WTB - Helmets

[Craig Naylor]

Since my M-95 is expiring, I'm in need of a new helmet. I've never done a track day, but would like to some day. Therefore I'm looking for a Snell SA rated helmet.

In San Diego, just about every motorcycle shop I went to carried an assortment of helmets: DOT, M, K, and SA's.

Today I went to 4 motorcycle stores including "Burt's mega mall" (wow that was an amazing assortment of 200+ bikes, plus ATV's, Dune Buggies, boats and more), but alas, no one even carried a single SA rated helmet. The two (helmet specialists) employees at Burt's had never even heard of an SA rating, and assured me that any motorcycle helmet is usable in any type of motor-sport as nothing takes an impact as hard as a motorcyclist head to pavement. When I tried to correct the first one, he brought his buddy in, and they both argued with me. So much for the customer being right (especially when they actually are). After mentioning their opinion aside, the SCCA and other racing organizations require SA's for track use, bozo #2 went on to say that rule makers haven't a clue what their doing, they make decisions base upon false internet postings for the most part. What an arrogant (fill in word). Walked out, will never return... even if in the market for products they sell. Additionally I tried a Kart store, but apparently they can't compete with the motorcycle shops on volume pricing, and no longer carry helmets, they just refer them to, well in this specific case, Burt's.

While I know there are many sources for purchasing, including several within our ranks, where do you all go to try one on your head, as last time I found every helmet fit differently.

Thanks in advance.

[Scott McHugh]

Per Dec SportsCar, '95 helmets are now okay until Oct 2010, when 2010 Snell SAs are available.

[Jason Isley BS RX8]

You didn't try C2?

[Craig Naylor]

Scott,
I started my post with "my M-95" My reading of the article is M2010 is published, SA-K will be in October. My interpretation would be M1995 is done on Dec 31st 11:59 pm, but SA1995 will be good till ~ Oct.
Jason,
I've already spoken to Steve, and would be happy to purchase from C2. But 4 hr round trip to try on helmets, so I can put the make and model in on my Christmas wish list (for family members who keep requesting ideas)... is a but more time than I have today or tomorrow. Plus I don't think he stocks all the ones listed on the web site.

So where in LA do people go to put helmets on their head to try before you buy?

[Doug Teulie]

I know it is too early for SA 2010 but it would be really great if we posted up options on new open face helmets.

So far I have only found the 2005 Bell.

[Thomas Smith]

Subesports in Huntington Beach stocks Bell.

Simpson has a store in Torrance.

[Greg Peng]

Simpson has a store in Torrance.

Sale this Saturday, the 19th:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3258" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Extreme Supply in Signal Hill has a large selection:
http://www.extremesupply.com/info.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I plan on going to one or both of these shops on Saturday to look for a new full face helmet.

[Michael Sullivan]

You can try over at Irwindale Speedway. They sell Simpson race gear.

Regards,

[Craig Naylor]

You can try over at Irwindale Speedway. They sell Simpson race gear.

Regards,

I could walk there. Wheres their store though?

[Michael Sullivan]

Northwest corner of the property. If you're heading east, its the first driveway I think. Its the building with the driving school.

[Jason Isley BS RX8]

Jason,
I've already spoken to Steve, and would be happy to purchase from C2. But 4 hr round trip to try on helmets, so I can put the make and model in on my Christmas wish list (for family members who keep requesting ideas)... is a but more time than I have today or tomorrow. Plus I don't think he stocks all the ones listed on the web site.

So where in LA do people go to put helmets on their head to try before you buy?

In San Diego, just about every motorcycle shop I went to carried an assortment of helmets: DOT, M, K, and SA's.

This statement in your first post lead me to believe you might be shopping in SD.

[Jayson Woodruff]

Next time that happens, ask them if they know anyone who's ever been trapped inside a burning motorcycle, because you know people who've been trapped in a burning car.

Jay W

The two (helmet specialists) employees at Burt's had never even heard of an SA rating, and assured me that any motorcycle helmet is usable in any type of motor-sport as nothing takes an impact as hard as a motorcyclist head to pavement. When I tried to correct the first one, he brought his buddy in, and they both argued with me. So much for the customer being right (especially when they actually are). After mentioning their opinion aside, the SCCA and other racing organizations require SA's for track use, bozo #2 went on to say that rule makers haven't a clue what their doing, they make decisions base upon false internet postings for the most part.

[Pete Loney]

Simpson has a store in Torrance.

Sale this Saturday, the 19th:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3258" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Extreme Supply in Signal Hill has a large selection:
http://www.extremesupply.com/info.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I plan on going to one or both of these shops on Saturday to look for a new full face helmet.

I bought my closed face at Extreme Supply, Bought it on-line, picked it up in person. Tried it on before I left.

I got lucky too, the model on Sale on their site showed in stock, but when I got there, their inventory was off.
I ended up with the current years model for the last year's sale price Saved about $45 dollars... Good customer service.

[Aaron Goldsmith]

Got my Arai open face from SafeRacer, but I would certainly recomend using our sponsors if you're brand neutral, Arai's just fit me well.

[Tom Denham]

Simpson has a store in Torrance.

Sale this Saturday, the 19th:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3258" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Extreme Supply in Signal Hill has a large selection:
http://www.extremesupply.com/info.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I plan on going to one or both of these shops on Saturday to look for a new full face helmet.

I bought my closed face at Extreme Supply, Bought it on-line, picked it up in person. Tried it on before I left.

I got lucky too, the model on Sale on their site showed in stock, but when I got there, their inventory was off.
I ended up with the current years model for the last year's sale price Saved about $45 dollars... Good customer service.

Great place , very helpful.

[Katianna Pihakari]

The closest place to me to try helmets on would be SubeSport - like Thomas suggested.

What I do - when I know what I want - is to order it through Streetwise [http://www.streetwiseparts.com/index.html]. It seems they don't advertise it on their website but you can give them a call at (949)459-0744 (Doug will pick up the phone) and let him know that you autocross and he will get you a good price for whichever helmet you are planning on purchasing.

I have been very happy with their customer service.