Helmet Questions

[bgsterling]

Hi all,

I've spent the last couple hours searching the web and the archives, but have had no luck. This is not a question about SA vs M ratings or who makes the best helmet. My issue is with finding a helmet that fits. For motorcycle helmets, I have an Arai head. Well, that's not entirely true. I wear their narrow model, the Signet G/T. It's been comfortable and tight for hours on end. The Shoei I had before had about a 2-3 hour time limit on it. After that, it was headache city.

Here's the issue. I've only found one shop local to me that carries auto racing helmets. I'll be heading out there on Monday. Beyond that, I don't seem to have too many options. So to the experienced helmet buyers out there, a few questions:

• Do you find motorcycle helmets and auto racing helmets to be shaped similarly by brand? So if I have an Arai motorcycle helmet head, will I most likely have an Arai auto helmet head?
• Can anyone recommend a helmet shop in the Portland, OR or Salem, OR area?
• Can anyone recommend a helmet shop in the NW burb area of Chicago?
• Can anyone recommend a helmet shop in the Columbus, OH area?

I'm a big proponent of fit being the key to a good helmet. I can't get that online. Thanks in advance.

-Brad

[Mr. Know]

Originally Posted by bgsterling

I'm a big proponent of fit being the key to a good helmet. I can't get that online. Thanks in advance.
-Brad

I agree. The helmet I had chosen that was a REALLY great deal (was on sale for half price) fit me decently. It wasn't a great fit, but it was OK. Then I tried on a helmet that was more expensive (but less than the regular price of the first one) which fit FAR better. The difference was unreal, and I'm sure if I chose the first one I'd have gotten tired of it after one session on the track. Good luck. I chose a Bell if that helps.

I just noticed where you are from. I'm part owner of the Post Office there in Mulino.

[chrisp993]

FWIW: I also have an ARAI motorcycle "head shape" and found that transferred well to my ARAI GP5-W track helmet.

If I were you I would check the policy at a number of the larger online retailers (there is an ARAI one in Indianapolis if I recall, Pilot Race Gear maybe?) and find one which will allow you to reurn the helmet (within a few days) if it doesn't fit. It's what I did.

[bgsterling]

Originally Posted by chrisp993

FWIW: I also have an ARAI motorcycle "head shape" and found that transferred well to my ARAI GP5-W track helmet.

If I were you I would check the policy at a number of the larger online retailers (there is an ARAI one in Indianapolis if I recall, Pilot Race Gear maybe?) and find one which will allow you to reurn the helmet (within a few days) if it doesn't fit. It's what I did.

Thanks for the data point on the Arai. Someone else mentioned what you did in one of the archive posts (Maybe it was you?). To buy 3-4 helmets online, try them on and return all but the one you choose. You lose a little on restocking fees, but you get a proper fit.

I'll check out Pilot Race Gear. I'm driving through Indianopolis when driving from Chicago to Columbus. Maybe I'll stop in.

-Brad

[Tickle]

Here is a shop in NW burbs of Chicagoland. They have a good selection of helmets that you can try on.

http:www.northstarmotorsports.com

Enjoy,

[Feffman]

BGSterling:

I ordered my Simpson Speedway Shark direct from Simpson (www.TeamSimpson.com) and due to my mis-measurement it was too tight. I sent it back to Simpson, they re-sized it after my more careful head measure and sent it back (they even paid shipping both ways) and it fit perfect.

Feff

[bgsterling]

Tickle: Thanks for the link. That shop's about 10 miles away from where I'll be. I'll check them out.

Feffman: Thanks for the heads up. I'm trying to avoid mail order, but it sounds like Simpson is trying to make it easy. Good to know.

-Brad