First track day...helmet recommendations?

[94jedi]

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!

[dparm]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

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!

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.

[br2wdc]

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!

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Hey guys - planning on my first track day at VIR next month; obviously need a full face helmet. Any recommendations? 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!

[dparm]

Originally Posted by br2wdc

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.

That assumes the motorcycle and automobile helmets use the same shell shapes, which is an unknown.

[kyippee]

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

[Kelse92]

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.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

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.

The 2020s are already shipping from Stilo, and there's at least one Bell model available too. :-)

[Kelse92]

Originally Posted by dparm

The 2020s are already shipping from Stilo, and there's at least one Bell model available too. :-)

Ah sweet, I figured with COVID there would be some sort of delays lol
Also forgot to mention, to combat funky smells I usually stick a dryer-sheet in my helmet between-events when I store it.

[e36clubracer]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

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!

If this is your first helmet I highly recommend finding somewhere you can try one on or a vendor with a good return policy on trying multiple options. Each helmet manufacturer has a slightly different head profile shape. I've had Bell, Arai, and Stilo. For me the Arai and Stilo fit the best and the Bell while OK, it wasn't the best fit for my head shape. Also, always opt for the lightest weight possible in your price range.

[Redd]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

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!

It's your first trackday, don't go crazy on high end helmets. Find out what certifications (SNELL, etc) VIR requires and just get a motorcycle full face with the correct certification.

[askjeeves]

Originally Posted by Redd

It's your first trackday, don't go crazy on high end helmets. Find out what certifications (SNELL, etc) VIR requires and just get a motorcycle full face with the correct certification.

A motorcycle rated helmet will not be allowed at most, if not all, track events. Make sure it's SA rated. You can probably find a deal on a close out 2015 model now. A lot of dealers will be willing to negotiate.

[e92BMW///M3]

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.

[Scrippy]

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.

[SQ13]

Originally Posted by e92BMW///M3

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.

Yup, my small Bell Sport was a perfect fit, but I would need a medium Bell RS7.

[Estoril Blue]

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.

[br2wdc]

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

Originally Posted by br2wdc

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):
[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!