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      12-31-2009, 01:44 PM   #1
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Helmet for track use?

I did some research helmets are mandatory for track-days in the U.S!

What helmets are recommended for comfort and good view?

Arai GP-6s has me thinking full face or open face?
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      12-31-2009, 03:03 PM   #2
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I have a GP-5W. I use a peak visor and no faceshield most of the time, great ventilation and easy to set up an intercom. Not a fan of the decreased protection of a half helmet, especially since I believe none of them are HANS compatible. Even if you don't plan on a head and neck restraint it's nice to have it available.

The yet to be released GP-6 is supposedly a very expensive hat, over $2000, the carbon version over $4K. But the new Snell 2010 which supposedly tests with HANS devices in place, won't be released until Oct. 2010, so you might consider waiting to either get a deal or a helmet with the newest safety rating.
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      01-01-2010, 03:06 AM   #3
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thanks for the info! How much did you pay for your helmet? and where did you purchase?

Thanks,

Chris
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      01-01-2010, 03:41 PM   #4
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I love my HJC Si-12. It's extremely light and fits very well. Try one out before you go for the Arai.
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      01-01-2010, 04:07 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smmmurf View Post
I love my HJC Si-12. It's extremely light and fits very well. Try one out before you go for the Arai.
I agree. I've also got a HJC Si-12.
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      01-02-2010, 02:04 AM   #6
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Agree with TrackRat completely. I was all set to get an HJC but found it was too narrow at the top of the helmet. I'm no cone head. Then I was trying the sized Bell helmets and was about to spend around $650 but tried a regular S-M-L-XL size helmet and it fit perfectly. It took about an hour to try a bunch of helmets but I'm glad I did since it fits well and my sun glasses slide right in.

This is where I got mine and they have some great deals right now.

http://www.thebellstore.com/Auto/closeout.html

.
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      01-02-2010, 02:24 AM   #7
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Here is another thred which mya be of interest to you since it contains more user feedback:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199042
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      01-02-2010, 09:27 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trier Germany View Post
thanks for the info! How much did you pay for your helmet? and where did you purchase?

Thanks,

Chris
Apex Performance .net, it was about $700 a year ago, PM me if you need a discount code. They can also preinstall HANS anchors.
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      01-02-2010, 12:22 PM   #9
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Arai is my vote.
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      01-03-2010, 12:08 AM   #10
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I'm for Arai too. I also use a gp5w with a smoked shield. Its a nice helmet, wide angle viewing is a plus, its comfortable (for me) and light. I'm an arai fan - use them on my bikes too.

Get prepared to pay through the nose for the gp5w, but hey, its your head.

I would not go open face, unless of course you dont mind your face bashing into the steering wheel. If you feel claustrophobic in a closed face, dont worry, you will get used to it.
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      01-04-2010, 07:39 AM   #11
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Arai GP5-W

Quote:
Originally Posted by Subw00er View Post
I'm for Arai too. I also use a gp5w with a smoked shield. Its a nice helmet, wide angle viewing is a plus, its comfortable (for me) and light. I'm an arai fan - use them on my bikes too.

Get prepared to pay through the nose for the gp5w, but hey, its your head.

I would not go open face, unless of course you dont mind your face bashing into the steering wheel. If you feel claustrophobic in a closed face, dont worry, you will get used to it.
How much did you pay for the GP5-W? and where did you purchase it from?

Thanks,

Chris
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      01-04-2010, 09:05 AM   #12
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I bought at a local store and I paid $7-800 if memory serves. I bought the more expensive color option.. They may be less expensive now..
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      01-06-2010, 09:06 PM   #13
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in my experience, Arai helmets seemed better suited to rounder heads. My head is more rectangular and the Arai just did not feel right. I ended up getting a Shoei X-11, which is also excellent. http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet....Eleven&h=2&t=1

It's all about trying them on until you get one that just feels right.
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      01-07-2010, 07:54 AM   #14
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I would agree that you need to find a helmet that suits you, this is not something you can buy over the internet blindly. But I would disagree that you can still bucket the arai and Shoei brands. That used to be the case, but the lineups now are more diverse and can suit more head types. Just have to go try them out.
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      01-26-2010, 03:45 AM   #15
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Thanks

Quote:
Originally Posted by Subw00er View Post
I would agree that you need to find a helmet that suits you, this is not something you can buy over the internet blindly. But I would disagree that you can still bucket the arai and Shoei brands. That used to be the case, but the lineups now are more diverse and can suit more head types. Just have to go try them out.
Thanks Guys for all the help,



Now i need time to go try on some helmets!
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      01-27-2010, 06:12 AM   #16
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I use a very comfortable Simpson (www.teamsimpson.com) Speedway Shark which is SA2005 rated instead of "M" rated. A buddy of mine just purchased at Simpson V-Sport (SA2005) helmet for around $249. It's a great buy. Some track organizers, us included, only allow SA rated helmets.

Feff
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      01-27-2010, 07:10 AM   #17
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Helmets

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Originally Posted by Feffman View Post
I use a very comfortable Simpson (www.teamsimpson.com) Speedway Shark which is SA2005 rated instead of "M" rated. A buddy of mine just purchased at Simpson V-Sport (SA2005) helmet for around $249. It's a great buy. Some track organizers, us included, only allow SA rated helmets.

Feff
Thanks for the Info. I'm leaning towards Arai, Sparco and OMP. I just have to see which one best suits my needs!
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      01-27-2010, 10:20 AM   #18
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I love my Arai GP-5, but it was on the pricey side. However, the ability to later attach HANS connectors is a serious plus.
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      01-27-2010, 09:43 PM   #19
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I like my Arai GP-5W, no visor, clear lens.

It's extremely important that the helmet fits properly. Do not, repeat, do not buy one based on looks or reputation.

That said, you really can't go wrong with a Bell, Arai, Schuberth, etc. If the helmet is rated properly, cost doesn't make one helmet safer than another.

Like poster above said, consider your plans before buying. If you think you may need HANS in the future, buy accordingly.

Good luck and have fun at the track!
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      01-28-2010, 02:11 AM   #20
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any issues with using my motorcycle helmet for the track? Thanks!
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      01-28-2010, 02:37 AM   #21
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Yes

Quote:
Originally Posted by CATCH_M3 View Post
any issues with using my motorcycle helmet for the track? Thanks!
If you Track in the U.S. you have to have an SA-2005 rating or above!
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      01-28-2010, 03:01 AM   #22
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Thanks! Im in canada.. I guess my helmet isn't flame or roll-cage tested since its not sa-2005 (m-2005 instead for bikes)

Maybe it'd be good for me to get one anyway since I could very well go to the US for some track days at some point
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