New trackday helmet
New trackday helmet
Author
Discussion

batman69

Original Poster:

236 posts

250 months

Saturday 3rd November 2007
quotequote all
thinking of getting a new lid for trackdays and retiring my old bike helmet. Can't find any group tests, anybody got any suggestions???

Sean Edwards

999 posts

233 months

Saturday 3rd November 2007
quotequote all
Don't start this one again lol!

Buy the best you can afford and one that fits well, I recommend any of the Arai range.

Edited by Sean Edwards on Sunday 4th November 07:49

agent006

12,058 posts

287 months

Saturday 3rd November 2007
quotequote all
Buy what fits best.

That's both the viewpoints done that generated a four mile long thread a while back.

BertBert

20,898 posts

234 months

Sunday 4th November 2007
quotequote all
Sean Edwards said:
Don't start this one again lol!

Buy the best you can afford and one that fits well, I recommend any of the Arai range.

Edited by Sean Edwards on Sunday 4th November 07:49
I know we wont get into the debate from before as we are big and grown up!

But, surely there must be someone who can add some science to the debate regarding types of helmet, standards/numbers etc.

I need a new lid and it would be nice to be able to make a rational choice!

Bert

agent006

12,058 posts

287 months

Sunday 4th November 2007
quotequote all
Latest Snell year rating is the general rule of thumb. Mine's a 2005 i think (Bell Sport4). Kart helmets are pretty similar to car helmets but without the fireproof lining. Best thing is to get yourself along to a dealer and try a load on. I bought mine from Demon Tweeks after being pissed about by GPR at silverstone.

mgv8dave

826 posts

236 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
i always look after my helmet bounce

Munter

31,330 posts

264 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
mgv8dave said:
i always look after my helmet bounce
What you never abuse it. Even on those cold dark nights on your own...

And just incase you were being serious dont helemts have a "use before date" anyway.

[AJ]

3,079 posts

221 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
Sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread, but I'm also looking for a new lid. My question however is one of the full face or open face variety. I like the idea of the increased visibility and ventilation of an open face helmet, but a full face helmet would be handy (for the added protection) just in case I decide to get a roofless car in the future.

Is there anyone here who has used both and can shed some light on the benefits of either?

taffyracer

2,093 posts

266 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
Yes i've used both, used a full face in 1st season as I felt chlostrophobic when trying on helmets, saw a nasty accident where someone swallowed some teeth and I went straight out and bought an Arai wiht a HANS, wouldn't consider anything less now and it feels fine, you get used to it very quickly and Arai do do a wider aperture version as well if need be

batman69

Original Poster:

236 posts

250 months

Monday 5th November 2007
quotequote all
thanks guys wasn't trying to resurrect the "how cheap can I buy a helmet" thread. My last full face lid was a £400 job. I know to buy what is comfortable and certainly do not plan on skimping! Was just after some recent feedback as haven't been in the market for a few years!

Someone must have bought a lid recently and been really pleased with it?

pikeyboy

2,349 posts

237 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
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I use an arai, its very comfy and well made, i wouldnt buy anything else next time. Only thing is i'm a bit disapointed that the lining on the cheek pads has started to wear with taking it on and off. Having said that GPR told me when i bought mine that generally people have eithier a Bell or an arai shaped head so I'd say you need to go and try some on an see what fits best.

0844abern

38 posts

228 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
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Arai SK5 (kart helmet), has done me fantastically for karting and track days.

Sean Edwards

999 posts

233 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
quotequote all
pikeyboy said:
Only thing is i'm a bit disapointed that the lining on the cheek pads has started to wear with taking it on and off.
Arai will replace that free of charge for you, as long as it's not like 6 years old!

mark69sheer

3,906 posts

225 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
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On a personal note I race karts and my current helmet is fine for karting but I wouldn't use it for in car.

I find it very difficult to either see the controls properly when driving in a narrow aperture full face.
Fitting the four point ends up feeling like groping around in the dark too and is annoying trying to match up what you can't see.
I would still go with a full face as opposed to an open face but I would choose one with a fairly open aperture.

ian964

534 posts

275 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
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I recently got an Arai GP5W, which is based on the GP5K but with a bigger opening. As a glasses wearer I found it virtually impossible to put my glasses on in a GP5K, but the GP5W is OK. Also has a peak instead of a visor, which is ideal in a tin top.