Simpson Racing vs Bell

[SC986]

I have been looking for a helmet I'll need for the DE. Everyone I talked to that has gone to the track suggest I try one on and not order it online. The problem is, no one within hours carries Bell.

There is a Simspson Racing at Lowes Motor Speedway which is about 30 minutes from me. Anyone have experience with them? Don't want to make a mistake with brand or fittment.

Thanks!

[racer_d]

Simpson make fine safety products. Of note, Bill Simpson, company founder, was pushed out of his own company. He markets a new line of safety gear, but the name of the new product escapes me... G-Force maybe??

Anyway, sage advice when spending $300 or so dollars. You want to be as comfortable as possible. What seems a "little snug" standing or sitting in a showroom will likely become "unbearable" when you sit in it for 20-30 minutes at a time as you will during your DE Events. If you wear glasses, bring them with you, to make sure the eye port is large enough and to make sure you can actually get them on once the helmet is in place. You may also consider that knowadays, instructors use in-car communicators. I mention this because you may be "cramming" an earpiece inside your helmet as well.

Not sure if you are looking for an Open face or Full face helmet, but try them both on and see what makes you more comfortable. Some will argue the dangers of either in an airbag equipped car, but its your knoggin when all is said and done.

[easyc]

SImpson now owns impact racing or something like that out of indianapolis

[thenavarro]

SC986,

Here's my Simpson:



Good quality, feels nice on your head. Definitely get fitted in person though and don't just take your measurements and order. I would have ordered the wrong size if I went by the measurements. Also, if you get fitted in person you can try various models and see what feels best for you. Get the SA2005 models. Take care,

Mike

[J-RAD]

They all have to pass the same standard for SNELL rating. Given that, any helmet with a SNELL rating will be "safe". After that, it comes down to things like how well it fits, styling, and features. Should you find a Simpson that fits well and you like the price, then go ahead and buy it.

You may be able to save some money (aside: saving money always sounds kind of bad when talking about important safety items, like helmets) and/or get more features by purchasing a closeout helmet. Just make sure it still meets the minimum SNELL rating for your region. The minimum in my region is SNELL 2000+, however, yours may be different. I'd be surprised to find a new helmet with a rating of SNELL 2005 or older but it's possible, so you just need to double check.

[noone986s]

I use a Simpson Voyager at the moment and it is fine. It is quite a large helmet even in the correct size but I have no problems using it with the roof up or down. This is in the UK and I was advised that in the US I would not be able to use it as it is above the roll bar and I would need to use an extension to the roll bar like the BK one.

Something else to check into, or just keep the roof up, or your hardtop on. I love being on the track with the roof down

I really like the look of your car in your avatar picture, my hardtop is being painted now.

Cheers