| turboICE | 01-20-2004 11:20 AM |
Good entry level helmet, shoes & gloves.
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Been away from track and auto-x for a while now and getting back into this year starting with VIR.
Besides probably not being allowed to use it, I really don't want to use my ancient (1994) open faced motorcycle helmet. I am looking for input on a good entry level helmet, snell00, closed faced. My concern is that a couple that I was looking at I have been told aren't any good - so I am looking for ideas, discussions and arguments to help guide me.
While I am at it, I am also looking for a mid-top driving shoe that won't leave me miserable after a weekend at the track. (Yes they will be removed between sessions.) Also as I would like to go further than I did in the past I might as well get used to driving with gloves - so gloves as well.
Links would be good as well.
(Yes I searched none of the threads were on point.)
Ed.
Besides probably not being allowed to use it, I really don't want to use my ancient (1994) open faced motorcycle helmet. I am looking for input on a good entry level helmet, snell00, closed faced. My concern is that a couple that I was looking at I have been told aren't any good - so I am looking for ideas, discussions and arguments to help guide me.
While I am at it, I am also looking for a mid-top driving shoe that won't leave me miserable after a weekend at the track. (Yes they will be removed between sessions.) Also as I would like to go further than I did in the past I might as well get used to driving with gloves - so gloves as well.
Links would be good as well.
(Yes I searched none of the threads were on point.)
Ed.
| stxwrxracer | 01-20-2004 11:28 AM |
Try out [url]http://www.racerwholesale.com[/url] or [url]http://www.safequip.com.[/url] Both offer entry level helmets and apparel at affordable prices.
~Mike
~Mike
| TimStevens | 01-20-2004 12:30 PM |
I have a G-force full-faced helmet I bought a couple of years back. It's comfortable, and not the lightest helmet out there, but it was decidedly cheap, and has worked great for me. The only probs I've had is with part of the adhesive on the lining inside that's beginning to come free, but it's not a big deal by any means.
| zoomfactor | 01-20-2004 01:09 PM |
I got a Bell SR Pro -- seems to work good with glasses. It is a closed face design, but a little more "open" and it allows good peripheral vision.
G-force makes one similar but I don't know the model
[URL=http://soloracer.com/bellhelmets.html]http://soloracer.com/bellhelmets.html[/URL]
G-force makes one similar but I don't know the model
[URL=http://soloracer.com/bellhelmets.html]http://soloracer.com/bellhelmets.html[/URL]
| turboICE | 01-20-2004 01:46 PM |
Thanks for the responses thusfar. I had been to those sites, I was interested in the G-force line but that was one of the brands it was recommended I stay away from. I guess my issue is if I am buying an entry level helmet - then I am buying an entry level helmet and I know that why should I stay away from one vs. another?
| TimStevens | 01-20-2004 01:59 PM |
I think the only thing you're paying for is build quality. I'd argue that my G-Force is as safe as a Bell or Simpson or other entry-level brand, but as I mentioned the lining isn't as nice, the visor isn't the same quality (though it's perfectly acceptable to me), and the weight is a bit higher.
I think really to see the difference you'd need to actually hold them both at once and wear them both.
I think really to see the difference you'd need to actually hold them both at once and wear them both.
| TBreu007 | 01-20-2004 11:13 PM |
Bells are great, but don't have a removable liner. Anyone who has had a helmet for a while and sweated in it has seen the need to remove a liner and wash it.
Check out [url]http://www.race-sport.net/Helmets.html[/url]
I think they're the best buy on the market right now. The prices will shock you too...excellent helmet especially for the money.
I think they have shoes and gloves too.
Check out [url]http://www.race-sport.net/Helmets.html[/url]
I think they're the best buy on the market right now. The prices will shock you too...excellent helmet especially for the money.
I think they have shoes and gloves too.
| turboICE | 01-21-2004 12:01 AM |
Thanks, I have spoken with them and sent a note to them and am awaiting to hear back.
| Patrick Olsen | 01-21-2004 12:08 AM |
When I was shopping about 18 months ago I heard from a couple of sources that Bieffe was a good brand to go with. Their helmets cost a little bit more than Bell, but in side-by-side comparison seem to stack up really well - nicely stitched liner, good padding, metal visor hinges vice plastic, etc. I ended up with a Bieffe Predator and have been very happy with it.
Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan
Edit: I paid I think $325 when I bought mine, and at the time they only offered white. A quick Google and I find [url]http://www.bdgmall.com/tsrpomlkihgfedcba.htm[/url] - gloss or flat black, and only $225!! It says it's a Predator "street helmet" though, and I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean.
A bit more looking and it appears the Predator "street helmet" is a motorcycle helmet with an M rating vice the SA rating. The SA rated Predator seems to still be in the $320-375 range (depending on where you look).
Pat Olsen
'97 Legacy 2.5GT sedan
Edit: I paid I think $325 when I bought mine, and at the time they only offered white. A quick Google and I find [url]http://www.bdgmall.com/tsrpomlkihgfedcba.htm[/url] - gloss or flat black, and only $225!! It says it's a Predator "street helmet" though, and I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean.
A bit more looking and it appears the Predator "street helmet" is a motorcycle helmet with an M rating vice the SA rating. The SA rated Predator seems to still be in the $320-375 range (depending on where you look).
| sdecker | 01-21-2004 07:19 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by TBreu007 [/i]
[B]Bells are great, but don't have a removable liner. Anyone who has had a helmet for a while and sweated in it has seen the need to remove a liner and wash it.
Check out [url]http://www.race-sport.net/Helmets.html[/url]
I think they're the best buy on the market right now. The prices will shock you too...excellent helmet especially for the money.
I think they have shoes and gloves too. [/B][/QUOTE]
Yes, those Impact helmets are nice for the money...I believe they were designed/manufactured under the direction of David Simpson, weren't they? IIRC Grassroots Motorsports has an ad for them every month...
I'm going to pick up a Charger as my next helmet. Unfortunately nobody seems to come off the MSRP, even though they are relatively cheap to begin with.
[B]Bells are great, but don't have a removable liner. Anyone who has had a helmet for a while and sweated in it has seen the need to remove a liner and wash it.
Check out [url]http://www.race-sport.net/Helmets.html[/url]
I think they're the best buy on the market right now. The prices will shock you too...excellent helmet especially for the money.
I think they have shoes and gloves too. [/B][/QUOTE]
Yes, those Impact helmets are nice for the money...I believe they were designed/manufactured under the direction of David Simpson, weren't they? IIRC Grassroots Motorsports has an ad for them every month...
I'm going to pick up a Charger as my next helmet. Unfortunately nobody seems to come off the MSRP, even though they are relatively cheap to begin with.
| TBreu007 | 01-21-2004 11:31 AM |
For Impact stuff (gloves, shoes, helmets) call [url]www.race-sport.net[/url] and talk to Aaron. Tell him you're Tim's friend from NASIOC and he will give you a big break off retail. He's too busy working and selling stuff to post here, or he'd tell you himself. He has a WRX too.
| turboICE | 01-21-2004 11:37 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jehcpa [/i]
[B]Thanks, I have spoken with them and sent a note to them and am awaiting to hear back. [/B][/QUOTE] :)
I had contacted Aaron already, I have been looking for other input while I await hearing from him. Maybe I should have called as Tim's friend instead of Mike's friend. ;)
[B]Thanks, I have spoken with them and sent a note to them and am awaiting to hear back. [/B][/QUOTE] :)
I had contacted Aaron already, I have been looking for other input while I await hearing from him. Maybe I should have called as Tim's friend instead of Mike's friend. ;)
| driggity | 01-21-2004 11:53 AM |
Doesn't look like the Impact helmets have much (anything?) in the way of vents to get some airflow in there unless you get one of the ones designed to be used with a whole forced air system. Seems like it would get warm in there. Does anyone who has used these know that this isn't an issue?
Thanks
Thanks
| Amweiss | 01-21-2004 12:46 PM |
jehcpa,
Timmy turned me on to this thread, I can assure you that being a friend of Mike's is just as good as being a friend of TIm's and it's prob. cheaper...
Regardless I do not yet have my Impact inventory hence the delays in call backs on these products...That said, my first shipment should arrive late this week!! call me for prices I can't publish on a forum.....
Timmy turned me on to this thread, I can assure you that being a friend of Mike's is just as good as being a friend of TIm's and it's prob. cheaper...
Regardless I do not yet have my Impact inventory hence the delays in call backs on these products...That said, my first shipment should arrive late this week!! call me for prices I can't publish on a forum.....
| turboICE | 01-21-2004 01:17 PM |
Thanks - Amweiss, I was joking about which referrer I should have used, I was confident that Mike with team IAC was sufficient since he turned me on to you guys. :) I assumed I would hear back from my call and note as soon as was feasible, but VIR is a mere 4 weeks away.
Ed.
Ed.
| Amweiss | 01-22-2004 07:27 PM |
hey man, I tried to call you today but must have miffed it taking your #s...please e-mail me your info and I'll call on Friday, we can get it for VIR no problem..... [email][email�protected][/email]
| makofoto | 01-23-2004 03:23 AM |
I bought a very cheap, about $50! ... motorcycle helmet to try out drag racing ... and now AutoX.
I guess I'm being very N00B'ie ... but why a relatively high end (closed) helmet for sedan AutoX'ing ... ?
Have there been some bad accidents that I haven't heard about ...
I guess I'm being very N00B'ie ... but why a relatively high end (closed) helmet for sedan AutoX'ing ... ?
Have there been some bad accidents that I haven't heard about ...
| turboICE | 01-23-2004 07:21 AM |
Track and auto-x. My first event of the season is an HPDE at VIR.
[url]http://www.virclub.com/[/url]
[url]http://www.nasaproracing.com/nasa_event/list_events[/url]
[url]http://www.virclub.com/[/url]
[url]http://www.nasaproracing.com/nasa_event/list_events[/url]
| Brett555 | 01-23-2004 09:44 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by makofoto [/i]
[B]I bought a very cheap, about $50! ... motorcycle helmet to try out drag racing ... and now AutoX.
I guess I'm being very N00B'ie ... but why a relatively high end (closed) helmet for sedan AutoX'ing ... ?
Have there been some bad accidents that I haven't heard about ... [/B][/QUOTE]
I have a lot of customers who buy the inexpensive G Force GF650 or GF750 open face helmets, and I personally have no problem with that. However, I personally won't ever wear an open face helmet, even for autocross. I've seen an airbag deploy at a track event before, and a full face helmet is nice to have in that situation since the chin bar protects your face. You can get in a nice full face helmet for about $200, so spending a little extra money IMHO is worth the extra protection. Besides, if you ever go from just autocross to doing HPDE's and lapping days, you'll be glad you bought a full face helmet.
Brett at [URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]SoloRacer.com[/URL]
[B]I bought a very cheap, about $50! ... motorcycle helmet to try out drag racing ... and now AutoX.
I guess I'm being very N00B'ie ... but why a relatively high end (closed) helmet for sedan AutoX'ing ... ?
Have there been some bad accidents that I haven't heard about ... [/B][/QUOTE]
I have a lot of customers who buy the inexpensive G Force GF650 or GF750 open face helmets, and I personally have no problem with that. However, I personally won't ever wear an open face helmet, even for autocross. I've seen an airbag deploy at a track event before, and a full face helmet is nice to have in that situation since the chin bar protects your face. You can get in a nice full face helmet for about $200, so spending a little extra money IMHO is worth the extra protection. Besides, if you ever go from just autocross to doing HPDE's and lapping days, you'll be glad you bought a full face helmet.
Brett at [URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]SoloRacer.com[/URL]
| KeithRS | 01-23-2004 10:22 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by [email][email�protected][/email] [/i]
[B]I have a lot of customers who buy the inexpensive G Force GF650 or GF750 open face helmets, and I personally have no problem with that. However, I personally won't ever wear an open face helmet, even for autocross. I've seen an airbag deploy at a track event before, and a full face helmet is nice to have in that situation since the chin bar protects your face. You can get in a nice full face helmet for about $200, so spending a little extra money IMHO is worth the extra protection. Besides, if you ever go from just autocross to doing HPDE's and lapping days, you'll be glad you bought a full face helmet.
Brett at [URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]SoloRacer.com[/URL] [/B][/QUOTE]
Good advice. The only reason why I have a full-face helmet is because it helps for rally- you need to talk with the people at checkpoints, and for people who get motion sickness (well, you get the idea).
One thing worth mentioning is *fit*- buying a helmet online is kind of like buying ski boots online. Different brands fit very differently- even if you get the right size. Bell helmets fit my skull very well- G Forces do not. Your skull may vary. I would suggest buying your first helmet or two from your friendly local (real, not import tuner) race shop. IF you know which brands fit you best, online shopping should be okay.
Of course, in autocross you never wear your helmet for more than 6 minutes in any given day, so it probably isn't a big deal.
[B]I have a lot of customers who buy the inexpensive G Force GF650 or GF750 open face helmets, and I personally have no problem with that. However, I personally won't ever wear an open face helmet, even for autocross. I've seen an airbag deploy at a track event before, and a full face helmet is nice to have in that situation since the chin bar protects your face. You can get in a nice full face helmet for about $200, so spending a little extra money IMHO is worth the extra protection. Besides, if you ever go from just autocross to doing HPDE's and lapping days, you'll be glad you bought a full face helmet.
Brett at [URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]SoloRacer.com[/URL] [/B][/QUOTE]
Good advice. The only reason why I have a full-face helmet is because it helps for rally- you need to talk with the people at checkpoints, and for people who get motion sickness (well, you get the idea).
One thing worth mentioning is *fit*- buying a helmet online is kind of like buying ski boots online. Different brands fit very differently- even if you get the right size. Bell helmets fit my skull very well- G Forces do not. Your skull may vary. I would suggest buying your first helmet or two from your friendly local (real, not import tuner) race shop. IF you know which brands fit you best, online shopping should be okay.
Of course, in autocross you never wear your helmet for more than 6 minutes in any given day, so it probably isn't a big deal.
| turboICE | 01-23-2004 10:44 PM |
Thanks for the call Amweiss.
Well I am set up with the Impact Racing Charger Helmet, M/T shoes and gloves now.
Thanks everyone who chipped in with the input.
I know I should try a helmet on first but there isn't any convenient places to try them that I could find around me and around my schedule. Also the fit in the store is seldom the fit a month later anway.
Ed.
Well I am set up with the Impact Racing Charger Helmet, M/T shoes and gloves now.
Thanks everyone who chipped in with the input.
I know I should try a helmet on first but there isn't any convenient places to try them that I could find around me and around my schedule. Also the fit in the store is seldom the fit a month later anway.
Ed.
| Amweiss | 01-23-2004 10:52 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by KeithRS [/i]
[B]One thing worth mentioning is *fit*- buying a helmet online is kind of like buying ski boots online. Different brands fit very differently- even if you get the right size. Bell helmets fit my skull very well- G Forces do not. Your skull may vary. I would suggest buying your first helmet or two from your friendly local (real, not import tuner) race shop. IF you know which brands fit you best, online shopping should be okay.[/B][/QUOTE]
Good point...a couple of years ago I read an article that talked about regional and ethnic head diff. as they related to helmet fittment. (Exciting reading I know) In short it said that there are two basic head types. As veiwed from directly above one type are heads that are approx as long front to back as they are wide side-to-side and therefore approx. round. The second type are heads that are longer front to back then they are wide from side-to-side and therfore more oval shaped when veiwed from above...
What does all that mean? Well, I'm not dure other then this...I have a more oval head and fit well in AGV, Bell, Impact, and Arai, but am uncomfortable as hell in Simpson, OMP, Shoei, and Beiffe. Figure out which head type you have and try those brands on.
Bottom line is if you order online make sure you find a reputable shop that can exchange it if it does not fit, and don't hesitate to send it back if it's not perfect. But don't wait till 5 days before the event to order! (sorry about the vendor backlash)
[B]One thing worth mentioning is *fit*- buying a helmet online is kind of like buying ski boots online. Different brands fit very differently- even if you get the right size. Bell helmets fit my skull very well- G Forces do not. Your skull may vary. I would suggest buying your first helmet or two from your friendly local (real, not import tuner) race shop. IF you know which brands fit you best, online shopping should be okay.[/B][/QUOTE]
Good point...a couple of years ago I read an article that talked about regional and ethnic head diff. as they related to helmet fittment. (Exciting reading I know) In short it said that there are two basic head types. As veiwed from directly above one type are heads that are approx as long front to back as they are wide side-to-side and therefore approx. round. The second type are heads that are longer front to back then they are wide from side-to-side and therfore more oval shaped when veiwed from above...
What does all that mean? Well, I'm not dure other then this...I have a more oval head and fit well in AGV, Bell, Impact, and Arai, but am uncomfortable as hell in Simpson, OMP, Shoei, and Beiffe. Figure out which head type you have and try those brands on.
Bottom line is if you order online make sure you find a reputable shop that can exchange it if it does not fit, and don't hesitate to send it back if it's not perfect. But don't wait till 5 days before the event to order! (sorry about the vendor backlash)
| Amweiss | 01-23-2004 10:56 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by KeithRS [/i]
[B]One thing worth mentioning is *fit*- buying a helmet online is kind of like buying ski boots online. Different brands fit very differently- even if you get the right size. Bell helmets fit my skull very well- G Forces do not. Your skull may vary. I would suggest buying your first helmet or two from your friendly local (real, not import tuner) race shop. IF you know which brands fit you best, online shopping should be okay.[/B][/QUOTE]
Good point...a couple of years ago I read an article that talked about regional and ethnic head diff. as they related to helmet fittment. (Exciting reading I know) In short it said that there are two basic head types. As veiwed from directly above one type are heads that are approx as long front to back as they are wide side-to-side and therefore approx. round. The second type are heads that are longer front to back then they are wide from side-to-side and therfore more oval shaped when veiwed from above...
What does all that mean? Well, I'm not dure other then this...I have a more oval head and fit well in AGV, Bell, Impact, and Arai, but am uncomfortable as hell in Simpson, OMP, Shoei, and Beiffe. Figure out which head type you have and try those brands on.
Bottom line is if you order online make sure you find a reputable shop that can exchange it if it does not fit, and don't hesitate to send it back if it's not perfect. But don't wait till 5 days before the event to order! (sorry about the vendor backlash) and thanks jehcpa for giving a month lead! and don't worry if fit is not perfect we'll exchange for one that is...
[B]One thing worth mentioning is *fit*- buying a helmet online is kind of like buying ski boots online. Different brands fit very differently- even if you get the right size. Bell helmets fit my skull very well- G Forces do not. Your skull may vary. I would suggest buying your first helmet or two from your friendly local (real, not import tuner) race shop. IF you know which brands fit you best, online shopping should be okay.[/B][/QUOTE]
Good point...a couple of years ago I read an article that talked about regional and ethnic head diff. as they related to helmet fittment. (Exciting reading I know) In short it said that there are two basic head types. As veiwed from directly above one type are heads that are approx as long front to back as they are wide side-to-side and therefore approx. round. The second type are heads that are longer front to back then they are wide from side-to-side and therfore more oval shaped when veiwed from above...
What does all that mean? Well, I'm not dure other then this...I have a more oval head and fit well in AGV, Bell, Impact, and Arai, but am uncomfortable as hell in Simpson, OMP, Shoei, and Beiffe. Figure out which head type you have and try those brands on.
Bottom line is if you order online make sure you find a reputable shop that can exchange it if it does not fit, and don't hesitate to send it back if it's not perfect. But don't wait till 5 days before the event to order! (sorry about the vendor backlash) and thanks jehcpa for giving a month lead! and don't worry if fit is not perfect we'll exchange for one that is...
| BIGSKYWRX | 01-24-2004 10:26 PM |
I wanted a full face helmet, but wanted better vision (ala open face) I opted for the Bell Sr- Pro- very good vision w/ the added protection a full face affords.
[IMG]http://store3.yimg.com/I/soloracerdotcom_1774_12312178[/IMG]
I wanted lightweight, close fitting gloves and have founf the Sparco Speed fits the bill (Nomex to boot) and the price is reasonable ~ $45.
[IMG]http://www.drivingsuits.com/sparco/gloves/speed.jpg[/IMG]
Shoes I chose the Piloti Pro 3-1, mid cut, lightweight and very (very) comfortable.
[IMG]http://www.speedwaremotorsports.com/images/shoes/pro31Big.jpg[/IMG]
[url]http://www.speedwaremotorsports.com[/url] has everything and found them to have the best prices as well.
Big Sky
[IMG]http://store3.yimg.com/I/soloracerdotcom_1774_12312178[/IMG]
I wanted lightweight, close fitting gloves and have founf the Sparco Speed fits the bill (Nomex to boot) and the price is reasonable ~ $45.
[IMG]http://www.drivingsuits.com/sparco/gloves/speed.jpg[/IMG]
Shoes I chose the Piloti Pro 3-1, mid cut, lightweight and very (very) comfortable.
[IMG]http://www.speedwaremotorsports.com/images/shoes/pro31Big.jpg[/IMG]
[url]http://www.speedwaremotorsports.com[/url] has everything and found them to have the best prices as well.
Big Sky
| turboICE | 02-25-2004 03:21 PM |
Aaron from [URL=http://race-sport.net]Race-Sport.Net[/URL] really set me up.
Impact Charger plus 10 $425.00
Super light well made and fitting helmet.
Contemplated going open face and low end - but with the +10 opening I have almost full peripheal vision (at least within awareness) - really glad I went this route.
Impact G-3 Glove $95.00
I want to get used to driving with gloves on the track to hopefully someday get my comp lic. These were very comfortable and unobtrusive - though I would love to blame my missed lines on not being used to them - I can't.
Impact Mid Top $100.00
Very comfortable shoe that looks like it will last quite well.
Aaron stayed on top of Impact to get me all my stuff by my first day on track!
Impact Charger plus 10 $425.00
Super light well made and fitting helmet.
Contemplated going open face and low end - but with the +10 opening I have almost full peripheal vision (at least within awareness) - really glad I went this route.
Impact G-3 Glove $95.00
I want to get used to driving with gloves on the track to hopefully someday get my comp lic. These were very comfortable and unobtrusive - though I would love to blame my missed lines on not being used to them - I can't.
Impact Mid Top $100.00
Very comfortable shoe that looks like it will last quite well.
Aaron stayed on top of Impact to get me all my stuff by my first day on track!
| Don Arm | 02-26-2004 01:44 PM |
I would highly recommmend speedwaremotorsports !!!!
I recently bought a pair of Piloti Monaco driving shoes from them and received great service. Oh and btw, the Piloti shoes are great to.
I own a Bell M2 helmet that I have been very happy. It is full face and Snell SA00 rated helmet.
Don
I recently bought a pair of Piloti Monaco driving shoes from them and received great service. Oh and btw, the Piloti shoes are great to.
I own a Bell M2 helmet that I have been very happy. It is full face and Snell SA00 rated helmet.
Don
| dsmith | 02-26-2004 02:58 PM |
I just bought some new stuff, knew I only wanted Simpson, looked at Impact and couldn't figure out why the prices were higher than Simpson?? Anyone know why? Is it a new marketing ploy from Bill?
Anyway, bought the full-face Voyager 810 $350, lowtop shoe $80, Posi-grip gloves $70.
All used for club racing, autox, etc. After having my first Simpson helmet 8 yrs and seeing it's padding still look like new compared to competitors like Bell, G-Force, or other budget brands, I'm sold on paying a little more, since it's an investment for many years.
David
Anyway, bought the full-face Voyager 810 $350, lowtop shoe $80, Posi-grip gloves $70.
All used for club racing, autox, etc. After having my first Simpson helmet 8 yrs and seeing it's padding still look like new compared to competitors like Bell, G-Force, or other budget brands, I'm sold on paying a little more, since it's an investment for many years.
David
| turboICE | 02-26-2004 03:04 PM |
Probably with the new company and line that Bill has they have more control on price competition is what you are seeing.
Suppliers would rather see a few healthy dealers. Than ones that cut each others' margins to the point of making doing business not worthwhile. When you consider $10,000 min. buy-ins at some suppliers - that type of financing needs financial health.
Suppliers would rather see a few healthy dealers. Than ones that cut each others' margins to the point of making doing business not worthwhile. When you consider $10,000 min. buy-ins at some suppliers - that type of financing needs financial health.
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