Open face Helmet: Shoei vs. Pyrotect vs. Racequip vs. Bell vs Simpson < $250 price

AK370Z · 04-20-2013, 01:40 PM

So I have been looking to buy an open face helmet (snell 2010) for over a year now. I find them easy to use and especially when doing Autox (not as serious or dangerous as HPDE or other track event). I liked using them during HPDE too. I actually rented a Arai GP-Jet during my last HPDE event and man, what a masterpiece! How light it was and how it snugged to my face yet didn't make me uncomfortable. I absolutely LOVED it . But as much as I have loved it, I wasn't sure about spending $500+ for the helmet. I knew I can get similar helmet for half the price. I'm just looking for a Open face helmet with Snell 2010 rating for less than $250. I'm looking for one important aspect in this purchase: it must be lightweight. That's it. So, here's my question to you guys. I know you guys own many various brands of helmet. Help me pick the BEST helmet for <$250. Here are my options (and you're allowed add yours as well). I thank you in advance for you time.

a. Pyrotect Open face helmet $168
Link: Pyrotect Helmet - Open Face SA2010
This helmet seems to be one of the popular open face helmet. It's actually the BEST selling open face helmet at soloracer.com. It does have customizable thin/thick cheek pads. Also, patented new air flow technology. I have am strongly considering this helmet. I think i read somewhere it's around 3lbs?

b. Racequip Open Face Helmet: $169
Link: SA Auto Racing Helmets, OPEN FACE*| RaceQuip
For a very similar pricing to Pyrotect, this is another option. Looks similar to Pyrotect. Uses carbon fiber, Kevlar, and FRP composition to keep the weight low. Anyone use this helmet?

c. G-Force Phenom Open Face Helmet: $179
Link: G-Force Open Face Helmets - G-Force Pro Phenom Open Face Helmet- SA2010 Rating
Here's a G-Force open face helmet. These all $169-$179 helmets looks very similar. Almost seems like it's the same helmet with different manufacturer stickers on them. However, I was told G-force is a step down or a inferior branch of BELL. Bell Always had good reviews. So Not sure how G-Force Stacks up.

d. Bell Sport Mag Open Face Helmet: $239
Link: Bell Sport Mag Open Face Auto Helmet SA2010 - Sport Series
I have never owned Bell but heard really good reviews about them. Supposedly these are lightweight and great helmets that lasts long time. I have seen many bell helmets at various track events. What's your input?

e. Simpson Cruiser FR Open face Helmet: $249
Link: Simpson Cruiser FR SA2010 Helmet - SafeRacer
Well we all know Simpson helmets are one of the best. So this is a 250 dollars Simpson open face helmet. Almost all my friends use Simpson helmet but I have never used them. They seem very well made.

f. Shoei RJ Platinum R Open Face Helmet: $262.79
Link: Shoei RJ Platinum R Open-Face Helmet - Street Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore
I stumbed upon this awesome helmet last night. Granted it's slightly out of my budget but after reading 35 five star reviews, I'm convinced this is an awesome helmet. I looked into it even more and found out these are made in Japan since 1959. Top notch quality. Only weighs 2.64 lbs. I actually like the design of this helmet than some of the other ones mentioned above. At the moment, I'm 70% for this helmet unless you can show me something else. Here's a small video how SHOEI Helmets are made:

So what's your input? should I buy the Pyrotect or Racequip which will offer very similar performance, lightweight and snell 2010 rating at only $169 or get Bell or simpson for around $250 or buy the Shoei which is a better helmet than all the ones mentioned (made in Japan for good quality and weighs only 2.64 lbs) or you have something else you want to recommend to me? Also, What's a good online store to buy the helmet?

Thank you

Dzel · 04-20-2013, 01:59 PM

I like the Bell helmet myself. I have to pick one up also since I'm interested in autox myself. Unfortunately I have to travel more than 100 miles every which way to join the fun.

Rusty · 04-20-2013, 02:11 PM

Be long time since I had an open face helmet. My last one was a Bell Magnum.

My $2. Price is one thing, but how it fits is another. What type of head you got. Round, Oval, Long Oval. Most makers have helmets to fit the different shapes. Now you have to find one that fits your head and price range. A bad fitting helmet can make your day miserable.

The helmets I have now are full faced Shoei's. Got 4 of them. Newest one is the X11.

takjak2 · 04-20-2013, 02:36 PM

Go full face. Your ugly mug is worth the difference.

ChrisSlicks · 04-22-2013, 07:48 AM

I have two Pyrotech's, one open face for auto-x and one full-face for track.

The open helmet is the SA2005 model and it has improved slightly since then, lighter and better airflow.

The full face Pyrotech SA2010 has great airflow for a full face helmet, and is surprisingly light weight. It was pre-drilled for HANS which I added.

Both have removable, washable, replaceable padding (available in various thicknesses) which I think is a must especially for track.

Shamu · 04-22-2013, 03:12 PM

I use a snell 2005 HJC carbonfiber openface. 2.6 lbs I got it on special for under $200.

Lightweight and comfortable is always my focus for open face. I only use open face for AX. Track I go full face.

XwChriswX · 04-22-2013, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamu

I use a snell 2005 HJC carbonfiber openface. 2.6 lbs I got it on special for under $200.

Lightweight and comfortable is always my focus for open face. I only use open face for AX. Track I go full face.

I was gonna second this AK, to look at HJC as another brand to consider.

AK370Z · 04-23-2013, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dzel

I like the Bell helmet myself. I have to pick one up also since I'm interested in autox myself. Unfortunately I have to travel more than 100 miles every which way to join the fun.

Wow man, that's a long drive to attend Autox. I mean, my regular track is 55 miles away from home but luckily the Autox is very close. It's about 1 min from my home - yup 1 min!

They use this old airport as our venue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Be long time since I had an open face helmet. My last one was a Bell Magnum.

My $2. Price is one thing, but how it fits is another. What type of head you got. Round, Oval, Long Oval. Most makers have helmets to fit the different shapes. Now you have to find one that fits your head and price range. A bad fitting helmet can make your day miserable.

The helmets I have now are full faced Shoei's. Got 4 of them. Newest one is the X11.

I agree with you man. I would love to try out from local shop but all local shops closed down here. There aren't any motorsports shop around anymore thanks to online stores. I feel like the amount of physical motorsports store we had 10 years ago, now almost all of them are closed because everyone buys online. Places like Revzilla or Competition accessories offer FREE shipping, no restock fee/no questions asked size exchanges etc with a very competitive prices. How do you like your Shoei's? fits good, no complaint?

Quote:

Originally Posted by takjak2

Go full face. Your ugly mug is worth the difference.

I think I will buy a full face snell helmet for Karting (maybe HPDE) later this year or early next year. I am gonna keep my eyes on the closeouts on some helmet selling sites. I just love open face because summer is right around the corner. Nothing like sitting in your car with a full face helmet on in 95 degrees weather especially since I can't take heat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

I have two Pyrotech's, one open face for auto-x and one full-face for track.

The open helmet is the SA2005 model and it has improved slightly since then, lighter and better airflow.

The full face Pyrotech SA2010 has great airflow for a full face helmet, and is surprisingly light weight. It was pre-drilled for HANS which I added.

Both have removable, washable, replaceable padding (available in various thicknesses) which I think is a must especially for track.

Thanks Chris. yes the new Pyrotects do have better airflow. ugh now it's tempting. Pyrotect was my initial pick. I can actually buy the Pyrotect and THIS and still spend less than Shoei! lol I'll make the ultimate decision by Wednesday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamu

I use a snell 2005 HJC carbonfiber openface. 2.6 lbs I got it on special for under $200.

Lightweight and comfortable is always my focus for open face. I only use open face for AX. Track I go full face.

Very nice man! I looked but no luck

. I think it's no longer sold. I love cf. Also, I think I want SA2010 which always brings the price up. My autox only allows Snell SA ratings, no Snell M ratings. I think when I buy a nice full face next year, cf will be a good contender.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XwChriswX

I was gonna second this AK, to look at HJC as another brand to consider.

I will. Where are these (HJC) made? Do they sell any open face?

sig11 · 04-23-2013, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Very nice man! I looked but no luck

. I think it's no longer sold. I love cf. Also, I think I want SA2010 which always brings the price up.

Just wanted to point out that the only change from SA2005 to SA2010 is that it's predrilled for HANS.

Slightly OT question. How long are you keeping your helmets? I've had mine ~4-5 year and it's showing some wear on the shell from minor bumps and things.

ChrisSlicks · 04-23-2013, 09:51 AM

The downside to SA2005 is that most clubs will stop allowing them at the end of 2015, so you'll only get 3 years of use. However if the price is right it can be worth it.

Apollo8642 · 04-23-2013, 11:28 AM

In my opinion open face helmets are pretty much all the same and they all have to be snell approved, they all have the same standards of safety. So really you need to try them on, and find the best fitting one, each brand fits a little different and I have found that the same helmets same sizes fit a little different.

I have a closed face Pyrotech

XwChriswX · 04-23-2013, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

I will. Where are these (HJC) made? Do they sell any open face?

About HJC: Untitled Document

Open face Helmets: Welcome to HJC Helmets

Prices for Open Face range from $60-180.

04-20-2013, 01:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Open face Helmet: Shoei vs. Pyrotect vs. Racequip vs. Bell vs Simpson < $250 price So I have been looking to buy an open face helmet (snell 2010) for over a year now. I find them easy to use and especially when doing Autox (not as serious or dangerous as HPDE or other track event). I liked using them during HPDE too. I actually rented a Arai GP-Jet during my last HPDE event and man, what a masterpiece! How light it was and how it snugged to my face yet didn't make me uncomfortable. I absolutely LOVED it . But as much as I have loved it, I wasn't sure about spending $500+ for the helmet. I knew I can get similar helmet for half the price. I'm just looking for a Open face helmet with Snell 2010 rating for less than $250. I'm looking for one important aspect in this purchase: it must be lightweight. That's it. So, here's my question to you guys. I know you guys own many various brands of helmet. Help me pick the BEST helmet for <$250. Here are my options (and you're allowed add yours as well). I thank you in advance for you time. a. Pyrotect Open face helmet $168 Link: Pyrotect Helmet - Open Face SA2010 This helmet seems to be one of the popular open face helmet. It's actually the BEST selling open face helmet at soloracer.com. It does have customizable thin/thick cheek pads. Also, patented new air flow technology. I have am strongly considering this helmet. I think i read somewhere it's around 3lbs? b. Racequip Open Face Helmet: $169 Link: SA Auto Racing Helmets, OPEN FACE\| RaceQuip For a very similar pricing to Pyrotect, this is another option. Looks similar to Pyrotect. Uses carbon fiber, Kevlar, and FRP composition to keep the weight low. Anyone use this helmet? c. G-Force Phenom Open Face Helmet: $179 Link: G-Force Open Face Helmets - G-Force Pro Phenom Open Face Helmet- SA2010 Rating Here's a G-Force open face helmet. These all $169-$179 helmets looks very similar. Almost seems like it's the same helmet with different manufacturer stickers on them. However, I was told G-force is a step down or a inferior branch of BELL. Bell Always had good reviews. So Not sure how G-Force Stacks up. d. Bell Sport Mag Open Face Helmet: $239 Link: Bell Sport Mag Open Face Auto Helmet SA2010 - Sport Series I have never owned Bell but heard really good reviews about them. Supposedly these are lightweight and great helmets that lasts long time. I have seen many bell helmets at various track events. What's your input? e. Simpson Cruiser FR Open face Helmet: $249 Link: Simpson Cruiser FR SA2010 Helmet - SafeRacer Well we all know Simpson helmets are one of the best. So this is a 250 dollars Simpson open face helmet. Almost all my friends use Simpson helmet but I have never used them. They seem very well made. f. Shoei RJ Platinum R Open Face Helmet: $262.79 Link: Shoei RJ Platinum R Open-Face Helmet - Street Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore I stumbed upon this awesome helmet last night. Granted it's slightly out of my budget but after reading 35 five star reviews, I'm convinced this is an awesome helmet. I looked into it even more and found out these are made in Japan since 1959. Top notch quality. Only weighs 2.64 lbs. I actually like the design of this helmet than some of the other ones mentioned above. At the moment, I'm 70% for this helmet unless you can show me something else. Here's a small video how SHOEI Helmets are made: So what's your input? should I buy the Pyrotect or Racequip which will offer very similar performance, lightweight and snell 2010 rating at only $169 or get Bell or simpson for around $250 or buy the Shoei which is a better helmet than all the ones mentioned (made in Japan for good quality and weighs only 2.64 lbs) or you have something else you want to recommend to me? Also, What's a good online store to buy the helmet? Thank you __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP!* (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

04-20-2013, 01:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dzel A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Midland, TX Posts: 3,884 Drives: 11 370Z PW M6 Rep Power: 22	I like the Bell helmet myself. I have to pick one up also since I'm interested in autox myself. Unfortunately I have to travel more than 100 miles every which way to join the fun. __________________ 10secWS6 IF YOU CAN'T SWING IT THEN DON'T BRING IT! Check out Domestic Performance C.C.

04-20-2013, 02:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 34,864 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684436	Be long time since I had an open face helmet. My last one was a Bell Magnum. My $2. Price is one thing, but how it fits is another. What type of head you got. Round, Oval, Long Oval. Most makers have helmets to fit the different shapes. Now you have to find one that fits your head and price range. A bad fitting helmet can make your day miserable. The helmets I have now are full faced Shoei's. Got 4 of them. Newest one is the X11. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

04-20-2013, 02:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
takjak2 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sterling, VA Posts: 1,922 Drives: Legit Racecar 370Z Rep Power: 142	Go full face. Your ugly mug is worth the difference. sig11 likes this. __________________ Mods \| Stuff \| Things \| Seat Time \| Nismo facebook.com/TeamSparrowSpeed

04-22-2013, 07:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	I have two Pyrotech's, one open face for auto-x and one full-face for track. The open helmet is the SA2005 model and it has improved slightly since then, lighter and better airflow. The full face Pyrotech SA2010 has great airflow for a full face helmet, and is surprisingly light weight. It was pre-drilled for HANS which I added. Both have removable, washable, replaceable padding (available in various thicknesses) which I think is a must especially for track. __________________ Hotchkis ARB \| Stillen CAI \| Art Pipes \| Berk CBE \| Stillen AP Racing Brakes \| AE Performance Oil Cooler \| BC Racing ER Coilovers \| Doran Control Arms

04-22-2013, 03:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Shamu A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,059 Drives: 370Z Racecar Rep Power: 19	I use a snell 2005 HJC carbonfiber openface. 2.6 lbs I got it on special for under $200. Lightweight and comfortable is always my focus for open face. I only use open face for AX. Track I go full face. __________________ Grant

04-23-2013, 09:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	The downside to SA2005 is that most clubs will stop allowing them at the end of 2015, so you'll only get 3 years of use. However if the price is right it can be worth it. __________________ Hotchkis ARB \| Stillen CAI \| Art Pipes \| Berk CBE \| Stillen AP Racing Brakes \| AE Performance Oil Cooler \| BC Racing ER Coilovers \| Doran Control Arms

04-23-2013, 11:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Apollo8642 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 187 Drives: 09 370Z Nismo #280 Rep Power: 13	In my opinion open face helmets are pretty much all the same and they all have to be snell approved, they all have the same standards of safety. So really you need to try them on, and find the best fitting one, each brand fits a little different and I have found that the same helmets same sizes fit a little different. I have a closed face Pyrotech

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