Choice on Helmets

[dwf1]

I am writing this in the hope of some opinions on helmets. I ordered a V2 Pro last week but it does not fit due to my chin touching the front of it. After a trip to GPR and trying some helmets on, I seemed to find the RS3 PRO as the best value and size.

I was wondering what people's opinions are on the Bell RS3 PRO as it seems good value for money compared to Arais?

Has anyone got one and does the lining wear out as quick as I have heard the Arai's do?

[Tim Falce]

I've used a couple of Bells since I started racing ten years ago but the second one had the same problem for me that you found with the V2, my chin touches the front. The linings have been fine although one problem I did have was with the screws holding the visor on kept coming loose.
I now use a Hedtec full face HANS version which is a far better fit than the Bells and a lot cheaper.

[RPD Motorsport]

Cannot comment on the Bells for wear, but we have used Arai for 6 years now and have never heard of one wearing out the lining! The bells are good too, but parts such as visors, tear offs, hinge kits and peaks etc are easier to get for Arai helmets. They are also lighter for the equivilent spec/price.

At the end of the day both are very good helmets, choose the one that is more comfortable. Both are well built, and both will wear well. We just choose the Arai as for a team it is easier to get parts for drivers and the Arais seem to suit more people than the Bell for comfort.

[tristancliffe]

I'd say that pretty much any certified helmet will be good enough, and it's a case of getting one that fits the best over one that is more expensive. I'm sure people have had Bells that never had screws loosen, whilst others will have found Hedtecs or Arias that did.

Fit and comfort are the most important, and it sounds like the Bell is your best bet.

[midgetman]

Although I sell helmets by mail order, I really don't recommend buying helmets without trying them, because as you've found there are huge differences in size, fit and shape.

If you like a helmet, buy it. These are not Mickey Mouse manufacturers, they are serious people. Snell 2010 is a serious standard. I don't think any particular manufacturer has the monopoly on manufacturing problems. Go for it, you'll be fine!

[Adam43]

I went for a Bell Helmet this time. I have to admit, mainly because of the iconic name. It is the GT5 and I've been very happy with it. Fit is nice. I mail ordered and it was the wrong size, but DT changed it quickly. I don't know if the sizes, like shoes, are measured differently by manufacturer. Or whether I was just a numptie. Whatever, if you buy one and you don't like the fit, change it.

I do like the look of the Star Classic.

[Tim Falce]

Adam, they all seem to be different, my Bell 2 was quite a different shape to the Bell 3, the latter was nowhere near as comfortable for me. I think It's an individual choice and I did sort my loose nuts on my helmet with a dab of loctite.

[NJH]

Literally the only helmet I tried that fitted me comfortably nice and snug without any pinch points is the Arai GP-6s. Could wear that helmet all day long.

Note on sizes I went up 2 sizes ISTR moving from an OMP helmet to Arai.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

... I think It's an individual choice and I did sort my loose nuts on my helmet with a dab of loctite.

This is where you are going wrong, you're clearly not putting it on right if that is happening. It goes on your head.

From your comment and NJH it seems that they are like shoes.

[mountainstar]

I've have several Bell Helmets and overall have been happy with them. One of them, a helmet meant for open wheel racing with a lip and aerofoil(can't find it in their catalog anymore), I found despite being the same head size as the others, it is a tight pinchy fit.

I have to wear mine sometimes all day, day after day, so as far as that goes, it's a comfortable fit and lighter than comparable helmets. In the ones I have the lining comes out reasonably easy as it frequently soaked with mud, dust, sweat, water, etc and needs washing. Mine get heavy, heavy use compared to most people and the lining and everything seems to hold up considering what the helmets go through. I've never had a part failure and parts are easily to get if so.

[Chris Y]

In my opinion, this was one of the best helmets Bell ever made:



Plenty of room for chins - even Michael Schumacher's!

Sadly, it's been discontinued by Bell.

[dwf1]

Thank you! The advice basically seems it's worth paying the price for one that is comfortable and fits correctly. A return to GPR to try on the RS3 again is in order I think

Speaking of helmets, I contacted V2 after not having our refund sent. He's actually decided to remove £25 of my refund for replacing the inside padding. This is because I accidently left my WASHED balaclava inside it on sending it back. He says it has caused the padding to smell and means it needs replacing. It's one of a few people I know who have had problems with him after payment. Obviously the company is fine untill your money is taken.................as he took the payment on the first day of order.

[tristancliffe]

That is a bit cheeky, but I'm sure health and safety daftness is a lot to do with it - little covers on plane/train headrests, and even paper 'towels' on hospital beds when you give blood are changed for each person.

I bet it didn't smell though, unless you have a very smelly head, but provided a convenient excuse to charge you.

[dwf1]

When my first medium didn't fit, there was a snotty reply when I asked to try a different medium as I find different fits with many different helmets even though they are the same size

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by dwf1

When my first medium didn't fit, there was a snotty reply when I asked to try a different medium as I find different fits with many different helmets even though they are the same size

Can't say I'm surprised about that. Where will you draw the line? He's got probably 100 size medium, do you expect him to send you each and every one of them in turn before deciding you should take a large? Even if you're trying them on at a Show, that's a lot of work

Well worth going to try them on. Like I said, even though I sell helmets mail order I don't recommend buying by post!

[dwf1]

I'm a bit slow to reply but thanks for all your replies. Going to have a good look round the Autosport show on Friday and then should make my choice