5 replies to this topic

[luckymiata76]

Just spent an hour or so looking at four helmets in the $800 range at Lane Automotive just south of GingerMan Raceway. I didn't include the Bell M.8 Carbon because it's on back order. Also didn't include the G-Force CF3 or the Zamp RZ-44C because I wanted to choose a helmet company with lots of history and a solid reputation in the pro paddock even though I am an amateur. Just my choice so don't be offended if you went with one of those. All helmets are pre-drilled for a Head and Neck Restraint. Three of the helmets fit me in the XL size, but one fit me best in L. It's critical that you try one on to see what fits you best.

• Arai GP-5W. Size XL. Wide eye port, lots of venting, composite shell, removable/replaceable cheek pads. Very comfortable and soft interior. Composite. Color-white. I measured the weight of XL to be 3.8 lbs.
• Impact Draft TS. Wide eye port, lots of venting, composite shell, removable/replaceable cheek pads. Very comfortable, but felt the heaviest. Made in the USA. Composite. Color-silver. I didn't weigh this one, but should have.
• Simpson Carbon Fiber Devil Ray. Only 2 vents in the front of the helmet, eye port a little smaller, removable/replaceable cheek pads. Carbon fiber. Comes with a nice helmet bag. I measured the weight of the L to be 3.3 lbs.
• Stilo ST5 GT Composite. Probably had the most features. Spot/indentation for microphone, side ports for drink tube, radio communications, and some pretty cool ear piece options. Also seemed like it extended lower below my chin and had a unique strap system on the visor shield. Color-silver. I measured the weight of the XL to be 3.7 lbs.

I felt comfortable in all four helmets and each one had slightly different pressure points on my head.  I like the features of the Stilo, but the extra cost of the Stilo and ultimately the lower weight of the Simpson Carbon Fiber Devil Ray proved to be the deciding factor. Your prices may vary, but listing them from most expensive to least expensive was: Stilo, Simpson, Arai, Impact.

 

Winding Road Racing did a nice review on SA2015 helmets here: http://www.windingro...racing-helmets/

 

Hope this helps.

 

Jeff Luckritz

#76 SM

[Steve Scheifler]

Thanks Jeff!

[Johnny D]

They do a lot of reviews.

http://www.windingro...ng-gear-guides/

 

Head and Neck

http://www.windingro...straint-system/

 

Suits.

http://www.windingro...-suits-of-2016/

http://www.windingro...to-racing-suit/

 

Seats.

http://www.windingro...-on-sale-today/

J~

[Alberto]

I recently bought a Pyrotect Pro Airflow for a bit over $300.  Tried various Bell, Arai, Stilo at Wine Country Motorsports and other places and the Pyrotect fit my melon better than the others.  

[tburas56]

Bought a Roux this passed weekend. Good Stuff.

 

http://www.speedcomracing.com/helmets

 

Integrated Everything. Drink, Ears, cooling tubes, like a cool shirt, 

[DavidNJ]

The Zamp comes both in the carbon RZ-44C and in a white/matt black non-carbon RZ-42. Otherwise the same. The have top and side events, a straw hole for hydration, and ear pads and ear muffs. For $20 more it will come with a low profile forced air inlet in addition to three plastic scoops. A full-height round forced air inlet is available and the forced air inlets can go to the top or side vents. There is also a visor available that can be used instead of the face shield and face shield with a visor. The RZ-44C will be available with an FIA 8859-2015 cert in May (2017).

For open cars it comes with a chin lip and rear spoiler in the box. 

 

Most of these accessories are also available as options for the Stilo ST5 and Bell HP7...but those are out of my price range. Those helmets also have face shields with a Zylon upper lip, required in F1 and Indycar, but apparently not available on non FIA-8860 cert helmets.

 

Their carbon is 75g, about .25 lb, lighter. The RZ-42 with forced air seems to be around $360. They also have a lower cost RZ-35 which lacks some of the features. 

 

Are you installing a Shock Doctor helmet ejection system?