Helmets

[R32gts-t]

I have been doing some research into helmets in the last few weeks, nothing too serious just some casual comparisons.

I was in the city on saturday afternoon and was close enough to bother popping into some motorcycle stores, my gf loved it!

A couple of close mates have sparco helmets and they cost upwards of $1000.

To me, a $100 helmet = a $100 head, but in the same sentence i'm not entirely convinced i'll need to spend $1000-$2000 on a helmet, can't something comfortable and safe be had for around the $500-$750 bracket???

is it going to be as safe to use a helmet predominantly designed for a bike rather than splashing out on something more car orientated?

Maybe some of the motorsprt guys/girls could post up what they wear in a simple format?

Make:

Model:

Purchase price:

Personal rating:

attach a pic: (if you can be bothered)

in the personal rating, just a couple of comments describing comfort/weight, whether the linings are removable for cleaning etc... maybe rate it out of 10?

don't start a safety first flame match, i'm looking for good information and a healthy discussion on what keep's your noggin from receiving a floggin

[djr81]

Have a look in the current issues of Auto Action - there are some very good deals going for Arai helmets.

Make: Arai

Model: GP JET 2 (Open face)

Purchase price: About $700 from memory.

Personal rating: Bloody excellent. Light weight, comfortable & good crash rating ie SA standard not Australian standard. Liner is fire retardent but does not remove. Makes you look like Astro Boy which is always a bonus. I use an open face helmet simply because full face ones makes me claustraphobic.

Attach a pic: (if you can be bothered). Sorry too lazy, but try www.revolutionracegear.com.au or similar.

Edited February 13, 2007 by djr81

[Marlin]

I personally use a Sparco open face.

I find it excellent because;

a. It's light weight, important if your wearing for long periods (carbon/kevlar composite)

b. I choce an open face for ease of on/off as i wear glasses and navigate in rallies, so it's on and off alot.

c. I also like the open face deign as it keeps you a little cooler and reduces fogging off my specs.

d. My model had a pre-installed captive nut for the likes of Peltor/Terraphone intercom systems.

e. It has a fire-retrdant Nomex cover for the chin strap (as well as all internal lining/padding), in case the worse was to happen in the middle of a rally stage.

I can't remember the model number, but I paid around $950 for it 3 years ago. As for rating it, I never even think about it (ie doesn't annoy me), so it must be good, so how about a 9/10?

[justinfox]

Bought it in Sydney, Simpson distributor I forget how much (I try to never take not of how much I spend when it comes to cars!!!) where and who so sorry for not being of any help there.

Tinted visor was extra and damn... talk about transforming when I put it on!!! I've owned many cheaper helmets over the years (I used to ride bikes) and this time I thought I'd treat myself. I love wearing it, love the visor (it's always down), very comfy, light... it's tops. If anything I want a black one too lol.

[Kel]

Watching with interest- I need a new helmet for Targa.

I have a Shoei which has been good to me- but it's feeling a little too tight to wear for 6 days running in Tas (no smart arse comments about big heads thanks).

On a budget too but safety also a must- interested to see what everyone comes up with.

Kel

[R32gts-t]

I'm noticing most of the above are car specific,

do people think a moto helmet will be less suitable?

i don't see why they would be, but i'm not experienced on the topic,

i'm looking at:

make:AGV

model: GP Pro

purchase price: starting from $529 I think the matt black is the cheapest (529), and then the price increases with design/colour. I think I like the matt black.

personal rating: TBA at this stage, but some features are:

Race/Street performance helmet.

Value for Money

Aramyde/Carbon Fibre Shell - Super Light Shell

Removable /Washable Coolmax Liner

X-Vent Ventilation System

Race Flat Visor

picture:

Any opinions?

[Marlin]

The retailers I spoke to all had good reasons why you would not go for a bike helmet if being used purely in a car. I got really pissed last night and can't remember ONE of them though! lol

[phunky_monkey]

Something to be wary of Greg is that there was talk of bike helmets being banned for use in cars. How soon this happens I'm not sure, but if you're dropping bug bucks it is something to look into.

Revolution had some nice Arai's that were very comfy for around the $600 mark when I bought mine. Bike helmet though.

[djr81]

Something to be wary of Greg is that there was talk of bike helmets being banned for use in cars. How soon this happens I'm not sure, but if you're dropping bug bucks it is something to look into.

Revolution had some nice Arai's that were very comfy for around the $600 mark when I bought mine. Bike helmet though.

Not all Arai's are bike helmets. Some are just for cars. So best bet is to go shopping at somewhere like Revolution instead of the local Honda store.

[Belsil80]

All helmets have to meet safety standards, the cost is based more on weight, and materials. i too use a relatively cheap helmet and it serves me fine. bout $180 a couple of years ago.

Danes on the money, revoloution have a good range of helmets, but they start at about $600 from memory.

[phunky_monkey]

Not all Arai's are bike helmets. Some are just for cars. So best bet is to go shopping at somewhere like Revolution instead of the local Honda store.

Yeah I know, I meant the one I tried on was a bike helmet for $600

I use the same helmet as Ryan, and I like it. Was cheap, around $230 or so, and it's really comfortable. I'm jealous of his matt black though, I've got white... need to get a tinted visor too

[sav man]

Make: Bell

Model: Sport 4

Purchase price: $700

Personal rating: Weigh's 1.6kg, and it's got cams approved hans peg hole's (hans peggs are an option). I find it comfy round the track. Also the safty stickers are on the inside, so it's easy to paint (if you into that).

[Belsil80]

Yeah I know, I meant the one I tried on was a bike helmet for $600

I use the same helmet as Ryan, and I like it. Was cheap, around $130 or so, and it's really comfortable. I'm jealous of his matt black though, I've got white... need to get a tinted visor too

Haha, mines old stig, yours is new stig. get the fluro blue visor! The other thing is, only try on helmets in your price range, because you will probably want the expensive one if you try it on so soft.. ha

[phunky_monkey]

Haha, mines old stig, yours is new stig. get the fluro blue visor! The other thing is, only try on helmets in your price range, because you will probably want the expensive one if you try it on so soft.. ha

haha great words of advice!

I was very nearly tempted into buying the Arai I tried on... so comfy!

Fluro blue visor hey?? Might have to pay a visit to Revolution before PI

[djr81]

The other thing to be a bit careful of is this. Japanese helmets don't necessarily come in large sizes. Mine is a XXL & up till buying it I hadn't thought of my head as being particularly fat. Just something to be aware of if you local vendor doesn't stock the full range. I had to go back twice before getting through the range of three sizes.

[PHaT MR30]

Have a look in the current issues of Auto Action - there are some very good deals going for Arai helmets.

Make: Arai

Model: GP JET 2 (Open face)

Purchase price: About $700 from memory.

Personal rating: Bloody excellent. Light weight, comfortable & good crash rating ie SA standard not Australian standard. Liner is fire retardent but does not remove. Makes you look like Astro Boy which is always a bonus. I use an open face helmet simply because full face ones makes me claustraphobic.

Attach a pic: (if you can be bothered). Sorry too lazy, but try www.revolutionracegear.com.au or similar.

Interesting, I got revolution to send both a GP Jet 2 and GP Jet f down, i thought the Jet 2 was quite inferior in comfort and quality compared to the Jet f. not saying its a shit helmet, but i preferred the Jet f. Even tho the Jet 2 looks a bit better. Jet f also has provisions for HANS, which is something ive decided is a MUST!

Oh and the liner is removable in the Jet f.

Think its more $600 mark???

Edited February 19, 2007 by PHaT MR30

[djr81]

Interesting, I got revolution to send both a GP Jet 2 and GP Jet f down, i thought the Jet 2 was quite inferior in comfort and quality compared to the Jet f. not saying its a shit helmet, but i preferred the Jet f. Even tho the Jet 2 looks a bit better. Jet f also has provisions for HANS, which is something ive decided is a MUST!

Oh and the liner is removable in the Jet f.

Think its more $600 mark???

Hmm, interesting. I cannot fault my Jet 2 for quality, so am not quite sure what you mean by that. It fits me nice but then again everyones head is a different shape.

The Jet F is a more recent model than the Jet 2 hence the availability of Hans pegs.

Make sure when they turn up that you look inside to see the safety code the helmet complies to. It will either be SA00 or SA05. If it is SA00 hammer them on price because it will be old stock. The helmet is still perfectly compliant and useable, however.

[Beer Baron]

I'm using some china brand (THH I think) carbon kevlar model. very light, meets all the standards etc. looks a bit average style wise. I've taken the visor off as I really don't think it's needed in a car. it was basically the best of the unknown brands.

[garage5ran]

Make: Simpson

Purchase price: $899

Personal rating:9/10

Want to get it painted black, and a black visor. Besides that i cannot fault it.

[Beer Baron]

lol you are the stig! or possibly darth vader?