortable helmet was a bit of a challenge.. especially when I traveled to Phoenix and Vegas and it was 1,000 degrees.

[thetalonguy]

I went to the local speed shop over the weekend and test fitted a G-force. I wasn't sure of the exact model, but it was a full face. Apparently they only had one model for a medium size. Plus, I think they had marked it up quite a bit, then add 9% sales tax and this seemed a bit overpriced.

Steve, I might name drop you from your link.

Matt-

[FLATOUT]

I have a black SA2010 GForce. It was on the cheaper end on the spectrum but I have been very happy with it. If I started doing more then a handful of track days a year I would upgrade to a Bell or Simpson.

[TrackAire]

I'm using a Bell right now, can't remember the model but it is full face (was around $400.00 IIRC). Even when driving a coupe, at the speeds a Viper is capable of I always run with the visor down or at the bare minimum cracked a bit for air flow if the conditions warrant it. After watching a video of a Porsche driver getting taken out by a deer on the track, you never know what can happen. I've even been hit by chunks of rubber and pebbles inside my car since we are required to have the windows open while on track. During a severe accident, your hands can also smack your face causing injuries.

What more dollars gets you is lighter weight. This is very important because even a "track day" shunt can cause many G's of force on your neck. The lighter the helmet, the less strain your neck will take if you come to a sudden stop. Obviously the lighter weight also helps with driver fatigue on long track days or weekends. I'll probably upgrade to an even lighter helmet this year and retire my current Bell to "loaner" status.

[Rapidrezults]

I went with an Arai GP6...only because they are ultra comfortable and easier on the neck due to the fact that they sit lower. They are pricey though. GP 5W also has a very large eye port.

[Dusty1]

One thing to keep in mind is the Snell roll over period is this year and if you wait about 6 months you should be able to buy a Snell 2015 and get an extra 5 years of eligibility at the track. Also if you can afford it, Carbon Fiber helmets weigh about 1/2 what the Fiberglass ones do. Much better on the neck. Speaking of the neck, make sure the helmet is pre-drilled for the Hans device.

Richard

[ViperGeorge]

Does the club still get a discount at Helmet City? http://www.helmetsales.com/2014/2014.html

I bought a Pyrotech Carbon Fiber helmet which I love. SA 2010 and light as heck. Large eye port as well. Oh, and inexpensive.

[killer 33]

I'm definitely choosing CF. I've had my share of neck injuries over the years and after wearing some of the heavier, loner models during track days my neck was bothering me quite a bit afterwards. Also, my big noggin doesn't help the situation either. I never paid much attention to what helmet I was wearing at the time but it's definitely on top of my priority list now. Thanks for all the help, you guys know your stuff!

[bluesrt]

aria helmets only for me, superb all the way---------------

[Nine Ball]

As far as I know, Arai only makes motorcycle helmets. They aren't SA2010 rated. While they may have good impact resistance, most motorcycle helmets do not have the fire retardant liner. That is because most bikers fall away from their bike, no danger of fire. Car helmets need to be fire retardant, so that the liner doesn't melt to your head.

[Bruce H.]

M rated (motorcycle) helmets are different in their design for initial and subsequent impact resistance as I understand it, and in no way suitable for track use. Must be SA rated for track use, and most events require them to be less than 10 years old. SA2010 helmets will be good until 2020, and the next issue will be SA2015 and good until 2025. Not sure when SA2015 helmets will be out, and maybe they are now.

[Rapidrezults]

Arai is actually very big in the auto helmet market. A lot of NASCAR and various other professional race car drivers run them. We are so used to knowing them for their motorcycle helmets yes, but they make kickass auto helmets as well.

Also, our very own Dominik Farnbacher chose to use his "Arai" when he set the Viper Nurburgring record... the 5W has one of the largest eye ports available on a auto helmet.


This is the helmet that A LOT of pros run...

https://www.araiamericas.com/default...ts/auto/gp-6rc

[Nine Ball]

Good info. Arai's product website sort of sucks in terms of listing ratings. I looked all over and couldn't find any Snell references.

[Bruce H.]

And if you don't feel your Viper is intimidating enough you might want to consider this full-face design...

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...mxluFduMlmClmI