Thread: Best helmets for racing?

I'm considering two different helmets for open wheel formula racing and I want to see if anyone has tried them before and has comments about either. I am considering the Bell HP3 Carbon (a lot of formula 1 drivers use this helmet) or an Arai (not sure which one yet, maybe the GP-6S or the full carbon GP-6RC (worth the price?)).

Anyone have experience with these two and have comments about comfort, lift from wind resistance, or overall satisfaction?

The bell and arai you mentioned are expensive as hell. If you aren't in F1 or indycar you don't need them. I would get a standard arai GP6 if I were you. But if money is no object and you wanna have the best helmet made, get a Schuberth(about 7k)
.

I have the Arai GP5 and I love it, I would agree with MMR just get the GP6

I wanted a really good helmet, something formula 1 drivers use just so I wouldn't have to get a better one in the future. I already e-mailed Schuberth asking about pricing for their helmets but those are going to take way too long to make and ship in time for my race in January. Thinking about it now though you're probably right. These high end helmets aren't going to make any difference unless you are racing formula 1 or indy.

I appreciate the input. I might just go with the GP-6S.

Originally Posted by ArDs

I wanted a really good helmet, something formula 1 drivers use just so I wouldn't have to get a better one in the future. I already e-mailed Schuberth asking about pricing for their helmets but those are going to take way too long to make and ship in time for my race in January. Thinking about it now though you're probably right. These high end helmets aren't going to make any difference unless you are racing formula 1 or indy.

I appreciate the input. I might just go with the GP-6S.

What are you racing in January?

Are you getting a HANs too? I would invest in that along with nice racing suit, shoes and gloves.

Originally Posted by MMR

What are you racing in January?

Skip Barber Western Race Series at Laguna Seca

Originally Posted by djantlive

Are you getting a HANs too? I would invest in that along with nice racing suit, shoes and gloves.

I'm looking into getting a HANS device also. Not sure which one I need though.

Originally Posted by ArDs

Skip Barber Western Race Series at Laguna Seca.

Ok I ran in that series, there are sometimes awful drivers racing with you and crash all over the place. A HANS should be the first thing on your shopping list. And if you can try everything on, do it! There are few things more annoying then ordering all that expensive stuff online and not having it fit.

Originally Posted by MMR

Ok I ran in that series, there are sometimes awful drivers racing with you and crash all over the place. A HANS should be the first thing on your shopping list. And if you can try everything on, do it! There are few things more annoying then ordering all that expensive stuff online and not having it fit.

Where do you buy your gear from? And how do I know if the device will be comfortable in the SB formula cars? What angle did you get your HANS?

You want a 30 degree angle Hans(if you have the $ get the professional series). I used to get all of my stuff from wine country motorsports, but now I get it all directly from sparco. Where do you live?