advice on helmets for track days

[KmndntKlink]

Hi All,
Need some advice on what helmet I should buy. I want one that's <300$ sa2010.

Basically that puts me in line with these:
Racequip 274993
Zamp fsa-2
HJC-AR10II

Anyone got any complaints/love these? Anyone got one for sale?

The racequip & zamp are 200-210$ USD shipped which is pretty good, but I wonder if for an extra 100+tax I should spring for the HJC. It is gonna last for 16 more years after all!

TIYA

[dagolfpro]

Originally Posted by KmndntKlink

Hi All,
Need some advice on what helmet I should buy. I want one that's <300$ sa2010.

Basically that puts me in line with these:
Racequip 274993
Zamp fsa-2
HJC-AR10II

Anyone got any complaints/love these? Anyone got one for sale?

The racequip & zamp are 200-210$ USD shipped which is pretty good, but I wonder if for an extra 100+tax I should spring for the HJC. It is gonna last for 16 more years after all!

TIYA

The HJC is a great helmet as I know many guys have it. Don't know about the other 2. I'm sure quality is all comparable, it's really the fit that matters. I tried the HJC, didn't fit my head. Personally, I have an Arai.

You really don't want to buy a used helmet as you don't know if it's been involved in a crash or not. Maybe buy it if you know if someone you trust or know it's NIB type of sale.

As for lasting 16 years, I hope you're joking…

Good Luck.

[Sleeper519]

I've got a G-Force-- basic, fits good, does the job. Bell also has some models in that price range too. I'm sure you will get a lot of personal preferences and opinions.

Lots of fancy (expensive) ones out there now.

[1MOREMOD]

I have the hjc, good helemet but have to try one on. No complaints and use with hans.

[Sleeper519]

agree, you definitely need to try on before buying. like atheletic shoes, they all fit just a little bit different.

[beats]

I'm happy with my HJC as well. Fit me better than the Bell ones I tried.

[MSteve5036]

Slightly related question but where did you guys go to try on these helmets?

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by MSteve5036

Slightly related question but where did you guys go to try on these helmets?

Motorsports shop near your area.

I was in the market for $300 helmets as well but in the end got Bell with the chin extension, Hans clips and FIA stamp (was in the Middle East then and all helmets came with FIA). Glad I paid a bit more (almost double) because it came down to a helmet deciding if I drove a Radical or not at a local event.

Moral of the story, pony up a bit more and get something that is A) Comfortable B) Is race worthy because you never know if you upgrade from DE to W2W and may be SOL and be spending again.

16 years After 3-4 (max) mine is super stinky and I replace just for hygiene reasons alone. Not to mention I drop my helmet just around the same time (coincidence?)

Good luck.

Lutfy

[KmndntKlink]

Great thanks for all the replies! I think I'll try the HJC on when I pick up my BBK then. if it fits I'll just go for it. I agree it is kinda risky to order from ebay & end up finding its not comfortable for my head shape. so cheap though hmmmm

Anyone know of good brands/models for the ones that let you switch from full face to open? or are those nonsense? Would be great to have the flexibility if the track lets you use open.

Any good shops in the toronto area that have wide selection I can try on?

Also 16 maaaay be a bit on the long side, but you can wash the interior bits right, and considering I'm not racing, just a handful of track days a year figured I could make it last pretty long.

[swartzentruber]

Originally Posted by KmndntKlink

Also 16 maaaay be a bit on the long side, but you can wash the interior bits right, and considering I'm not racing, just a handful of track days a year figured I could make it last pretty long.

Not sure how it is around your area, but here, most organizations won't let you get more than two generations old, plus maybe one year grandfathered, so best case would be 11 years if you buy right when the latest gen came out. If you are buying a 2010 now, best case for many organizations would be using it through 2021, so 7 more years.

[1MOREMOD]

Same here except I've never seen anyone actually check a helmet. As long as its not gold leaf covered or super 80s neon color they won't notice its super old.

[MasterP]

I prefer arai. The shell shape is more compact since they use three shells to cover their sizing. Most companies use two.

It just makes the helmet a little lighter, and you look less bobblehead with the right sized lid.

Probably not an issue if you wear the larger sizes. I use an "S" so it makes quite difference for me.

[KmndntKlink]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Same here except I've never seen anyone actually check a helmet. As long as its not gold leaf covered or super 80s neon color they won't notice its super old.

exactly. I'm pretty sure you could get away with a motorcycle helmet for 80$, they look the same lol. Not that I would, since if worst happens your hlelmet is probably useless after the first roll LOL. I don't see the tracks I go to kicking up too much of a fus with a sa2010 helmet, even 10 years later, hell one of them doesn't even require helmets! but, time will tell!

Man, I should get a helmet & paint it super 80s neon with a go faster stripe down the middle. no school like the old school.

[swartzentruber]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Same here except I've never seen anyone actually check a helmet. As long as its not gold leaf covered or super 80s neon color they won't notice its super old.

2 of the organizations I run with religiously check helmets, and put a sticker on it if you are compliant. Like I said, YMMV.

[MSteve5036]

Originally Posted by swartzentruber

Not sure how it is around your area, but here, most organizations won't let you get more than two generations old, plus maybe one year grandfathered, so best case would be 11 years if you buy right when the latest gen came out. If you are buying a 2010 now, best case for many organizations would be using it through 2021, so 7 more years.

I was wondering this myself. I was all set to buy a SA2010 until I started to research and found out SA2015 was coming out and they come out every 5 years. While the 6-7 year window is probably enough of a window I just don't want to pay for a helmet that will be "old" in 1 year (partly because I have a little idea in my mind for a design)

[Billj747]

I love my HJC. Highly recommended.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by swartzentruber

2 of the organizations I run with religiously check helmets, and put a sticker on it if you are compliant. Like I said, YMMV.

They should. I have a 10 that's few years old, wife wears and 05 sometimes still.

[beats]

Originally Posted by KmndntKlink

Any good shops in the toronto area that have wide selection I can try on?

jrp racing in missuaga sells hjc, csc racing in newmarket sells bell.

[KmndntKlink]

Originally Posted by skru_fase

jrp racing in missuaga sells hjc, csc racing in newmarket sells bell.

OMG THEY SELL EEEEEVEERRRYYTHING. I have a feeling I will be spending hours there.

FYI Gruppe Works sells HJC & Sparco gear, it's where I've ordered by BBK & pads. Probably where I'll buy a helmet too, seems like HJC is the way to go. Wonder if I should wait a year for the sa2015. when do they come out?

[M3ANMACHINE]

Love my HJC. you should try some on though