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10-05-2020, 10:12 AM | #1 |
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First track day...helmet recommendations?
Hey guys - planning on my first track day at VIR next month; obviously need a full face helmet. Any recommendations? I think I have a fairly average size dome lol. I've heard some people rent helmets but w/ COVID and my general OCD'ness, I'd prefer to buy my own. Having said that, just looking for entry level at this point; don't want to spend too much. Planning on 4-6 track events annually, if that helps. Thanks!
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10-05-2020, 10:28 AM | #2 | |
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Find a local race shop that can properly fit you. Everyone's heads are shaped differently. It's not going to be very efficient and expensive if you have to keep ordering different helmets until you find one that fits...and that assumes you know the nuance of helmet fitment. Fortunately, all of the new SA2020 helmets are starting to trickle out. There are plenty in the $500-and-under category from companies like Bell, HJC, G-Force, and Zamp. Also, buy a headsock and one of the helmet lining cleaners such as Molecule. This will greatly extend the life of the helmet and be more comfortable.
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10-05-2020, 10:54 AM | #3 | |
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VIR guidelines require a helmet must meet the Snell SA2010 or SA2015 specification.
This link is from Winding Road with a buyers guide for Helmets (Updated 3/5/2020): https://www.windingroad.com/articles...guide-helmets/ This link provides their review of the 10 Best Auto Racing Helmets (Updated 9/26/2020): https://www.windingroad.com/articles...acing-helmets/ Another option for something cheaper may be to go to a motorcycle shop that has helmets that meet the Snell standard, figure out your size, and then search online for the best deal. Good luck! Quote:
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10-05-2020, 10:56 AM | #4 | |
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That assumes the motorcycle and automobile helmets use the same shell shapes, which is an unknown.
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10-05-2020, 11:51 AM | #5 |
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I like my HJC AR-10 III a lot. Pretty average sized head imho and the large size fits well. Seems to be a relatively small sizing scale for them
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10-05-2020, 12:05 PM | #6 |
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Get whatever you like that fits your budget try on in-person if you can. Or measure your head and guess. I would recommend getting a 2015 or waiting a couple weeks for the 2020's.
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10-05-2020, 12:09 PM | #7 |
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The 2020s are already shipping from Stilo, and there's at least one Bell model available too. :-)
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10-05-2020, 12:11 PM | #8 | |
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Also forgot to mention, to combat funky smells I usually stick a dryer-sheet in my helmet between-events when I store it.
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10-05-2020, 02:52 PM | #9 | |
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10-05-2020, 07:07 PM | #10 | |
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10-05-2020, 07:12 PM | #11 | ||
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10-05-2020, 07:48 PM | #12 |
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I agree with everything above about trying on. Where I went had head socks to try on and were very cognizant of everything going on with respect to COVID.
I ended up with a Bell sport, which was what I went in thinking I wanted because they were discounted and I was in a similar boat to you, but it just worked out that way. HJC was considerably tighter in the cheek area than the Bell sport. One other thing I would point out was that even different helmet designs from the same manufacturer (at least Bell) fit somewhat differently. I tried on the M8, Sport EV, and at least one other Bell, maybe GT3. |
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10-05-2020, 09:26 PM | #13 |
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Just get a Bell Sport. Entry level with vents and M8 threaded plugs. SA2015 but that's good till 2022 and by then you'll want a RS7 or GT5 probably anyways.
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10-06-2020, 12:39 AM | #14 |
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Yup, my small Bell Sport was a perfect fit, but I would need a medium Bell RS7.
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10-06-2020, 09:36 AM | #15 |
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Its about the shape of your head, not just the size.
Go to a shop that sells helmets and try them on. They can advise you on the proper fit for you. What works on someone else's head has nothing to do with yours. |
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10-06-2020, 10:52 AM | #16 | |
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I stand corrected: Snell SA is for cars, Snell M is for motorcycles, and there are big differences, especially if you are required to add a HANS device:
The Differences Between Motorcycle Helmets and Car Helmets: https://www.bikesrepublic.com/featur...d-car-helmets/ The current standard for cars is Snell SA2020, but as someone else mentioned (askjeeves) you can probably get a good deal on Snell SA2015 helmet which is minimum requirement at VIR. Though I'm not sure you want to do only the minimum when it comes to your head Quote:
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07-17-2022, 10:04 PM | #18 |
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Bell is the best fit for my asian head.
I totally agree that using a rental helmet is nasty. Closed face even worse.
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