Topic: new helmet for road racing suggestions

[gschuld]

It's time for a new helmet for the track.  I have always favored Arai helmets but not committed to them.  With the introduction of the newest Arai Corsair X, the Corsair V models can now be had for a reasonably good deal(compared to the original price anyway)if you shop around.  There is also the RX-Q line that is not quite as aggressive and is more a combination street/track helmet.

I'm curious as to what everyone is using on the track and opinions/experience with race helmets in general.  FWIW, the bike will be set up with clip on bars, rear sets, etc. Is it standard practice that a helmet is considered ineligible if it touches down following a crash no matter how minor the contact?  Just curious what the deal is between different organizations.

I take safety equipment pretty seriously, so I tend to gravitate toward the better known and we'll respected gear. 

George

[bwaller]

George, I know you're looking for info from the masses not just one guy all the time, but looks like I'm first up.

Find a helmet model that fits your head shape first. That might mean a bike show, or dealer with multiple brands/sizes to try them. It gets overlooked so often and helmets really do differ here.

My last off included my hat touching down, not bad but it is now 5 years old anyway. We have a doc at our rounds (he's a capable roadracer) who always makes the decision if the helmet is pouched and tech will remove the inspection sticker so it cannot be worn onto the track, no arguments.

So I'm in the market for a new one as well. Good luck.

[DWS]

Here is my fav. would love one of these, but it will take years to save. lol

http://www.skully.com/#smartest-helmet

[gschuld]

Brent,

It's not the quantity, but the quality of opinions that I am interested in.  And your quality in my book;) 

One of the things I really like about ththe Arai line is not only the ability to replace any or all the innards of their helmets, but you can get a range of sizes in most of the sections to adjust the fit.  For example, the medium and large in the Arai line use the same outer shell, it's the difference size replaceable inside sections that determine the head size, and shape.  You could probably take a Corsair V and with the right combination of innards make it fit well on a 1yr old gorilla.

I plan on taking a trip over to Philly to the Revzilla headquarters and showroom.  I will be able to try on EVERYTHING...  to get a feel for the proper fit.

I was more wondering along the lines of brand preference, parts availability, comfort preference (airflow controls, fogging, range of motion).  Then there is the old quality to value ratio...

I realize that this could end up as a "What's the best oil?" thread.  I can live with that.

George

[simon#42]

i tended to use the ones i was given , started with agv then had many years with aria and finished with shoei . these days all the top helmets are pretty much of a muchness in terms of safety
the important thing is fit , go with the one that is the most comfortable , there is nothing like an uncomfortable helmet to distract you from racing
oh and dont pay extra for a flash paint job its a waste of money and will only upset you when it hits the ground .

[bwaller]

Bell Stars, then Shoei RF's, and last was an HJC Spies replica. I liked the positive visor lock with it, it fit, and vented well. I was looking to try the Shoei RF12 next. Not top of the line but excellent protection.

I never found an Arai that fit perfectly, but as you say could be made to work I suppose.

Didn't know Revzilla was in Philly, like those guys, maybe I'll pop in after this harvest.

Agreed Simon, fancy graphics won't save your head.

[turboguzzi]

i seem to be a shoei head... but there arai heads, etc... go for fit,

means, dont buy off the internet, try a few in a shop

[gschuld]

 dont buy off the internet, try a few in a shop.

Oh definitely.  I plan too.  Brent, yes Revzilla is in south Philly.  I last stopped by a few years ago.  The have everything there. 

George

[Retro Rocket]

George, I know you're looking for info from the masses not just one guy all the time, but looks like I'm first up.

Find a helmet model that fits your head shape first. That might mean a bike show, or dealer with multiple brands/sizes to try them. It gets overlooked so often and helmets really do differ here.

This  ^^^^   , don't worry about brand, try them all on {if possible} and buy one that fits, they are all different in shape....

[Stev-o]

I never found an Arai that fit perfectly, but as you say could be made to work I suppose.

My Arai is prolly the best fitting helmet I have ever owned over the years.

Just goes to show ya that you need to find one that fits you.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

My Arai is the best helmet I've ever owned, and I have about 7 different ones.  It just happens to fit my nugget the best, provide the best venting and has the least noise.

[Tintop]

My street helmet is an Arai RF-Q (now out of date for racing), best fitting helmet I've owned.  Sidecar helmet is a Bell Star.  1st Bell to fit me in 20+ yrs.  I've also had Shoei's, and a Simpson Bandit.  As said....it's all about the fit.

[PeWe]

It depends on your head.
My head does not like Arai and many others due to head shape. Shoei, Bieffe and older Jeb's Clay regazzoni were a few that my (box) head accepted.

Today Schuberth which is a comfortable helmet. I have tested S2, C3 and C3Pro, the latter on the bike in my avatar-
They have racing helmets too

[Justind97]

If you can afford to go carbon fiber, do so!

You would shocked to see how much lighter one is and how much easier it is on the neck.   I use a Kaos CF helmet and love it.  EC22-05 and DOT certified.  Super light, comfortable and fits similar to an Arai.  For $300 cdn you can't go wrong.