[turugara]

I've been looking at helmets for an HPDE and unfortunately, couldn't find a shop around the Philly area where I could go and try a few on. My head's around a medium and I was wondering what some of you use for helmets and what you would recommend. My budget is around $300 - $500 with room to move around because I don't want to be skimping out on this piece of gear.

I'm currently looking at the following:

At this point I'm really going off of looks and I don't know what I should be looking for other than the certification of SA2005+.

Bell MA SA2010:
http://www.saferacer.com/bell-m4-sa2...productid=2214

Simpson Super Bandit SA2010
http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-sup...productid=2268

Bell BR-1 SA 2010
http://www.saferacer.com/bell-br-1-s...productid=2213

[TSM330i]

Hey,
Sorry I haven't been able to bring my helmet to a meet yet, but I'd definitely suggest going with a light weight helmet. It makes everything that much more enjoyable.
Also, go with white. Black gets HOT when you let it out in the sun for just a short time.
Of the three you have listed above I'd go for the Bell M4. I almost got that helmet myself.
Also, check out this HJC. I actually have the Si-12.
http://www.racinghelmets.net/CartGenie/prod-65.htm

[turugara]

Still can't wait to see your helmet. Are you going to this weeks KOP?

[TSM330i]

I have a basketball game on Thursday, but can stop by afterwards.

[GaryS]

FWIW every club I run with still accepts SA 2000, so I recommend that you find a discounted older model. I bought a 2005 in October for half price one day after the first 2010 models were released.

Edit: On more thing. Helmet size is critical for comfort. It's probably hard to find a race shop to try on helmets, but I'd be amazed if you can't find a motorcycle shop. Sizes will be the same within brands. As far as I know, they will also be the same between brands, except Bell runs a little large.

[ngng]

How serious do you think you'll be? Full face helmets make it harder to communicate compared to the open face, unless you use a communicator. Also, check with your track day orgs to ensure your helmet doesn't get phased out. Other than that, try them on, that's the BEST way to figure out what works.

[Outlaw 06]

I use a BELL Sport Mag 4 SA2005 Open Face helmet and it's fine for HPDEs. I like it because it's lighter and cooler than most full-face helmets. It's also the best helmet style for those tracking street cars equipped with airbags.

[turugara]

Cool thanks guys. I'll post pics on the helmet that I finally decide on

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by turugara

Cool thanks guys. I'll post pics on the helmet that I finally decide on

FYI since you're in PA... NJ law requires full-face helmets on tracks as of 2011, in case you're planning to venture to NJMP (Thunderbolt/Lightning).

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by PeterM1

FYI since you're in PA... NJ law requires full-face helmets on tracks as of 2011, in case you're planning to venture to NJMP (Thunderbolt/Lightning).

BMWCCA NJ chapter told me that too. But I asked the DelVal chapter about open-face for their event at Lightning next month, and they said open-face helmets are allowed in closed cars. So I checked with NJMP, and they said open-face is allowed in closed cars that have airbags.

[mid-corner fun]

Originally Posted by GaryS

BMWCCA NJ chapter told me that too. But I asked the DelVal chapter about open-face for their event at Lightning next month, and they said open-face helmets are allowed in closed cars. So I checked with NJMP, and they said open-face is allowed in closed cars that have airbags.

huh...interesting. good to know, thanks.