Ok I narrowed it down to 2 choices:



Bell M2 Pro

-OR-



OMP Formula Wide

Both are similarly constructed and both are large eyeport helmets. Anyone have any feelings either way? The OMP is $100 more than the Bell. Is there a difference to warrant the $500 price tag on the OMP? As far as I know they weigh about the same.

 

omp looks nicer.... and looks to have the attatchments for that neck brace add on. the device that prevents your head from getting smacked around. i forget what it's called.

 

Hans Device

Head And Neck Support??

 

The OMP looks like it has some aero features to reduce lift in an open car - something that would be a plus if you found yourself in one. I like the looks of the OMP better too - it's not looking fast vs going fast, it's looking fast AND going fast, yeah.

Scott, who want's big eye ports too, but want's a visor, and has sworn off open cars, and so is getting a Bell SR-Pro....

 

Yes the OMP looks better but I have a hard time justifying the extra $100 for looks. The D-Rings are not for a HANS device. They are for open wheel car helmet straps. The helmet is designed for open-c0ckpit cars. I am not planning on driving one of those in the next 5 years however.

EDIT: Damn filters . . .


[Modified by Cobra, 4:17 PM 2/4/2002]

 

I just got a Simpson Super Voyager N
Nice helmet..

you can get them for about $360 or so...
I think dave turner has some

http://www.daveturner.com

 

yea,

I just ordered a Bell Sport II.

should be in tomorrow!

later,

aj

 

The Bell helmet also has the "D" ring, but it's on the other side. I use the Bell Sport 2 and I'm happy with the high quality of Bell. Since you're in a coupe, do you really need the areo features? The lens on the Bell helmets are easy to replace if that's important.

 

I just recently moved from a Sport II to the M2 Pro. Good decision to go with the big eyport IMHO. I am actually able to see the camlock, etc with the helmet on. It is really easy to put the sunglasses on too. My friend has the OPM. The quality looks really good. It looks kick a@@. Worth the xtra $'s??? I agree with the others. You won't get any more ventilation unless you are in a open wheel car.

 

What about the OMP Tourismo helmet?

 

go openface......then you'll be able too see clearly when i come around to lap you for the 6th time

 

I need a face shield. This is not for autocross.
Do I know you? I don't think I do. If you want to be an *** about things I will be happy to oblige you . . .

 

I ordered the Bell SR Pro the other day.




Just curious why you have to have a face shield? Rule or something?

 

FWIW...

ALWAYS try a helmet on before you buy it - the actual one that you are going to pay for and take home - for at least as long as you are going to wear it on the track. It should be snug enough that, if you hold it steady and turn your head, your scalp moves on your skull rather than around inside the helmet. Two things should not be mail ordered - helmets and brides. There may be others...

There are two general "types" of head shape in the world - if you are trying on helmets. You are probably going to find that you have either a "Simpson" shaped head or a the "Bell/Shoei" vesion. I think that they use differently shaped, standardized skulls as the basis of their designs and, if you fit it correctly, you will be uncomfortable in the wrong one - perhaps unbearably so.

WRT shields vs. open-faced helmets, pretend for a minute that your car catches on fire and then ask the question again. Driver's gear is actually there because this kind of catastrophic thing happens sometimes, not just to be legal, so it helps to think in these terms. Or picture a battery getting blasted to bits at the same time the windshield caves in on you, sprinkling a melange of glass splinters and acid on you. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Get the thick one and race with it closed.

Those slots and holes that some manufacturers like to put in helmets can be thought of as (a) decoration, (b) vents, or (c) stress raisers (places for the crack to start when it gets clobbered.

Buy good stuff, be safe, have fun.

Kirk

 

I don't want to distract from the original intent of the thread, but why do huge, huge majority of WRC drivers wear open face helmets (besides them all maybe being insane)? They do not have the run-offs, the corner works, and other tradtional safety measures - so you would think they are keen on being as safe as possible in the car (I know those WRC cages are incredible).

There has to be a reason.

 

I don't think that is an autocross helmet...

 

The face shield is required for road racing for the reasons Knestis listed.

Flux - I didn't say the SR is an autocross helmet. What I said is that this helmet [that I am purchasing] is not for autocross. I have an autocross helmet currently but I need an SA-rated model for the Honda Challenge.

 

The D-Rings are needed for the Hutchins Device... A wise investment at $350. The device actually comes with D rings and instructions for installation if the helmet is lacking.

 

Thought you might be interested, Cobra:

I have an M2 (not pro) that is new in-box for sale. Let me know if you want it. If I remember correctly the weight difference is very small between the M2 and M2 Pro.

 

I can tell you that whatever standard brain shape is used by manufacturers, Bieffe and Shoei don't use the same one. At least... My brother can't squeeze into my Shoei, and my head rattles around in his Bieffe while it is the opposite for our Briko snowboard helmets.

 

Robert: Is the Hutchens Device an effective alternative to the HANS device? I can't find a whole lot of documentation on it but it definately caught my attention as a more cost effective alternative. Do you have any info on them OTHER than what is available on the manufacturer's website?

Cobra - Who wants head and neck restraints . . .

 

no other info .. other than the site... I know it is an acceptable alternative by NASCAR(but what do they know)... Simpson is also coming out with a very similar one(so I was told).. Hoping the competition will drive prices down. I will have something.

 

I can't so much as find a picture of the Hutchins device... Plenty of talk on the racing (nascar mostly) about hans, hutchins and a simpson device.

I'm the victim of a neck/back injury as a result of my head being thrown forward. (motorcycle related) - (then a re-injury on the road when a guy pulled out immediately in front of me) and I strongly suggest buying one of these. I was just talking to someone the other day about my main fear being a head-on collision while strapped into a full harness. I really hadn't looked into this type of thing but knew there must be something. The price does seem a little excessive, but not compared to a neck injury... or worse.


[Modified by JeffS, 5:42 PM 2/5/2002]

 

http://www.hutchensdevice.com/

 

http://www.hutchensdevice.com/