Helmet discussion redeux
 

I need to buy a SA helmet and want to get a closed face version. Could someone enlighten me as to the differences between the cheaper helmets like this:

BELL SPORT III HELMET - $300
http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/images...bellsport2.jpg

and a more expensive one like this:

BELL M2 PRO HELMET - $450 (on sale for $350)
http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/images.../bellm2pro.jpg

Basically, helmets range from $300 to $800+. All are rated SA2000, so they all meet the same standards. What do you get for more money? Less weight is the main thing I can think of.

You got it, weight is the main reason, there may be some difference in ventilation. Padding probably same, not sure.
Dirk

I would also suggest looking at the G-Force brand. I've had mine for 2+ yrs now and have no complaints. It was ~$225. Several websites sell them and include a fit guide to help you select the correct size.

The nicer helmets generally are more comforable and lighter. They might have better padding and/or retention system and are made from lighter materials, carbon fiber anyone? I think if you plan to wear it for long stretches, ie. if you are an instructor and have it on ALL day, this might be an issue. My helmet is comfortable enough for 20-30 miuntes at a time, enough for a standard DE session. I might appreciate a more expensive model if I tried it on, but I wont do that until mine wears out; I'm cheap.

All the helmets meet the same standards so safety shouldnt be an issue. The ability to 'rebuild' a Bell is a nice feature though.

Chris:

You really should go to OG racing and try on helmets. Different helmets 'fit' differently, and you need to get one that is reasonably snug. The $500+ helmets are usually much lighter in weight than the $300 helmets, and often are set up for vent hoses, etc.; if you use a $30 neck collar to help with the weight issue, you can save yourself a few hundred bucks.

Also, OG recently starting carrying G-Force, so they may have some less expensive helmets. But I doubt you will find you that fits well and is comfortable for much less than $275 or $300.

It makes sense to try them on. Makes the process less of a guesswork.

The M2 (I think) is a design that makes it easier to wear glasses due to the larger eye port.

They make it lighter by layering more exotic material for the shell therefore more $$$.

$350 for *that* helmet is a pretty good deal.

Between bikes and cars, I've noticed one key thing. I, (and my neck), felt a lot more tired after a day of DE consisting of 4 1/2-hour sessions, than after a full day of riding a crotch rocket. (I use a neckbrace in the car.) My reasoning is that when you corner a bike you lean over with it and the g load on the head/helmet is pretty much in-line w/ your spine.

In a car, you're always upright (hopefully), therefore the g forces will always pull your head side to side etc, contributing to my fatigued feeling on the drive home.

If you asked me that before my personal experiences, I'd have thought that a bike day will wear you out more due to constant buffetting and wind noise etc. Now I don't think that's the case.

I definately plan on going to try them out. I just wanted to get a little info before I went, because I figured what might seem insignificant in the showroom (i.e. one helment being a little heavier) is quite significant on the track. Thanks, guys.

When I bought my helmet, I shopped in the lower price range ($250 to $300 at the time), and tried on several until I found one that fit well. And as Dave pointed out, make sure it has room for glasses if you wear them! (I wear sunglasses).

Even though I bought one of the full-faced helmets, I found that I need to have the face shield 'open' all the time, or it gets fogged up. I think the vent openings are not positioned properly for fully venting exhalations. I guess that's one of the things the extra $300 pays for with the nicer helmets.

This is mainly a problem when it is dark or overcast, as I don't want to wear sunglasses but my contacts dry out right away if I leave them off... This is more of a pain than you might think, as it's common to run the entire March DE without seeing the sun...

I've been using the Bell Sport III for two seasons and been very happy with it. I have the same problem as Dave with fogging.

Chris:

I like and use the Bell M2 pro Forced Air (on my second).

http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/images...//bellm2fa.jpg

...that OG currently has on sale for $345.

You can put a filter over the air inlet if you don't want to hook up a fresh air system. However... there are several track parts supply companies (pegasus, Summit, BSR, etc...) that make a little battery powered fan that'll plug in-line and feed fresh filtered air into the helmet (visor up or down depends on you). The fan/ filter attachments are cheap.

I got it, as you can imagine, for the endurance racing (cool air input from in-car cooler). I have never noticed extra "weight" from these or any other similarly priced helmet.

I am surprised by how many people mention their neck gets sore from 4 x 30 minute (or whatever) sessions. IMO that "soreness" is probably more from tension behind the wheel (driver white knuckling) and bracing tension in the R seat (instructor). There is an "art" to relaxing in your seat and becoming "one" with the p-car 8) [w/the added benefit of preventing "soreness"]

FWIW: I'll run 3 hour enduros (driving 2+ hours of them) and not get a "sore" neck from the Bell M2. Good helmet for the $. And, Jim (father) has crashed wearing them 2X, banged head on roll-cage and they have held up fine. We've crash tested Bells, M&R harnesses and Recaros. I'd recommend all of them.

Jase

You can leave the visor up or open an inch or so to let air in. In a fire you can shut the visor to help protect your face. My visor got scuffed up and I removed it. I reculantly admit that I have not replaced it yet. (a fire could only improve anyway ;))

Weight adds up with time and Gs.