dogzilla

Hi there, anyone know if there is any local shops carry arai helmets for automobiles? I am looking to buy one but would like to try it out first, and compare the prices...thanks in advance, have a nice day

fflatulip

try driver's edge autosport

JL9000

Last time I checked they only carried OMP helmets, which are decent.

I don't know any local Arai dealers that carry the SA helmets. I had to purchase mine from Asia.

Talk to the guys at Speedware. They can give you a pretty good idea on what may fit well for you.

kfdon

driver's edge have arai =)

Angelus1243

there's a difference between car and motorcycle helmets? Wow, didn't know that. I thought DOT approved helmets were good all around.

SumAznGuy

There is a slight difference to car and motorcycle helmets. M rated helmets do not have a fire-proof lining that SA helmets have.
Some track's may not allow you to run your car with an M rated helmet.

Asia is the way to go to buy Arai helmets. My M rated helmet was only on the market for 3 months and cost me $500 with a 1.2 exchange rate a few years ago. The same helmet was $1399 plus tax at most motorcycle shops in Vancouver.

Angelus1243

Asia is definitely the place to go for helmets. Hell, even ebay stores are way below local costs. For example, the Shoei i was looking at costs 800 bucks in a local store. You can go on ebay and find it for 350 + shipping. it's ridiculous. In this day and age with the current exchange rate, I wonder how shops can hope to sell stuff at that much of a premium compared to online vendors.

The only local place that has comparable prices [and that's because they're mainly an online vendor] is Bayside Performance. Their prices are maybe 50 bucks more than ebay, but you get a great bunch of staff to deal with that know their stuff and are willing to help you out.

SumAznGuy

My only concern with dealing with online purchasing of helmets is that helmets are really only good for one drop. Not worth risking your head after the helmet is dropped once, as the helmets are designed to break upon impact to absorb the shock. Imagine an egg breaking as it falls to the ground, as opposed to a basketball that will bounce when it hits the ground.

Anyways, with shipping of the helmets, you need to becareful that they do not drop or damage the helmet.

SK

That is true, I would imagine experienced sellers (normally online stores) will put extra padding/cardboard/bubblewrap inside the helmet box before shipping though. Hell, I even do that when shipping brake calipers, or anything at all. Last thing you want is a broken good, be it your responsibility or not.