Can we talk about helmets again?

Recent King of The Heap efforts have lead me to needing a helmet. Rules require an SA2010 or better but I figured it'd be smarter to get a 2015 rated one. Went on Jegs and ordered a white Racequip OF15 in the 2X size their chart recommended for my melon head. I later found out it's on backorder. Long story short I spoke with customer service and got my order cancelled. 

Before I hastily order another one, does anyone have any recommendations for a decent SA2015 helmet in the ~$200 price range? This is my first time buying a helmet so I really don't have much idea what I'm actually looking at.

HJC has always fit my large head well. 

I also was a big fan of Shoei when I rode motorcycles, but those are about 4x your budget.

I got a SA2015 Pyrotect Pro Sport duckbill last year, seemed to be the best $$/years-of-service deal.

Yeah, I have a Pyrotect Pro as well, though not a duckbill.  I like it, it's not too heavy, but the size chart runs a little tight.  Consider ordering up a size from what your measurements say, if you're near the top of the range.  You don't want it loose, but you don't want to be squeezed in it, either.

I found that the XL size fits me as usual.

I have that racequip you tried to get. Took from May 1 to August 17 last year to get it, I'm surprised they're still so backed up. 

I do like it, in an XL it fits my melon fine, just kind of annoying with my glasses. 

I have had good luck with HJC. I wear an XL and the fit is just right and the price was great. I bought it when my SA2005 HJC dated out for local scca rules

GameboyRMH said:

I found that the XL size fits me as usual.

By my head measurements, I was about 3/4 of the way up in the L range, so that's what I bought.  An XL would have been a better fit.

Thank for the input guys. Looking seriously at the pyrotect pro open face now. 

+1 for HJC fitting my weird head.  On most brands, my dome is too big for a large, but my face is too small for an XL.  My HJC fits quite well.

Bought a Zamp RZ58 on eBay last month. $179, free shipping from Summit. 

My first helmet since I stopped training harness racing horses. We just used a fiberglass shell back then, so really it's essentially my first. 

I like it fine, and the liner is removable. 

I understand your logic on going sa2015, but I snagged a sa2010 xxl g-force carbon fiber full face on close out from their factory outlet for $99.  XXL was on ly size they had and fits my by that time it will be sweaty enough to need new one.  Fit my bucket head just fine.  Good for my sanctioning body til 2022...

YMMV

Welp. Guess I'll be sure to check for that next time I buy one.

Well, My 3XL Pyrotect Pro Sport open face got here today. And it's far too tight. I measured at the top of their 2XL range. Guess I need to see if they'll take it back and keep looking.

Does anyone know of any decent place within a reasonable drive of the Bowling Green, Ky area that would have snell helmets in stock that I could try on?

If you get near Columbus Ohio any time soon there’s the Jegs home base and warehouse. 

The full throttle in tri-county Cincinnati has a nice safety shop inside that  is run by a local racer.  Great guy with great prices and service.  Recognize that’s a hike from BG but I have come to the same conclusion as you on in person fit.

It's beginning to look like I may end up having to take a mini vacation just to get a helmet. I'm actually ok with this. 

If you are making the journey to cincy we can connect at five one three six seven five one three five seven.  I am planning on the same purchase which led me to your post.

Honestly I have a buddy in Indy and if he knew of a place I'd use it as an excuse to go hang out up there. We both took some days off for a race it looks like I'm going to miss. I'll keep that in mind though. 

I went through the same ordeal as you. Finally got a helmet that was “good enough” but it gave me a headache after longer stints. (Endurance racing so 2.5 hour stints are common) When it was time to upgrade I went to Jegs and tried them all on. It’s a head shape issue more than size. Well it’s certainly both but he shape has to be right or it’ll never be comfortable. 

The salesman at Jegs was great. He made a good sale though as I was buying a hans, helmet, fuel jugs, etc. ouch my wallet! But he has a twin turbo v8 swapped Jag XJ-S. I should stop by some time to see when he’s going to have it out in the spring!!