What brand helmet do you like to wear to protect your melon during autox/HPDE/racing?

I had a Bell Sport II for a little while, but I was disappointed with the quality and fit of the helmet so I decided to sell and and buy a Bieffe Predator. I find the Bieffe helmet is of much nicer quality and really much nicer overall (removable lining and such).

Although I really like my Bieffe, I was just curious as to what everyone else wears and why they like/dislike it. I've wondered about the higher end Bell Helmets and the really expensive Arai helmets and such. So what does everyone else like to wear?

 

So far I've used Simpson, HJC, and Bell.

Of the Bell's, I've used the Mag-4, Sport II and the M2. I really liked the M2, mainly because of the larger eyeport. I myself didnt find any quality issues with the Bell models.

I also wear an M-rated HJC AC-10 helmet sometimes for autocross. Its a real nice helmet as well.

 

Motorcycles - I prefer an Arai (nice wreck with one on and although it looked like someone put it through a meat grinder, my melon was fine) but I wore two Shoei's over the years as well.

Auto - I have worn 6 different Bell's and w/ the exception of an Arai, I don't think I'd wear anything else. Plus, I really dig the reconditioning thing you can do through them - reminds me, I gotta send the old one in to them. FWIW, I think that there is a noticable difference in going from a fiberglass to a composite shell as the weight difference is something you can feel over the course of a weekend.

Edit: I would have no problem wearing a Simpson helmet fwiw but they don't fit my head well.


[Modified by phat-S, 2:54 PM 1/14/2003]

 

Bell M2 works nice

 

Does anyone have any experience with the Arai SA-rated helmets? They look really nice but are $$$! I just wondered if they're worth the money.

 

My favorite helmets are the ones that fit the best. That said, my Bell M2 works well for me. I can't imagine why anyone would think the quality of Bell helmets is inferior. Mine is very solidly constructed and everything works smoothly.
-Adam


[Modified by mityVR6, 3:50 PM 1/14/2003]

 

POLL;; I have been using BELL MAGnum 4 for a very long time.

 

I conned my family into getting me a Bell SR Pro. So far only gone karting in it, love it so far. BTW, Thanx Brett! I had them order from you!

 

i am also wearing a bieffe predator. the store had bell and bieffe. neither the bell m2 nor sport II fit my head/face correctly. they had a couple of other bieffe models that didn't have large enough eyeports, but fit me much better, so i had them order me the predator. i love it. my glasses fit, it's snug, but not too tight, and the quality of materials is great (softer foam than the bell imo). plus the composite shell is a bit lighter, and wasn't much more expensive than the fiberglass bells.

however, if my head had fit the bell better, that's what i would have bought.


[Modified by Philbert, 1:20 PM 1/14/2003]

 

I have a Bieffe predator, and the only other I used was a Simpson (I think was a Bandit). The Simpson never really adjusted to the contour of my head. The Bieffe, OTOH, fit in really well and comfortable after the first track event.

 

Every person is different. Some helmets fit better than others. Arai fits best on my head.

 

I love my Sport II. Fits very snug but it's such a perfect fit that I never get headaches. I wish I had tried the M2 since a larger eye port would have been nice but I can see fine.

 

Bieffe Predator, the only thing is a full face helmet is overkill for SOLO II. I like it for track events.

 

I use an HJC open-face for auto-x. The full face really bothers me (vision wise) and is pretty unnecessary for auto-x, as you pointed out.

 

i'll have to agree wid rastamon

 

Arai Helmets are hands down the best possible helmets. They are lightweight, fit well, and provide great protection. They are expensive and worth it if you also have a bike...there are cheaper models as well, when in a car the extra vents on a motorcycle helmet don't really help if you have the money get an Arai...

 

I have one size Large Bell Sport II left and its on clearance for $264.99. Go here if anybody wants it... http://www.soloracer.com/bargains.html (only 1 left at this price)

 

I REALLY liked my Shoei after a couple of Bells but I don't believe that they are importing Snell motorsport rated helmets any more. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know.

Kirk

 

Using an Arai Rapide, overall a good helmet, the insides are even detacheable so you can clean it easily.

 

i have the m2 which i purchased from Brett@soloracer

if i had to make the decision all over again...
i would pay the extra and buy the m2 pro, which is the lighter version

 

If an Arai totally did not fit my head, is it still the best helmet for me? Of course not. I would be just as likely to get hurt from the helmet as the impact itself. The best helmet is the one that fits the best.
-Adam

 

Amen. Each brand fits a bit different. Your best bet is to find a shop that has a variety and try them on until you find the one that fits you. Fit is really important, because you want the helmet as tight as you can get it without being uncomfortable. My head seems to fit best in Bells. I've had several bike helmets and a Mag4, and will be getting an M2 or M2 Pro shortly, depending on how much change I can find in the sofa.

 

I have a Bell M2, it fits perfect. My only issues with it is the plastic trim around the bottom is coming off, and the visor hinges are pretty flimsy. Both are relatively insignificant issues, the most important thing is fit and comfort, which it gets a

 

I have the Bieffe Predator. I really like it. I tried on alot of helmets befor I picked this one. I love the fit and the quality. I recommed this helmet.

Shawn

 

I went to a motorcycle shop and tried some helmets on. I found a KBC (HJC) TK-7 which fit very nicely and snugly without being uncomfortable after a few minutes. For autocross it works perfectly - I like full faced helmets, open face just doesn't feel right to me. Can't beat a great full faced autocross helmet with Blue Polorized lens shield for $100.00....