Helmet under $200
11-07-2011, 03:04 PM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Helmet under $200
Just starting out so looking for a cost conscience 1st helmet.
Use will probably be 2-3 HPDEs, 1/4 miles and auto-x.
I've narrowed it down to 3 choices:
Zamp JA-2 ($140)
G-Force Pro Phenom($150)
Pyrotech Pro Airflow ($145).
Any opinions on either of these choices? One better than other?
Thanks guys...
Use will probably be 2-3 HPDEs, 1/4 miles and auto-x.
I've narrowed it down to 3 choices:
Zamp JA-2 ($140)
G-Force Pro Phenom($150)
Pyrotech Pro Airflow ($145).
Any opinions on either of these choices? One better than other?
Thanks guys...
11-07-2011, 07:05 PM
#2
Team Owner
What Snell rating are those helmets? Those are some excellent prices, but you didn't say which particular model or rating.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
11-07-2011, 08:09 PM
#3
Race Director
What Snell rating are those helmets? Those are some excellent prices, but you didn't say which particular model or rating.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
SA2010 & full face
11-07-2011, 08:13 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Well now, I've been racing (motorcycles) and wearing helments (BELL) since 1965, and I remember a Buco advertisement which read:
"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet!"
Question: How much is brain surgery........say if you wear a cheap helmet and need one? Enough to offset the difference, I think.
"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet!"
Question: How much is brain surgery........say if you wear a cheap helmet and need one? Enough to offset the difference, I think.
11-07-2011, 08:36 PM
#6
Safety Car
Thread Starter
What Snell rating are those helmets? Those are some excellent prices, but you didn't say which particular model or rating.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
SA2010
I'd post the links but don't want to be in violation....
Last edited by oh1vette; 11-07-2011 at 08:38 PM.
11-07-2011, 08:40 PM
#7
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Well now, I've been racing (motorcycles) and wearing helments (BELL) since 1965, and I remember a Buco advertisement which read:
"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet!"
Question: How much is brain surgery........say if you wear a cheap helmet and need one? Enough to offset the difference, I think.
"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet!"
Question: How much is brain surgery........say if you wear a cheap helmet and need one? Enough to offset the difference, I think.
Besides, I think brain surgery is covered by my insurance!
11-07-2011, 09:13 PM
#8
Race Director
The Zamp is open face. I don't know about the rest.
Most DE's require windows down, so you will get OPR (other peoples rubber) and track junk coming in the window.
If you do enough days you will get hit in the face by this stuff.
You won't like it.
Also, before you spend your money, find out the requirements of the sanctioning bodies that you will run with, or you may end up with 2 helmets.
One cheap one that is not sanctioned by anyone and the next one you buy that is approved.
Not trying to be a nag, just trying to save you some aggravation, feel free to disregard.
Most DE's require windows down, so you will get OPR (other peoples rubber) and track junk coming in the window.
If you do enough days you will get hit in the face by this stuff.
You won't like it.
Also, before you spend your money, find out the requirements of the sanctioning bodies that you will run with, or you may end up with 2 helmets.
One cheap one that is not sanctioned by anyone and the next one you buy that is approved.
Not trying to be a nag, just trying to save you some aggravation, feel free to disregard.
11-07-2011, 09:16 PM
#9
Race Director
What Snell rating are those helmets? Those are some excellent prices, but you didn't say which particular model or rating.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
IMHO, I would suggest you get a helmet with the current Snell SA2010 rating. The ratings are good for 10 years so you won't have to worry about replacing it when sanctioning bodies change the rating years. Most bodies now require a minimum SA2000 rating. Some will allow the "M" (motorcycle) rating version but some won't, so check with the sanctioning organizations of the events before you buy.
I just bought this Pyrotech Pro Airflow for $329. It's usually hard to find much of a discount on new SA2010 helmets but SA2005 helmets will be less but don't expect to find a wide range of sizes. PyroTech helmets are US made (Bend Oregon) and they feature replacable cheek pieces.
11-07-2011, 09:22 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Oct 2003
Location: New Carlisle IN
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I've been using a Pyrotect Pro Airflow open face for all of this year. It has suited me well. Size was slightly smaller than my previous helmet which was a HJC CL-5. I had to go with a medium size pyrotect, but had a large HJC.
Added: It is this model:http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?...&cat=14&page=1
Added: It is this model:http://www.pyrotect.com/product.php?...&cat=14&page=1
Last edited by vettehardt; 11-07-2011 at 09:28 PM.
11-08-2011, 07:42 AM
#13
Instructor
Member Since: Nov 2010
Location: VA
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Get a Full Face, SA2010 helmet for sure...
Also, I think you should find a dealer and try on the helmet you purchase. There is nothing worse than strapping on a ill fitted helmet for 30 minutes. If it isn't comfortable, it can be distracting and you don't want that. Oh yeah... I found when I was looking that the visibility out of the helmets can be different as well.
Also, I think you should find a dealer and try on the helmet you purchase. There is nothing worse than strapping on a ill fitted helmet for 30 minutes. If it isn't comfortable, it can be distracting and you don't want that. Oh yeah... I found when I was looking that the visibility out of the helmets can be different as well.
Last edited by Vette53; 11-08-2011 at 07:44 AM. Reason: added visibility
11-08-2011, 08:46 AM
#14
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Thanks guys all great advice, appreciate it....
Hadn't really thought about the debris flying during DE, but makes perfect sense.
Hadn't really thought about the debris flying during DE, but makes perfect sense.
11-08-2011, 11:20 AM
#15
If you trying to save money then why not rent a helmet at the track.
I for one know stuff happens in HPDE groups so I want a good helmet and some kind of Head and Neck restraint. Much cheaper that a visit to the ER.
I for one know stuff happens in HPDE groups so I want a good helmet and some kind of Head and Neck restraint. Much cheaper that a visit to the ER.
11-08-2011, 11:36 AM
#16
Le Mans Master
Not always possible, some event organizers do NOT have a rental program for helmets.
OK, I'm going to be a little contrarian.
In Dec 2000 I bought my first SA2000 helmet. I wear glasses and thought an open face would be great. Found one on sale and bought it. Used it for autocross, one of my buddies talked me into a track day. Used it for track days until 2010! Once or twice did I have OPR or a bug hit me in the face. Didn't feel good, but I lived with it. Replaced it with a full face SA2005. I'm doing a lot more track days so it will get replaced when the 2015's are available.
OK, I'm going to be a little contrarian.
In Dec 2000 I bought my first SA2000 helmet. I wear glasses and thought an open face would be great. Found one on sale and bought it. Used it for autocross, one of my buddies talked me into a track day. Used it for track days until 2010! Once or twice did I have OPR or a bug hit me in the face. Didn't feel good, but I lived with it. Replaced it with a full face SA2005. I'm doing a lot more track days so it will get replaced when the 2015's are available.
11-08-2011, 01:20 PM
#17
Safety Car
Member Since: Mar 2005
Location: Madison Wisconsin
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St. Jude Donor '08
Well now, I've been racing (motorcycles) and wearing helments (BELL) since 1965, and I remember a Buco advertisement which read:
"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet!"
Question: How much is brain surgery........say if you wear a cheap helmet and need one? Enough to offset the difference, I think.
"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet!"
Question: How much is brain surgery........say if you wear a cheap helmet and need one? Enough to offset the difference, I think.
Took the words right out of my mouth...
11-08-2011, 02:29 PM
#18
Safety Car
I have the G-Force Hybrid. With sunglasses, it is mostly closed face, but much more comfortable. In 30+ track days, I have never been hit with anything except my own stupidiy
.
.
11-10-2011, 02:43 PM
#20
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
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I purchased this helmet earlier this year and am very happy with it:
http://www.impactraceproducts.com/Pr...oductCode=1459
Not less than $200 but less than $300.
It is also made in the USA.
Bill
http://www.impactraceproducts.com/Pr...oductCode=1459
Not less than $200 but less than $300.
It is also made in the USA.
Bill
