Which helmet? Bell Sport 5, Arai GP5-WV, or something else?

[bltamil1]

Gents,

I am shortly to buy my first racing helmet, and could do with a bit of advice on what I should be looking for.

I will be racing an MX-5, so believe I need a full face helmet as the car is 'open top', and have found the Bell Sport 5 and the Arai GP5-WV which both seem to be reasonably well recommended. The Bell can be had for about £330, whereas the Arai is just over £800, but I have no idea if that additional £500 is worthwhile or not?

Does the Arai offer better protection? Or is it just lighter/more comfortable?

Any advice gratefully received!

[andy97]

Do mot buy a helmet on name, or price. Buy the one that fits.

Do not buy mail order. You have to try them on.

Different helmet manufacturers have different ideas about what represents a "standard head shape".

A few years ago I bought a large Bell helmet mail order and wore it for a few races but it was always uncomfortable. Eventually I went to DT and tried on a few and it turned out that the best fitting helmet for me was a medium Sparco.

[Vocal Minority]

That is good advice.

I tried a Bell on at autosport and it was great for me - but the manufacturing problems meant I had to go for a Koden just to get one in time for the season.

It's great value for money/quality etc - but isn't the best fit on my gigantic bonce.

I only hillclimb so its only on for a few minutes at a time - if I was circuit racing I'd probably be having regretting it.

[Trev450]

As already said, buy on the basis of what feels the most comfortable. If you are not in a position to visit a place that stocks them, Demon Tweeks operate an excellent no quibble returns policy so long as the goods are as new and in the original packaging.

[geeks]

When do you start racing? Reason I ask is I got a reasonable deal on a lid on the last day of Autosport where I tried on several to find one that fitted well. The advice to try before you buy is good, where are you based? Plenty of places dotted around to go and try them out if you cant wait for a show.

[Mr Overheads]

I bought a carbon fibre one from these guys:
http://blackcatracewear.com/

[bltamil1]

Thanks for the responses guys, very helpful.

I am based East of London, so Alex Reade is pretty convenient, and I will be at Brands next week anyway. I will pop in there. I liked the idea of the Arai as it has a wider opening than usual, particularly handy as I wear glasses.

I hope to make a race in mid November, but other than that not until next year, hopefully in the MX-5 Supercup. Just need to find some pace first!

Cheers!

[stevieturbo]

And ensure the helmet is suitable as far as rules go for whatever racing you may take part in, and will remain so for many years to come.


Nothing more annoying than being forced to buy a helmet to replace a perfectly good and safe helmet because of stupid rule changes.....well there is, having to replace an as new harness for exactly the same reason.

[geeks]

bltamil1 said:

Thanks for the responses guys, very helpful.

I am based East of London, so Alex Reade is pretty convenient, and I will be at Brands next week anyway. I will pop in there. I liked the idea of the Arai as it has a wider opening than usual, particularly handy as I wear glasses.

I hope to make a race in mid November, but other than that not until next year, hopefully in the MX-5 Supercup. Just need to find some pace first!

Cheers!

Make sure you get the correct HANS for the helmet too. Good luck, Mid Novemeber, wouldn't be Anglesey would it?

stevieturbo said:

And ensure the helmet is suitable as far as rules go for whatever racing you may take part in, and will remain so for many years to come.


Nothing more annoying than being forced to buy a helmet to replace a perfectly good and safe helmet because of stupid rule changes.....well there is, having to replace an as new harness for exactly the same reason.

Oh great this again!

[BertBert]

geeks said:

Oh great this again!

The old ones are the best!

[geeks]

BertBert said:

geeks said:

Oh great this again!

The old ones are the best!

Or not as the MSA decided

[bltamil1]

geeks said:

bltamil1 said:

Thanks for the responses guys, very helpful.

I am based East of London, so Alex Reade is pretty convenient, and I will be at Brands next week anyway. I will pop in there. I liked the idea of the Arai as it has a wider opening than usual, particularly handy as I wear glasses.

I hope to make a race in mid November, but other than that not until next year, hopefully in the MX-5 Supercup. Just need to find some pace first!

Cheers!

Make sure you get the correct HANS for the helmet too. Good luck, Mid Novemeber, wouldn't be Anglesey would it?

Race of Remembrance? Maybe next year! I thought I would start off with something a little more low level, Trackday Trophy at Brands!

Are the HANS devices helmet specific? I thought they all clip onto standard posts?

[geeks]

bltamil1 said:

geeks said:

bltamil1 said:

Thanks for the responses guys, very helpful.

I am based East of London, so Alex Reade is pretty convenient, and I will be at Brands next week anyway. I will pop in there. I liked the idea of the Arai as it has a wider opening than usual, particularly handy as I wear glasses.

I hope to make a race in mid November, but other than that not until next year, hopefully in the MX-5 Supercup. Just need to find some pace first!

Cheers!

Make sure you get the correct HANS for the helmet too. Good luck, Mid Novemeber, wouldn't be Anglesey would it?

Race of Remembrance? Maybe next year! I thought I would start off with something a little more low level, Trackday Trophy at Brands!

Are the HANS devices helmet specific? I thought they all clip onto standard posts?

No not helmet specific but if memory serves there are two types of clip and post or something. If you are trying yours on etc at a shop they will see you right i am sure.

Good luck in the TT, I did a round with them in August at Donington and very fun it was too.

[steve-V8s]

Another factor is weight. May be wrong but I think if you spend a bit more money you may find the lid to be a fair bit lighter, also I would be inclined to buy fairly soon. There was a bit of a problem at the beginning of this season because rule changes caused a lot of people to go shopping and supplies became scarce.

[BertBert]

Although as that rule change was the mass adoption of HANS devices it's unlikely to be t the same at the start of next season. But certainly don't leave it until the last minute.

[bltamil1]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll try a few on Wednesday, and hopefully pick something up then. The car is all ready (bar the novice square that is on its way) so hopefully I'll be on the grid in November.