Hey guys -

I did a search on this and there were a couple really old threads about helmets and glasses, but they didn't mention the bandit in particular. So, rather than bring one of those back from the dead, I thought I'd ask a more specific question.

Need an SA2000 helmet for competition in March (wish I could just wait for SA2005 helmets, but oh well). I like the Bell M2 and G-Force Pro Force 1, which both seem like they'd be fine w/ glasses, but I'm also eyeing the Bandit and was wondering about the shape of that eyeport. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,
Scott

 

I wear glasses with a bandit. no problems. My frames are pretty small though. this is one of those where you REALLY need to go try it on before you buy it.

hth

 

Yeah, I really wish I could. There are no shops locally that stock any of them. I won't be in Phoenix again until the next race weekend. I hate the thought of buying a helmet without trying it on first. I know from trying on motorcycle helmets that I don't like the feel of 3/4 of them. Thanks for the reply.

 

I have also been eyeing the Bandit, as it's almost time for a new helmet here, too. Right now I have the Bell M2, and I have no problem getting my sunglasses inside. The have average-size plastic frames.

 

I wear mine with sunglasses--both Oakley Straightjackets and Oakley Monster Dog shades... works great.

 

Just thought I'd bring this back from the dead to say that I found a couple shops locally that have SA2000 helmets and one had a bandit in my size that I could try on. No issues with my glasses whatsoever. I also tried the G-Force Pro Force 1 and it did not play as nice with my glasses. It made them ride up when I shook my head around. The Bell M2 and Simpson Voyager also felt fine with my glasses on. Looks like I'm going w/ either one of the Simpsons or the Bell.

Silly me to assume there was nowhere local that stocked these things. I hadn't even tried looking when I typed that. If anyone else in Tucson wants to try on helmets, check out Don's Hot Rod Shop or UPR (upracing.com).

- Scott <- Lame for making bad assumptions

 

All the Simpson helmets I've tried (and I've test-fitted every one at the Simpson Store in Torrance, CA) fit great, but the sizes are all unique. A 7 3/8 Speedway Vudu feels different than a 7 3/8 Voyager.

I wear glasses, and ALL of the Simpson helmets worked with 'em. I eventually opted for the Valor. It's the lightest helmet I've tried, and the fit/finish is EXCELLENT.

Feel free to PM me if you need more feedback.

 

Thanks Armaan. I ended up just ordering a bandit after I tried one on locally. It did work pretty well with my glasses, so I don't think I'll have any issues. Of all the helmets I tried on, the Simpsons really stood out in comfort and finish quality. I almost went with the voyager over the bandit, but then found a really good deal on a bandit on eBay and couldn't pass it up. It was my size and never used, only tried on and it was too small for the guy who was selling it. I was a little worried about the sizing since I tried on a 7 1/8 voyager and a 7 1/4 bandit and they felt nearly equally snug. The bandit I bought is a 7 1/8, so I'm hoping it's not too small, but I guess I'll have to wait and see. I think it will be ok as I did have a little extra room in the 7 1/4.

- Scott

 

Having a helmet that's snug is good. When wearing the helmet, you shouldn't be able to "twist" it laterally. If you can twist the helmet a lot, the helmet is too big. I've heard a couple different opinions from Sube Sports and Simpson. Sube's rep says that your head will swell while racing, so you should buy a larger helmet. I disagree. Simpson, on the other hand, says that if you DO happen to get in a wreck, the last thing you want is a helmet that moves off your head. I trust Simpson since they are the manufacturer. Also, the helmet will get a tad bit looser with use.

 

I also rock a bandit with Maui Jim Sport sunglasses with no issues....