Helmet Fit vs Price

[Daaave]

Guys,

I'm looking to spend up to £300ish on a trackday helmet, but I'm struggling to find one that will fit my massive heeed. I've been a good boy and read all the advice on the forum and I've visited Demon Tweeks and the only helmets that were even close to fitting were £600+ XL Arai's with HANS posts that I don't need. But even they didn't feel like I could wear them for long without getting a headache!

Today I tried a XXXL Arai bike lid and it was reasonable, but not perfect. I then tried a 'Lazer Vertigo' in XL that was the most comfortable of the lot, but I was put off because it was only £80 in the shop...

Is a good fitting £80 helmet better than a £300-£600 reasonable fitting helmet? My head is important so I'm not looking to pinch pennies, but I can't afford a £2k custom version

Any advice appreciated

[speedychrissie]

my advice would be to go to more stores with large selections of helmets. I would be surprised if you cant find something by one of the mainstream motorsport helmet companies that will fit you.

If you really cant find anything better than the £80 helmet then that may be the one to go for, but it does depend on why it is slightly uncomfortable. All new helmets will adjust to the shape of your head as you wear it for the first few times. this is why it is better to get one that is too tight in the shop rather than too loose.

but make sure that the £80 helmet is made to suitable regulations. there is talk of some track day companies getting stricter on helmets over the next year, so it is worthwhile getting one that wont be disallowed from next year.

but ultimately I would say that fit is more important than price.

[bull996]

I had exactly the same issue.

I found that a Shoei XL was the biggest, but not big enough. In the end I ordered one from the States in XXL and it fits great and is the type that is approved for the upcoming trackday requirements for a good few years yet.

Plus, it worked out at £300 even after the Post Office took the import tax.
Same helmet here was double.

[PAULJA]

Have a look at this thread

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I would look for a motorsport helmet that meets the standards listed otherwise you may nfind that the one you buy isn't allowed at cetain venues. I bought 2 motorcycle helmets earlier this year for track days and wish I'd carried on driving to Demon Tweeks or bought online the V2 racing items.

Paul

[fivesixseven8]

Hi Dave,

I've just had the same problem as you, finding something that I could wear for more than 10 mins without it crushing my head, but without spending a fortune.

I tried a Sparco WTT and the Arai GP5-W and then a few others I can't remember (a Shoei and something else?). Unfortunately the Arai was a much much better fit so ended up having to spend the money.

Personally I'd go for fit over price. It would drive me mad having to come in every ten mins to take teh lid off!

5678.

[Daaave]

Thanks everyone, I think I had better try some more on first.

I'll get myself down to GPR at Silverstone, can anyone recommend any other shops with a decent level of stock to test fit?

[DiscoColin]

No use to you now, but the Autosport show in January generally has a good turn out of stock from a range of suppliers. If you end up going for the cheaper but more comfortable one now, then perhaps an upgrade option for the future?

Just a thought anyway.

[fivesixseven8]

Daaave said:

Thanks everyone, I think I had better try some more on first.

I'll get myself down to GPR at Silverstone, can anyone recommend any other shops with a decent level of stock to test fit?

I went to Merlin at Castle Coombe. Had a very good range and almost all sizes in stock, very surprised as they were such a small shop.

[tertius]

Assuming of good quality and made to a suitable standard then fit is more important than price, any day of the week. If it doesn't fit then it'll be next to useless.

[Daaave]

I just thought for future info people might find the final outcome useful.

I went to GPR at Silverstone and the only two helmets that were possibilities were:

• Lico Clubman XL
• Simpson Bandit XL

The Lico was slightly more comfortable, but there wasn't much in it. Both still seemed to press a bit on my forehead, but I bought the Lico anyway as it was £125 (in the shop, £100 online) it is BS6658-85 Type A certified and I wanted my own lid for Bedford yesterday so I just paid the £25 extra. The Simpson was a bit more expensive as it was fireproof which is something that isn't going to benefit me much.

I'm glad to say that the helmet doesn't give me a headache, but still leaves a red line across my head when I take it off.

Oh and if anyone's interested - MSV didn't inspect helmets yesterday at Bedford.