what helmet?

[shirt]

hi guys.

i don't usually venture in here and i notice there are 2 helmet threads on this page, but want a bit of advice re: helmets.

i've just bought a track car [gts clubman - caterfield duratec] and don't want to ruin my gorgeous face in the event of accident. i was just wondering what the general consensus is regarding a helment that blends comfort, light weight and price. looking for full face with HANS posts. would prefer FIA approved even if i don't end up racing. i'm fully subscribed to the view that i shouldn't scrimp on something that may end up saving my life.

i am based in dubai and there isn't a huge choice locally. we have gulfsport:

http://www.gulf-sport.com/store/category/racewear-...

and a stand21 agent. their custom one piece interior does sound good. anyone here have any experience with them?

local prices seem higher than the UK, and as I could reclaim the VAT i'm not averse to ordering from home.

i'm up at the autodrome this week for the 24h dubai. most guys i see there seems to have arai gp5's.

are simpson any good?

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/products/index.php?...



all advice appreciated.

[Trev450]

You won't go far wrong with an Arai.

[NTEL]

Arai are the only ones that fit me 'ed

[shirt]

i do have a massive head! 61cm, putting me at XL on the size charts.

[bqf]

I have an OMP with Hans etc - fits well and has good ventilation. Arai of course good (my son has their kart helmet). Stand21 excellent but £1,000+.....

[Edmundo2]

I bought an Arai GP6s and very comfy. Tried plenty of Bell, Sparco, other options and whilst the Arai was more than I wanted to pay, it was the only one that felt right.

[e21Mark]

I have a massive head and the only helmet I could get that fitted properly and was comfortable, was a Simpson. It wasn't cheap but as I only have one head I figured I'd protect it. I would also think about whether you need full face or open? Last summer, when it was really hot, I found myself wishing I had opted for an open face. This year, I plan to get one so that I have a choice.

[shirt]

i have bought a 7esque car with aero screens, so a closed helmet seems logical.

then again, the trackday season extends into may, where temps will be in the high 30s.

i will be trying what helmets i can find locally at the weekend, but will likely wait until coming to the uk to buy one. does anyone know who'd have the widest range to try on? pref. north of england.

[e21Mark]

I think you're right opting for full face. They're going to offer more protection anyway. I tried a few friends lids for size.

(I was going to write that I'd tried a few friends helmets for size but that just sounds wrong!)

In the end I figured Americans are bigger than than average and they seem to wear Simpsons a lot. I'm sure that's neither PC or accurate but it worked all the same.

[Trev450]

shirt said:

i have bought a 7esque car with aero screens, so a closed helmet seems logical.i will be trying what helmets i can find locally at the weekend, but will likely wait until coming to the uk to buy one. does anyone know who'd have the widest range to try on? pref. north of england.

Not exactly the north but Demon Tweeks in Cheshire probably have one of the largest ranges available to try on.