Helmet - Arai SK5
Discussion
I'm about to buy a new helmet for karting and track days.
Thinking about the Arai SK5 which seems a great quality helmet at a reasonable price.
Any recommendations?
I read somewhere on one website that the SK5 is really for karting only? Can anybody shed any light on this? I can't think of anything other than the SK5 doesn't come with a fireproof liner like the more expensive Arai's.
>>> Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 23 March 11:16
Thinking about the Arai SK5 which seems a great quality helmet at a reasonable price.
Any recommendations?
I read somewhere on one website that the SK5 is really for karting only? Can anybody shed any light on this? I can't think of anything other than the SK5 doesn't come with a fireproof liner like the more expensive Arai's.
>>> Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 23 March 11:16
Forget all about getting a particluar brand or even model - get one that fits. That means trying on different helmets until you find one that you think is comfortable - and then keep it on for 20-30 minutes.
Different brands fit different people - you might not have an Arai shaped head
If you are only doing trackdays then you can probably get away with a motorbike helmet but if you ever want to sprint or race then you will need an appropriately certified helmet (e.g. BS6658-85A or Snell SA2000). Go to a good shop such as Grand Prix Racewear or Demon Tweeks and take your time finding a good helmet that is comfortable and fits properly. Remember you will be wearing the helmut for a minimum of 20 minutes at a time so it needs to be comfortable.
Different brands fit different people - you might not have an Arai shaped head
If you are only doing trackdays then you can probably get away with a motorbike helmet but if you ever want to sprint or race then you will need an appropriately certified helmet (e.g. BS6658-85A or Snell SA2000). Go to a good shop such as Grand Prix Racewear or Demon Tweeks and take your time finding a good helmet that is comfortable and fits properly. Remember you will be wearing the helmut for a minimum of 20 minutes at a time so it needs to be comfortable.
sorry Bruce, but saving money on a brain bucket isn't on the cards for me.
i'm in IT, and the two most important things i "own" are my brain and hands.
it is very worth it to protect both at all costs. accidents do happen on track days, sad to say so i've heard. why risk your livelyhood over a few quid?????
i'm in IT, and the two most important things i "own" are my brain and hands.
it is very worth it to protect both at all costs. accidents do happen on track days, sad to say so i've heard. why risk your livelyhood over a few quid?????
Thanks for the advice (and suggestions!!) guys especially Shaun. I'm doing an informal sprint at Curborough in May, which isn't on their 2005 calendar and I'm assuming that the SK5 will be fine, but I'll contact the organisers anyway to check. I've tried Arai helmets on and they are a good fit and generally regarded to be amongst the best helmets so I think that I'll probably plump for one of these.
Thanks again.
Steve
Thanks again.
Steve
Steve-B said:Errr. You obviously didn't follow the links. The suggested carbon fibre lid above my post costs £3,500!!! The one I'm suggesting is a mere £600... hence the three big ones! I agree completely about the value of one's head (see other posts of mine) but £3,500 is just a wee bit steep, in my opinion!
sorry Bruce, but saving money on a brain bucket isn't on the cards for me.
i'm in IT, and the two most important things i "own" are my brain and hands.
it is very worth it to protect both at all costs. accidents do happen on track days, sad to say so i've heard. why risk your livelyhood over a few quid?????
Having said that, I used to advertise Marconi Helmets made to RAF spec that cost £25k before any HUD or soundz were attached! In which case, 3.5K looks like a bargain!
Stand 21 helmets are made to fit your head, so you don't need to worry about the shape.
They are a bit more expensive than Bell/Arai, but they are also much lighter. I have a "Double Duty" on order, which has a swappable peak and visor so I can switch between single seater and tintop mode.
www.stand21.fr/casques/F21-DA/F21-DA-2.html
They are a bit more expensive than Bell/Arai, but they are also much lighter. I have a "Double Duty" on order, which has a swappable peak and visor so I can switch between single seater and tintop mode.
www.stand21.fr/casques/F21-DA/F21-DA-2.html
jacobyte said:
I'm not sure of the price, as mine is subsidised by a sponsor. I believe it retails at about £600, depending on where you get it from.
Mine will come with HANS fittings and a hole for a drinks tube.
The UK outfit is based near Brands: 01474 855 319.
Cheers for this. I'd already been on their website but there's no mention at all of £££. Might have a little run down there tomorrow, as I'm in that neck of the woods visiting a client in Maidstone.
I would reccomend an Arai GP5 or GP5K. The GP5 is worn by a lot of professional drivers and you can save a lot by importing one from the States. I got mine from www.saferacer.com and saved £250.
Steve R
Steve R
I would reccomend an Arai GP5 or GP5K. The GP5 is worn by a lot of professional drivers and you can save a lot by importing one from the States. I got mine from www.saferacer.com and saved £250.
Steve R
Steve R
foz01 said:
Is there not issues with it not having a current BS standard sticker, this is what all scrutineers check for in my experience, or will the Snell etc be sufficient?!?
If you're referring to the SK5, it's only got K98, which is karting regulations. So it's OK as a trackday and karting helmet. The GP5K (which is probably what I'll be getting) has Snell SA2000 which is the more upto date race regulations, meaning it can be used for racing.
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