ChrisB

Markus,

When I went looking for my current crash helmet, I called in at my local bike accesories shop.

Just to echo AWD's thoughts:

Suitable helmets start around £40 or so, although thanks to my big bonce I had to pay more for something that fits. Look for a discontinued model (last year's colour or design) and you will get it at half price or less (unless you want a specific model to match the wheels).

I've got a Shoei lid:

Markus

As most of you now know, I've changed my opinions on track days and the black beast will, probably next year, be on track.

Beast might have special Black Beast track plates, just to nick an idea from a few others And Beast *will* have uprated brakes.

What I'll need is a type A helmet. So where does one go to get them and how much do they cost? Any uk websites that I can look at for info/pricing?

gregh

I wouldn't buy off the Web, you need to make sure it fits your head properly.

I got one for 59.99 from my local motor cycle shop, I've seen people saying they can get them for as little as £40

Greg

AWD

I agree with gregh that you need to try themon to find which you like and are best suited to you (not to mention fit you properly).

Large motorcycle shops are good for having a wide range of helmets. Also they often have big savings on last year's models - which are very often the same as this year's models apart from cosmetic changes.

Markus

Website ref was just so I can see what they look like, would not dream of just buying one without trying one on.

50 quid? hmm, I looked at

Markus

just looked at the shoei site and I like the look of the syncrotec. But I've had a look around a few online places and it seems to cost around 300 quid. Is this right?

Not a cheapskate but I'm not going to be living on the track, so it seems a little excessive. Even the non flip-face lids are around 200 quid.

Think I'll pop down my local bike shop and have a look around

AWD

To give you an example: Triggaaar bought a Shoei a couple of months ago from MotorCycle City in London. It was last year's model and he got it for just over £100. Normal price about £300.

gregh

Markus,

Got to

Markus

Cheers guys.
Will look into the 'last years model' thang, see if I can get a bargin.

AWD

Markus

I'd advise getting a full face helmet, not an open-face one.

Bajie

I saved myself a fortune by going to Pete Collins.
Walked in, saw a beautiful lid, matched the car and everything.
Salesman asked what I wanted it for, told him it was for track days in my car.
He made me put the helmet down and found me a good one for 150 quid.
Whats wrong with the other one. Its 450 pounds more expensive.
But I did get a nice yellow lid bag !

AWD

Bajie

£600 for a helmet! What was special about it? Was it lightweight or something?

RB170

You can get one from any Motor bike shop, try Carnells, M&P, Motorcycle City etc. You can pick up a decent Type A lid, Shoei, AGV, Shark for around £200, I wouldn't really spend any less than that, the quality of the lining is very important. The last thing you want is to wear your lid a couple only to find that the lining has crushed and your heads flopping around like the preverbal D**k in a bucket.

Mike

AWD

I've never heard of that proverb but your point makes sense. You can pick up a decent lid at cut price by getting previous year's models (especially in larger shops) so you don't have to spend as much as £200.

Markus

I *really* like the shoei syncrotec, but I guess that's just the poser in me.

A nice simple black full face Arai would do.

Would not go for open face type anyway. I would not look so mean in one, apart from anything else!

Oh, and I won't drop it either, not that I drop anyone's lid anyway (someone knows what this means!)

I've got a while yet as I'm not going on track till next year, too wet n slippy out there.

Dave T-S

I hear Sunlip is a Type A helmet.....

Sorry about the delay, i've been out all day!!

KimA

Hi Markus,

Got ours from Hein Gericke (in Welling) - they always have stock left from the previous season (various prices, depending on what you want). Got mine based on the ManU (varying) colours, but had to give up with the away kit!!

Love to doggy, kitty, kiddies & missus

Bajie

AWD the lid was made by Arai.
It had vents everywhere, looked the business and was very comfortable.
There were some even more expensive than that one too!

Blow Dog

RE: Helmets.

Best place to buy a helmet is Grand Prix Race wear on the A406. I bought my open face from them at £50, tried loads of different ones tho.
They had helmets which went up to £3000.00 (yes, three thousand!!) which had everything, intercoms, air circulation max type approval, anti sweat, anti hair-do etc.

Cem

DocJock

Markus

the helmet is a Nolan X-lite, vented, hinged chin bar, <£200.

I use this particular model as it is easier to get my glasses on before closing the face.

BTW DON'T get an open face, I used to see RTA victims arriving at hospital, the full face provides so much more protection.

DJ

camk

Helmet pricing is more to do with style and fashion than safety as they all have to meet specific tests based on BS/EC standards. More expensive does not mean safer.
Just make sure it of an approved type and more importantly you are comfortable with it and it a snug not too tight or loose fit. I'd imagine that washable interiors are really overkill for track use, sure if your biking all day every day then it'll get manky. If you 20 minutes here and there on the track it'll take years to wear out. BTW I paid 100 quid for a AGV for my bike, I personally wouldn't wear open faced in car or on bike but think many rally drivers do.

Cammy

AWD

One of the reasons why Colin McRae recently broke his cheekbone was due to wearing on open faced helmet. At least one rally driver (possibly Sainz) has since then changed to a full face helmet.

johnfelstead

your correct AWD.

Carlos wore a full face on San Remo for the first time in, well, a long time!!

I think Colin gave a few pro's a wake up call.

Time i bought a new Helmet, my current one is way too boring for an open top car.