I’m just about ready for a new helmet. My old one is officially out of date and too small, so I’ll start the search.
My little delema is that I’d like a helmet that I can use for drag/autox/roadrace AND on a bike. I don’t know what is best for all worlds, or if its best to have different kinds… I like the open face for autox, but I’ll probably definitly need a full face for a bike. Since some of the helmets i’ve seen approach 3-400, even 500… id’ like to do this once.
I’ve also seen flat black helmets that look SICK… but i have no idea where ot look for them. Thanks all.
A local guy here in Murrysville did me better than the $200 list price. I think it was called Get High Racegear, that’s the only real bike accessory I’ve purchased lately.
Snell ratings get updated every 5 years. Typically helmets are acceptable for auto racing for 10-15 years. A snell rated helmet is not necessarilarry dot approved, but I would feel safe riding a bike with one. A dot helmet is what you need for a bike but is not acceptable for auto racing. Ideally you would want one that has both, but sounds like definately snell. The biggest difference I think is that a snell is designed to withstand multiple impacts like if a car flipped and has fire resistance. The downfall is that they might be heavier for riding a bike.
I like the Shoei RF-1000. Great helmet. Quiet, comfortable, and the vents work great. It’s about $350 for a solid color off the net. Check HelmetHarbor.com. They have pretty good prices.
Don’t cheap out on a helmet or you may find yourself skipping out on wearing it. Go for high quality and you’ll actually find you’re more comfortable with it on that if you didn’t.
Be sure not to get a helmet that is too big. The natural tendency is to get one that is too big because a helmet that is too big will feel a little better when new and trying them on in the store. A new helmet should fit pretty stinkin’ tight. It will break in and conform to your head and be more comfortable with time. And a tight fitting helmet will help you stay more comfortable on rides, since a helmet that is too big will blow around and you’ll be fighting it the whole time moving your head, which actually wears you out faster.
The Icon Domain Helmets are also very good. They are a step up from the alliance SS (which I also have). The airflow though the vents on the Domain helmets is such a big difference than the alliance. Also if you are buying a Motorcycle helmet and it has a Snell rating for motorcycles, it automatically meets DOT and will be marked as such with the snell rating and DOT sticker.
There is no such thing as a Snell rated only motorcycle helmet.
Here is my helmet I just got new for 2007. It also comes in Red and Blue
I don’t like long rides for other comfort reasons, it doesn’t actually blow around that much, but I hate having shit on my head/face, so I cheated to the larger side…whoops
HelmetHarbor.com. Check out the HJC CL-15. $117. It’s ok, and had a Snell rating. However, I recommend spending extra money for a nicer helmet if you can. This is the newer version of the helmet my wife has, since she doesn’t ride with me that often.
