Time for new helmet. I would like to find a helmet with tons of ventilation and some aero design for open cockpit - tired of my helmet catching 100 MPH wind and moving around. Who makes best eye port shield? I find mine gets abused and chips and scratches fairly easy. Finally I want a very lightweight helmet. Needs to be Hans compatiable. Where's the cheapest place to buy once I figure out what to buy? What do you expereinced open cockpit drivers reccomend? Oh yeah the sexier the better as I like to impress the ladies.

Bell GTX. Has top aero and chin spoiler. Inexpensive as good helmets go. I have dealt with Wine Country Motorsport, but if you also want a paint job to impress the ladies go to indocilart.com. They have helmet/paint packages. Tell Ryan I sent ya.

T.C.

Do you have a Simpson head or a Bell head?

I swtiched from a Simpson Bandit to a Speedway Vudo for the aero help and weight reduction. I use my helmet a lot.... like everyday during the week, most weeks. The strap on the Simpsons starts to frey, which sucks. The Bells have a better (kevlar, I think) strap. I may try the GTX next, but I'm pretty sure I have a Simpson head.

If your price range extends above $800, there are some very nice options from other manufacturers.

The Bell GTX is what I have, but make sure you let it air out before you use it, and use some frebreeze on the inside, it almost made me passout the first time I used it. Also, if you have a big........... nose like I do, it does not have much room for it, and it will tickle and drive you crazy, It is my justification to my wife to try and get my nose fixed after breaking it several times.......I know, too much personal info.

The ventilation on the GTX is good!

I like the Arai, but can't afford one.

Erik

In talking to a few suppliers I decided to go with a Bell Vortex. Its one of the lightest Bells at 3 lbs 4 oz and is designed for open cockpit driving. Its 6 oz lighter than the GTX. Doesnt have the big chin spoiler, but it does have some areo features that should make it better than my M2000. Got the same size as my current Bell so hope the fit is similar. Biggest reason is I found a new one on ebay on sale for under $700 with free shipping and an additional face shield.

Just make sure you get the thicker visor for open cockpit use.I finally went to a tinted visor and what a difference.no more squinting.I prefer Bell helmets in general.

Also , Ive always used a beleclava(spelling?)and wet it down before I put it on.It absorbs all the perspiration and my helmet after much use never smells.....and the wet "sock" really helps cool your head down on real hot days.I'll even put it in ice water and take it to the false grid in a zip lock bag.

Tom B.
914 F prod #50