Jeremy Clarkson

Hey guys - I am a complete racing noob. I am trying to buy my first helmet and am leaning towards a Sparco or HJC. I found a vendor on s2ki which offers pretty awesome deals, the problem is that they don't return any non-defective safety equipment. My head is 21 1/2-22inch depending on how you measure, which is the upper end of a small by most sizing charts. There are no places in my immediate area which sell the helmets so there are no chances of trying it on anywhere before I buy it. is going out and buying a helmet before trying it on a terrible idea? Or is that what most people do? Suggestions?

Stratocaster

Find another online vendor that does take returns for fitment. I needed to Exchange my Bell 2010 because the 2005 to 2010 sizes changed slightly. I used LPI (http://www.lpiracing.com/)

PilotSH

Helmets fit so damn different for everyone, I highly suggest trying it on and buying the one that fits best. Nothing like an uncomfortable helmet to take away from your concentration!

Mahjik

Most 'good' vendors exchange sizes but usually charge a restocking fee on items which are just returned (or exchanges after 30 days). Having said that, I only order from sites which have policies like that..

http://www.ogracing.com
http://www.saferacer.com

I've never had a problem using the online measuring guidelines and getting items which fit properly the first time.

sam_spider

I used saferacer.com, easy to deal with and I agree, their sizing was spot on for me.

blueosprey90

Two of the S2000 friendly groups that run track days in the northeast have at least a dozen rental helmets for the total noobs, as well as for anybody else. I think $20 per day. If you are planning to run a track day, contact the sponsor to determine if they have some helmet rentals. That way you can try without buying.

I believe I have a SA 2005 Bell vortex which provides venturi cooling (but plain white, not like the ones in these videos).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4wusBoKOXo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55tN71E-hyw

slowd16

If there is a place that sells motorcycle helmets, the HJC fit the same as the car helmets.

TWF

HJC has tighter fit than car helmets, more like motorcycle helmet fits. I had Bell and now bought HJC and like it. I got my from pitstop usa, they had best price I could find.
Bike shops don't sell car helmets, tried that.

gptoyz

What are you buying the helmet for? Sanctioned racing body with strick standards or hpde who are just looking for dot/snell approval?

If it's the later, then go to a motorcycle shop and just try helmets on.

My advice when buying helmets and years of racing.

#1 buy the lightest helmet you can afford: weight = neck strain

#2 buy the most expensive helmet and preferably one used in racing. If racers are willing to crash in it, then you will be fine.

#3 helmets that flow well are loud

#4 taken into account the price of visors

#5 their is a myth about head shapes, if you feel hotspots in your helmet, use a spoon to depress the eps layer to relieve pressure - this is essentially assisting in brake in.

#6 fitment buy a helmet that is snug, because if a helmet fits perfect and them breaks in, you are screwed because it will be too loose and you will be swimming in it.

If your organization allows it just use a motor helmet, you will get greater pricing, more accessories, cheaper accessories and better graphics options.






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Jeremy Clarkson

Thanks guys. I appreciate all of the advice. I ended up going with a Sparco from http://www.lpiracing.com/ I called them up and I talked to the owner, he sounds like a great guy. Walked my through his thoughts on buying a helmet and said if it was absolutely necessary he would work with my on an exchange.

Using a spoon, hadn't thought that would work- thanks.