Helmet recommendations requested

[brm]

Now that the Dutton's running again, I need to replace my Snell 85 with something a bit more current. Who hates/loves their (cheap) helmet, and why?

[SaturnRaycer]

I got a G-Force full face helmet from Racer Wholesale for $129 (M 95). They also have open face and SA rated helmets. Prices range from just over $100 to about $300. Racer Wholesale also sells Simpson and Bell.

[phile]

Buying mail order is not a good way to buy a helmet. In the past I have bought at Bob's Cycle Supply in Little Canada, but this spring they were more expensive than the other place. The other place is on your side of town, Brian:

612-825-9774
Midwest Cycle Supply
4300 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis MN

I got an HJC open-face for around 95 bucks, but you want a full-face for your car. Try the HJC full-face models on for size.

Phil "cheaper than Brian, and my cars have windshields" Ethier

[phile]

I forgot to mention my HJC is an M2000.

Phil "five more years!" Ethier

[Dennis G.]

HI! I also have a G-Force full coverage helmet but mine is M-2000 rated and I paid $139 (I think) last winter. Unlike Mr. Saturn, I'm not too happy with mine, possibly because in an open wheel car I MUST use the flip-down face sheild. It mounts real rinky-dink and the optical quality is quite poor for the sheild itself. I'm guessing I also HAVE TO buy replacement sheilds from them. They also have a breath deflector inside the helmet and the first time I hooked my finger on it, it came off in my hand. It almost makes me wish I had kicked in another $100 and gone with a Bell or Simpson. At least the fit turned out OK considering it was mail order from Racer Wholesale. Good luck!

[weidnerpaul]

Brian,
Considering your car, don't you think the classic leather "aviator" helmet and goggles would be appropriate??? And also a long scarf to blow in the breeze...
Paul
PS Does this mean we'll see the Dutton at MOWOG 6???

[Chris Bienert]

I'm from the school of thought that cutting costs on my helmet in not acceptable. I never considered an open face helmet to be an option either. That said, I paid just under $250 for an SA95 Bell from Fast Company down here in Mason City (a year before the SA2000's came out). I've been very pleased with it. They also sell Simpson helmets and lots of other racecar safety equipment.

[Chris Bienert]

I'm from the school of thought that cutting costs on my helmet in not acceptable. I never considered an open face helmet to be an option either. That said, I paid just under $250 for an SA95 Bell from Fast Company down here in Mason City (a year before the SA2000's came out). I've been very pleased with it. They also sell Simpson helmets and lots of other racecar safety equipment.

[brm]

Thanks, guys. Your replies have helped. Phil: Bob's has very little stock right now; they're gearing up for winter. Midwest didn't have anything I liked a couple of months ago, but I'll probably try them again before buying by mail. Paul: I'll have to dig out the photo of me in the leather flying helmet, goggles, and long white scarf worn while ferrying an XK-120 with a rollbar--and therefore no top--to New York en route to the 1967 U.S. G.P. at Watkins Glen. It snowed in Ohio. Dennis: I really appreciate the advice as I have the same wind problem as you. Wait a second...never mind. Chris: You're right, but the likelihood of the Dutton rolling in a parking lot is far smaller than its being driven over by an SUV on the way to the event. And if it did roll, I think I'd be more concerned about supporting the car with my neck than with the relative skid-resistance of the lid.
Unfortunately MOWOG 6 is the same weekend as the Boy Scout Family Campout, and #2 son has a travelling soccer game that Sunday. I may make 7, if I decide to invest in the tires this year.

[phile]

If you are buying an SA helmet for autocross use in a closed car, you are throwing away money.

Now, if you wear that SA helmet in the same car on the freeway, it might be worth the extra money, or not, depending on how lucky you are.

A closed rather than open helmet is more safe, especially if you have no shoulder belts. Since I have no shoulder belt in the TR4, and am prohibited from using one in autocrosses, I would probably get a closed helmet if I was to make a career of autocrossing the TR4.

In the Lotus, the closed helmet is probably not worth the hassle.

Brian:

The Dutton needs its exercise. Tell you what, I will come and get it and run it on the street tires at MOWOG 6 just to sort it out for you. What time should I come by?

Meanwhile, I am planning on having the slowest and ugliest car at the Lotus Owners Gathering in Wisconsin next week. I have two presentable cars (TR4 and Saturn) and two ugly ones (Europa and Suburban), so I will bring the ugly ones to LOG!

My lack of an SA helmet is pretty-far down the list of reasons I will be spectating at the Blackhawk open-track day.

Phil Ethier

[brm]

Phil:
The Dutton appreciates your kind offer. Unfortunately, I now have no oil pressure. Since I heard no expensive noises and found no debris in the sump, I hope that it is a teething problem and the result of the small hole the alternator wore in the filter, but it's really, really frustrating.

[phile]

Originally posted by brm


Phil:
The Dutton appreciates your kind offer. Unfortunately, I now have no oil pressure. Since I heard no expensive noises and found no debris in the sump, I hope that it is a teething problem and the result of the small hole the alternator wore in the filter, but it's really, really frustrating.

"Really, really frustrating" would seem to be somewhat of an understatement at this point!