quote:

Originally posted by Fabman:

Any recommended models $1500 and lower? This is for a closed ****pit door car.

quote:

Originally posted by Brian McHattie:
I've used the majority of the major brands, 4 Arai , 2 Bell, 1 Stilo as well as some of the lower level brands (1 simpson, 1 impact). I raced karts professionally for 15 years and have been drag racing for 12. For what its worth, I wouldnt recommend anything other than bell, arai, stilo or schuberth.

Yes, I know they all meet the same basic testing requirements, but the quality of the materials and fitment are lightyears different.

Currently I am using a Stilo ST-5 carbon and its the best fitting and most comfortable helmet I've ever worn.

The Arai AUTO racing helmets (not the motorcycles ones) are second on my list when it comes to comfort and fitment.

The bells I've had were ok, but not as comfortable and didn't vent as well.

I've had an impact and simpson and I can say they are the worst quality materials I've ever seen. The shell itself just feels cheap and much less rigid than any others I've had. Yes, they are less expensive in cost than the others, but unfortunately that cost difference shows itself in cheap crappy materials.

You don't need a carbon helmet, but an overall lighter helmet with the same strength will be much more comfortable to wear and less stressful on your neck during a run and more importantly in the event of a crash.

The following few are within your price range

Stilo ST5 composite (non carbon)

Arai GP-7

Bell RS-7

quote:

Originally posted by Fabman:

quote:

Originally posted by Brian McHattie:
I've used the majority of the major brands, 4 Arai , 2 Bell, 1 Stilo as well as some of the lower level brands (1 simpson, 1 impact). I raced karts professionally for 15 years and have been drag racing for 12. For what its worth, I wouldnt recommend anything other than bell, arai, stilo or schuberth.

Yes, I know they all meet the same basic testing requirements, but the quality of the materials and fitment are lightyears different.

Currently I am using a Stilo ST-5 carbon and its the best fitting and most comfortable helmet I've ever worn.

The Arai AUTO racing helmets (not the motorcycles ones) are second on my list when it comes to comfort and fitment.

The bells I've had were ok, but not as comfortable and didn't vent as well.

I've had an impact and simpson and I can say they are the worst quality materials I've ever seen. The shell itself just feels cheap and much less rigid than any others I've had. Yes, they are less expensive in cost than the others, but unfortunately that cost difference shows itself in cheap crappy materials.

You don't need a carbon helmet, but an overall lighter helmet with the same strength will be much more comfortable to wear and less stressful on your neck during a run and more importantly in the event of a crash.

The following few are within your price range

Stilo ST5 composite (non carbon)

Arai GP-7

Bell RS-7

Having survived a nasty top end crash at 150 mph barrel rolling 7 times, wearing a Sparco carbon helmet and a Simpson Hybrid Sport head & neck restraint, I’m not looking to take a step backwards in safety or helmet weight. If I don’t do a Bell carbon it will be a Stilo composite.

quote:

Originally posted by BD104X:
Not to hijack this thread, but figured this info might apply to a few who are following it:
I have a 4 year old Simpson Carbon Bandit that I am very happy with but it is starting to get nasty after 4 seasons of sweat. The thought of spending nearly $1,000 to replace a perfectly good helmet didn't really appeal to me so I called Simpson to inquire and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they will put all new lining & padding in mine for $150.00. I'll happily spend $150 to get that fresh new helmet feeling... almost seems too good to be true! I'm sending it out tomorrow & I'll report back when I get it back if anyone is interested.