Helmet - recommendations

[Eddy V]

If you're smart buy a helmet with the pre drilled Hans holes. Doesn't cost that much more and you're safe IF they make it mandatory.

[dtype38]

Originally Posted by halecmini

so do we know if the hans device is going to become complusary yet? or when? i need a new helmet for next year do i buy one with the hans device mod bits? again working on a small budget here chaps so less of the is my life worth bla bla, no point in having the gouchy kit if you can't afford to race!

I wouldn't bother buying a helmet with posts fitted just yet. When I bought my HANS device, the supplier happily fitted the posts for free and gave me a conformity certificate to prove it had been fitted correctly... and paid all the postage

[jminsh]

Originally Posted by Eddy V

If you're smart buy a helmet with the pre drilled Hans holes. Doesn't cost that much more and you're safe IF they make it mandatory.

Correction they don't cost any more at all, most come from the Factory pre drilled if homologated for Hans and are the new Snell 2005 aproval.

[Eddy V]

I know Jason, I should have written : they don't cost much more than a normal helmet you'd otherwise buy.

But your reply made it more clear, thanks.

[kickstart]

I have used Bells for a few years because I like to have a wider aperture, I will be changing my helmet for the forthcoming season and does anyone know which helmets have the larger aperture ?

[dtype38]

Kickstart has a good point... don't make your decision just based on our recommendations. Not only do you need to consider "visibility" (some drivers prefer a shallow opening, some high, some prefer more periferal vision than others) but also "head shape". For reasons unknown, each manufacturer seem to use a different basic head shape master to make their padding. I find Bell helmets very uncomfortable because they seem to squeeze my head in some places and have gaps in others. The Arai is good for me because it fits my head, but a friend tried one on and said it was really uncomfortable. TBH, there really isn't any substitute for spending an hour or two trying on everthing in the shop (or Autosport stand) and just ignore the impatient looks from the sales assistant. Narrow it down and try them again and again until you're really happy with everything!

[Eddy V]

Correct dtype, as with everything, people should take time to try things out first.
1000 people, 1000 different choises.

[Nintendo]

I;d recommend the Arai GP5

[dtype38]

Just got a copy of the current "Track and Race Cars" mag containing a "Mega Crash Hat Review". I skimmed it and it seems quite a good assessment of whats on the market in the "mid" range. Could well be worth a read. Just happens to start with the GP5, but that might be an alphabetical thing

[fangio]

I have been using the Stand21 helmets, both closed and open, for many years and they're great.
Not too heavy, nice opening and good fit with replaceable liners.
I modified the visor with the Nolan-helmets Pin-lock anti fog system (an extra layer that fits inside the visor), works fine.
The closed helmet can be worn with a visor OR peak, very handy if you switch from open to closed cars.