Need new cheapie helmet - any recommendations?

[someonestolecc]

Gday,

I was hoping to get a helmet for track/drift/drags - I like to think i'm priceless so even thougth I'd love to get a $5000 helmet I can't afford nearly that much.

I was hoping to find a new one for $100-200 somewhere as I don't quite trust used ones (incase they're cracked or damaged).

Can anyone recommend any styles/types/brands ?

And what do you guys think of open face? I think i'd prefer that in terms of being comfortable but I know open faced allow for the compression of your neck so if I was on a bike I'd never get one - on the other hand is that likely to occur in a car?

Thanks guys.

[Neil]

I bought my full face from MCA at parramatta for about $120.00. Can't remember the brand and the misses is asleep at the moment so I can't tell you the brand.

I too would love an open face helmet but unfortunately you can't use one at track days.

Neil.

[SteveL]

Helmets can be had for as little as $65 these days (old saying...$65 helmet for a $65 head ). A 'brand name' helmet (eg Shoei) will probably set you back $300+. Any motorcycle shop will have a range available.

Whatever you buy, make sure it has the Australian Standard (AS1698) sticker on the outside or identified somewhere in the lining. I think by law now helmets sold in Oz must meet that standard. If you get a helmet with visor, the visor should also have AS approval markings (sticker, whatever).

Try on a few different helmets and make sure the one you get is comfortable, but tight....the lining 'crushes' slightly with use and if you get one that's loose to begin with it may not fit well after awhile (and may not do its job properly).

[Duncan]

Yeah I went to the motorbike shop on Great Western Hwy in Paramatta (might be the same place Neil mentioned) wasn't too expensive....they always have some super expensive options if you are brave.

Open face....well some places don't let you use them, so go closed.

Visor....if you ever drive an open topped car they will require a visor, so make sure it has one.

Standards sticker....need that or you may get knocked back....

I totally agree with SteveL, the most important thing to me is not brand or features....its making sure the damn thing is comfortable! Different brands are different shapes so try on heaps....the sales person can help make sure its not too tight or loose.

And one final thing......buy a helmet bag for it! If you get scratches on the outside scuitineers may not allow you on the track as they think it might have been damaged...you will be able to use it for twice as long if you store and transport it safely

[predator]

Depends what its for.. if its for a track or drift day I'd assume you would want something fairly decent as there is always the more real possibility that you are going to hit something.

If its just for drag (which I'd argue its a little overcautious requiring a helmet anyhow), a $25 helmet from cash converters can do the trick. I've never seen them check a helmet for amateur drag days in either melb or QLD.

In general though the recommendation is "never buy a used helmet" .. but see above

[someonestolecc]

Heh heh.

Thanks guys looks like some great advice - I'll keep it in mind and go shopping next week.

[Ghostrider]

I bought my full face from MCA at parramatta for about $120.00. Can't remember the brand and the misses is asleep at the moment so I can't tell you the brand.

I too would love an open face helmet but unfortunately you can't use one at track days.

Neil.

WHY???????

Jim Richards uses a BELL STAR open face helmet in GTP.

[Ghostrider]

HELMETS!!!!!

This is an interesting point. How much money do I spend on a helmet???????

Just one rule to thionk of and that is, "How much do you think your head is worth" IF you think your head is worth $10.00, then buy a $10.00 helmet, but on the other hand, if you think your head and your life is pretty important, you buy the BEST you can afford.

And buy the way, I have a SIMPSON LX Plus, Snell SA90 approved and Nomex lined, open faced with chin guard.

[A31_Cefiro]

If your in Sydney then go to the Helmet warehouse. Huge range, great prices, excellent service. I've bought two helmets from there. Got an end of line Shoei graphic helmet for cheap a few years ago...

Whitepages details:

403 Hume Hwy Yagoona 2199 (02) 9790 2744

Depending on your head size and shape as to what will fit. My head doesn't fit in an AGV helmet any size. They are too short and my chin sticks out. Shoei, Arai and HJC make helmets that suited my head. AGV and shark make helmets for smaller heads.

Best to go the shop and try on a range before you choose which to buy. You can net decent helmets cheap but these won't have good ventilation and will be made from materials that are heavier. The more expensive the helmet generally the better air flow and quality of materials (read lighter weight). You also get graphics as you go up in price.

Coming from riding a motorbike you appreciate a light coloured helmet with good ventilation on hot days.

[A31_Cefiro]

Also forgot to say that any helmet sold at the shop will meet australia standards for safety. A more expensive helmet will be more comfortable and probably exceeds the standards.

[Ceffo]

guys i dont see the point in a helmet when u going down the track at 150-200km/h and your brakes fail or something goes wrong heading to a wall. The only thing i would suggest is let go of the steering wheel put your head between legs and kiss your arse goodbye. The helmet is only gonna make your faace look better when u in the coffin.

/ceffo puts on his flames suit.

yeah i also got one foe 120 bux. Shoi brand. Man these things get hot after a few laps on a hot day. Sweting bricks.

[predator]

don't be stupid.. what happens if you bash your head against the window, steering or something else?? even it a minor ding on the track, least might save your skull from fracturing.

[Ceffo]

don't be stupid.. what happens if you bash your head against the window, steering or something else?? even it a minor ding on the track, least might save your skull from fracturing.

Common man ive got my flame suit on.

Yeah i know all that. Just making a point abiout how little it helps on relaly high speed tracks.