Track Day helmet - what to buy and where?

Track Day helmet - what to buy and where?

Author
Discussion

KaraK

Original Poster:

13,177 posts

208 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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Looking at options for a new track day helmet to replace my ageing FM Axe, from a couple of things I've read people seem to be a fan of the Hedtec lids, can find them online to buy of course but I'd much rather try on before I buy as I don't want to buy something that doesn't fit well. I'm based in the Blackpool area and was wondering if anyone knew of a decent shop in the North West region that I could go to? Other than the Hedtec stuff any other suggestions that are worth looking at? Demon Tweeks have this OMP one at a decent price but is it any good?

spyderman8

1,748 posts

155 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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Different makes are different shapes - its really best to go to a shop and try some.

the chav

1,013 posts

191 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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Piss pot helmets(open face) are good as it gives you slightly more visibility but if you're use to wearing crash helmet's then a full face would work

Don't just buy any crash helmet on line .a bad fitting helmet is just as bad as not wearing one.

Go to your local motorcycle shop and try some on .I picked up a cheap one for £45

KaraK

Original Poster:

13,177 posts

208 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
quotequote all
My current lid is full-face so I'm probably going to go for the same again as I can use it when going karting etc as well.

I've been having a bit of a google this afternoon and it would appear that a lot of people seem to recommend the ones from V2, they aren't insane on price and I quite like the idea of having something that's flame resisted as well. Agreed on the fit - one reason why I'm looking to change is that while my FM is comfy enough (and is certainly more comfortable then any hire-helmet I've tried on ever) it's not quite snug enough to be safe IMO.

Seems like there is a real lack of actual physical shops anywhere near me so it might have to be an order online and be prepared to return if it doesn't fit moment which is always a pain but I definitely want something that fits!

mrdemon

21,146 posts

264 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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V2 was either way to small or way to big, I went for a Bell in the end

v2 was also quite heavy.

Sigmamark7

314 posts

160 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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Give Hedtec a call. They are distributed by Ed Moore of MSE and they are great people to deal with, so may be able to offer a solution which works. I have an Arai shaped head, but the Hedtec range feels comfortable on me and their carbon range are remarkably good value and look superb if you like the raw carbon look.

CrutyRammers

13,735 posts

197 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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I ended up having a trip down to Demon's in Wrexham to buy mine, as they've a wide variety to try on.

DiscoColin

3,328 posts

213 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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Do you absolutely need it now? The best option IMHO is to go to the Autosport show in January. All of the big suppliers will be there with plenty of inventory and you will be able to try on whatever you fancy and should be able to haggle a bit of discount into it too (enough to more than cover the cost of going to the show if you are spending a few quid for a nice one).

keep it lit

3,388 posts

166 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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DiscoColin said:
Do you absolutely need it now? The best option IMHO is to go to the Autosport show in January. All of the big suppliers will be there with plenty of inventory and you will be able to try on whatever you fancy and should be able to haggle a bit of discount into it too (enough to more than cover the cost of going to the show if you are spending a few quid for a nice one).
sound advice ^^^

hkp57

285 posts

121 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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This one to show how much fun your having.



McSam

6,753 posts

174 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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hkp57 said:
This one to show how much fun your having.


hehe

I use motorbike helmets that I already had, but eventually I'll get round to buying an approved flame-retardant lid. When I do I reckon I'll go for a V2 - a friend had his new one and I tried it on, slightly snug for me but all the same I was impressed with the build, it looked good, felt nice and they're great value.

Can't comment much on weight as I've never worn really light lids, and I don't exactly have high cornering forces to support it through so it doesn't bother me!

Agree with those saying that Autosport would be a good chance to try a load on and probably wangle a discount, though.

IndecisiveJames

227 posts

170 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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I went to Rockets Bike Centre in Blackburn. Very helpful and friendly staff. I went with a budget of about £20 and ended up spending £160. Infinite helmets to try on, nothing is too much trouble. Ended up spending about 90mins in there on a busy Saturday afternoon. Recommended.

haggy

1,955 posts

213 months

Monday 29th September 2014
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IndecisiveJames said:
I went to Rockets Bike Centre in Blackburn. Very helpful and friendly staff. I went with a budget of about £20 and ended up spending £160. Infinite helmets to try on, nothing is too much trouble. Ended up spending about 90mins in there on a busy Saturday afternoon. Recommended.
Budget of £20 on safety for your head? at least you got a more expensive one

KaraK

Original Poster:

13,177 posts

208 months

Monday 29th September 2014
quotequote all
DiscoColin said:
Do you absolutely need it now? The best option IMHO is to go to the Autosport show in January. All of the big suppliers will be there with plenty of inventory and you will be able to try on whatever you fancy and should be able to haggle a bit of discount into it too (enough to more than cover the cost of going to the show if you are spending a few quid for a nice one).
If I didn't get something sorted it wouldn't be the end of the world as I do have my existing helment - might look at seeing if I can go to Autosport in Jan. Of course having said this I might do something impulsive laugh

framerateuk

2,730 posts

183 months

Thursday 2nd October 2014
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I use an OMP GP7K. Very comfortable (for me!) and has SNELL 2010 approval. You can also have it with HANS posts if you need them.

Jim1985

227 posts

170 months

Sunday 5th October 2014
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haggy said:
Budget of £20 on safety for your head? at least you got a more expensive one
It was said tongue in cheek. Ignoring the painful-to-hear sentiment of "how much is your head worth" I budgeted between £80-£100, but if the £50 ones were comfortable, and not marked "SHOW USE ONLY" or other worrying statments; I would have plumped for one of those.

Its only my first track day, but I have an odd shaped head. I also have a bushy beard, and getting it all inside a pre-worn sweaty rental helmet didnt appeal. After having recently done a paintball day which was spoiled by the paintball mask ramming my glasses against the sides of my nose and ending up with it drawing blood and it running into my eyes, I thought comfort would be a priority.

Also, as I dont wear a helmet on the road during spirited drives, and I dont intend on trying to record and lap times, having a bullet proof helmet designed to withstand a fall from a 4 storey building seemed a little overkill.