Online helmet purchase- worth it?

This winter I plan to buy my first helmet in anticipation of getting my LBC done. I hope to be dding it and autocrossing it a few times next season.

So I need to buy a helmet.

Naturally I don't have a Summit or Jeg's in town, so I'm looking at purchasing over the internet.

It seems like there may be some pitfalls in doing so. Let's say I order a helmet based on the measurements of my oversized cranium, I get it in the mail and it doesn't fit right? I can imagine spending too much time and money shipping helmets back and forth.

Or is there a source in SE MI that I don't know of?

Please advise comrades...

I don't have a place that sells SA rated helmets within 2 hours, so I risked it. If you get a Pyrotect helmet, they are fine for the money, but run a little smaller than the chart says.

I also mail-ordered one last year. I found it helpful to call and speak to a person to get their opinion on "runs small" and such, rather than just clicking "Order!" and crossing my fingers.

Pyrotect is one of the brands I was looking at. Also G-Force, Zamp and HJC. I had an HJC helmet a long time ago for a motorcycle safety course, and it was just OK.

I guess there aren't many bells and whistles in this price range, are there?

Very good idea. What vendor did you choose? Good experience?

mikeatrpi wrote: I also mail-ordered one last year. I found it helpful to call and speak to a person to get their opinion on "runs small" and such, rather than just clicking "Order!" and crossing my fingers.

Check the return policy from wherever you are looking to order from. I ordered my helmet from Jegs because it was on sale cheaper than anywhere else, and they have an easy return system. That will save you some headache just in case the helmet doesn't fit or isn't comfortable.

Measure your head and order one. I got mine through Jeg's online. Worked out great.

I measured my head and ordered a Pyrotect and found it was too tight for longer stints. Short (1/2 hour) stints it was okay but the long (2 - 3 hour) stints we run in Lemons had me getting a bad headache from it. I went to a Jegs and ended up with a Bell, it fit my head the best of what they had.

i ordered my HJC based on my hat size and it fits perfect.

I bought one online from winecountrymotorsports.com after trying one from a buddy of mine for fit. Great guys to deal with.

It sounds like Jeg's is the way to go, I will probably give it a shot.

BTW Sper, great job on the show lately. It's better than it ever has been IMHO!

N Sperlo wrote: Measure your head and order one. I got mine through Jeg's online. Worked out great.

I ordered from saferacer. measured my head and got a gforce that fit perfectly.

paranoid_android74 wrote: Very good idea. What vendor did you choose? Good experience?

I ordered a Zamp from http://apexperformance.net/. I believe they are / used to be a GRM advertiser... but I don't have my mag in front of me to verify. I signed up for their email list and they sent me a coupon, which I then used on the helmet for a little bit of a discount. For the few times a year that I use it, the Zamp seems to be fine.

In reply to paranoid_android74:

I really appreciate it.

I got my HJC AR10 from saferacer. I had the woman measure my head a couple times to make sure I got a consistent number then ordered. Fits great and its a good helmet for the price.

www.soloracer.com

Purchased several things from them over the years, including helmets and have always been very happy

Different brand helmets tend to have different shapes, plus everyone's head is shaped differently, so one brand may fit you better than another. You'll be ahead if you can try on helmets that belong to friends, or go to a local motorcycle shop and try some on there - they don't normally sell SA helmets, but you can try the M helmets to get an idea of how each brand feels.

Bought my helmet from Saferacer. I would say go for it.

I've also had very good experiences from SafeRacer on my first helmet. They allow exchanges for resizing purposes without any hassle (they expect it!).

For my 2nd helmet, I knew exactly what size I wanted and got it from a local eBay reseller for much cheaper.

Just remember, you want snug but not too snug. I got one too small for my first one and, thinking tight was good, kept it for over a year. It's amazing how much better a properly-sized helmet feels now!

I bought my Pyrotect from the Lemons store in the size the chart recommended and it pinched my forehead- after two hours in the car I had a headache and wanted out. For a long time I just thought that's the way it was, helmets were uncomfortable and suck it up. Then I bought my Stilo (online) and I could sleep in it. Have a return option in place before you buy anything. When you get it, don't just try it on for 5 seconds and decide it's good, wear it for a while. If there's pain, send it back.

Thank you for the great input!

I guess it won't be as painful as I thought.

I have purchased my last couple from Pegasus as they are somewhat local and I can try them on for fitment. Before that I bought one online and did have to return it since it did not fit well- not too bad of a deal but takes some time.

My melon fits in Bells better than most so that I my choice...

Devina- your post made me wonder something. Are certain helmets kinder to different head shapes and sizes?

In reply to paranoid_android74:

I think different styles within the make family would even fit differently. A good question to put out there for those who know.

Could very well be Sper!

I saw some info on the Arai site regarding head shape and helmets, but they only offer one type in racing helmets.

Besides, I can't afford an Arai

N Sperlo wrote: In reply to paranoid_android74: I think different styles within the make family would even fit differently. A good question to put out there for those who know.