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Old 05-18-2012
cbpopp cbpopp is offline
Moving Chicane / Regular Member (<5 Posts)
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
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helmet question

I need a new helmet - primarily for Skip Formula. I've been looking at HJC, Bell K-1. Someone recommended a Zamp R32 (which sort of looks like the Bell K-1.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Chris
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Old 05-18-2012
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PFS PFS is offline
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Re: helmet question

Hi Chris,

Personally I'm a Bell guy...have been for 20 years. Very high quality, they fit my head perfectly, and they've always had good customer service. I think those are all pretty good helmets (Arai is also a great brand), just don't cheap out on the choice. One of the old timers at Skip, Duck Waddle, always said your helmet budget should match what you think your head is worth.

Also, a lot of what goes into helmet choice is whether or not you like the way it fits. There shouldn't be too much pressure on your forehead or you'll get a headache after a half hour in the car. You can tell if it's too big if you grab it in back with one hand (with it unbuckled) and can pull it off your head. Some helmets a bit roomier in the cheek area, some (like Bell) are a bit tighter there. I tend to like the pads touching my cheeks, but some people don't. The best scenario is to go try some on. Might not be real feasible, but if you can go to an SCCA weekend (or some such), many times there will be a retailer there. They can also help with fitment.

Be careful you buy one with an SA2010 rating. Sometimes you'll see places trying to unload their SA2005 models at sale prices. The SA2005s are good helmets, just not as current as the SA2010. Plus when the SA2015 comes out, the SA2005s will not be allowed in many sanctioning bodies. That's only because the latest models have the most up-to-date technology incorporated into them, and helmets can deteriorate with age regardless of the amount you've used them.

Hope that helps.
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Old 05-18-2012
cbpopp cbpopp is offline
Moving Chicane / Regular Member (<5 Posts)
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
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Re: helmet question

Thanks Peter. I appreciate the feedback and always value classic DW advice. Yeah, I've noticed there are some 2005's marked down but I will stick with the 2010.
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Old 05-19-2012
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dalyduo dalyduo is offline
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Re: helmet question

With my first helmet I tried Arai and had trouble getting the fit right. When I thought I'd have to switch brands because the extra large was too big and the large too small it turned out they had different size cheek and forehead pads but you had to know to ask for them.

Speedware is a racer friendly supplier who will work with you to get the fit right. Speedware Arai helmet link

Agree with Peter on all accounts about fit and choosing the latest model possible. It needs to be on the verge of too snug at the beginning but not so snug that it gives you a headache. With time the pads will form to your face and hold your mellon just right. Starting too loose leaves you no place to go but sloppy loose which is both uncomfortable and unsafe.

Whatever brand helmet you choose, invest in a good smoke visor for sunny days with anti-fog coating on the inside and a clear visor with anti-fog coating for rainy days. Also get an extra set of the screws, washers and sliders that hold the visors in place. The reason for this is there will come a time when a visor screw comes loose and disappears or you're in a hurry to change the visor because rain or sun has suddenly appeared unexpectedly and one of those minor parts will instantly become vitally important because you can't find it. That little bag of spares in your gear bag is cheap insurance that will pay dividends.
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Last edited by dalyduo; 05-20-2012 at 04:22 AM.
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