Vitt

DavidNJ, where on the page are you seeing the actual weight? It annoys me that most companies don't list the weight of each helmet (with a few exceptions like Black Armor and some Stilo models). Often times I see shipping weight on the retailer's page. If a helmet weights 3.5 lb I have a hard time believing it is pure carbon fiber, unless the 3.5lb is actual shipping weight including the box and foam. I read somewhere that most CF helmets a low price are actually a combo of CF outer shell and composite (or reinforced fiberglass) inner. Simpson has a pure CF helmet under $1,000 (I think around $880) that weighs under 3 lb. It's called Carbon Devil Ray. I asked Arai about their weight once and the reply I got was that they varied because each is hand made or something of that sort. But apparently even their non CF helmets are lighter than most under $1K so called CF.

DavidNJ

I got the weights from David Zamperinin on the phone: 1600g and 1675g. Simpson lists the weight for a medium helmet on the Carbon Devil Ray as 2.9lb. However, the large size is usually the reference. The BlackArmor Large carbon is about 1660g. Interestingly, the XL is a few grams lighter. The medium is about 120g lighter, indicating the large Carbon Devil Ray is probably around 3.2 lb.

The Stilo ST5 is about 2.7 lb., has FIA 8860-2010 certification, and cost $5000+. Most helmets, carbon or not, are between 3.2 and 3.7 lbs. I believe the composites used for non-carbon helmets have come down in weight to make the difference smaller. As far as I can tell, the Simpson Venator Pro is the least expensive 8860 helmet at $1800. Bell 8860 helmets are $2500 and $3500. The Arai is $4000.

There are a couple of additional tests to pass the 8859-2015 spec over the SA2015. However, according to Zamperinin the helmets are the same. I'm not sure if the weights include the plastic scoops. Next time I'm near Driving Impressions I'll bring a scale.

Unfortunately, we don't get the actual test results in addition to not getting the weights. All we know is the helmet met the minimum standards for certification. Weight is important because of the load on the driver's neck, but we don't have those numbers. We are left to judge on comfort and if anyone has a complaint.

I'm leaning toward the Zamp RZ-44C with 8859-2015 and SA2015 certifications even if the first cert is probably just a decoration. It should be available in May with a price around $550. The helmet weight is in the range of other helmets, it is comfortable, is very flexible in a configuration for open or closed cars (two different top forced air configurations and a shield with visor), and it is price competitive. The RZ-42 at $340 with the same functionality is probably the best deal, and when my hand is on the credit card will probably be my final selection.

Next is probably the choice of belts. Is a 9-point belt worthwhile?

Vitt

I don't about Black Armor but some companies make only one size shell and adjust the inside padding from what I've read.

No.Division

Black armor has different shell sizes for different size ranges. Like a Small and medium may use the same Carbon shell but not a Large, etc.

Vitt

If they allow you, can you weigh the Bell Sport SA2015? I'm leaning toward getting that helmet or the composite Bell M.8.

DavidNJ

Zamp has 2 sizes, large and above and medium and below.

The FIA 8859-2015 spec has a max weight of 1800g for a closed face helmet. The SA2015 standard lowers the impact speed for tests as the head size (there are six head sizes, 2 are tested), the 8859 specifies the higher impact speed for larger head sizes. The 8859 also adds some rules around the retaining D-ring.

The tests have both impact and penetration tests.

http://www.smf.org/standards/sa/2015...nal3252014.pdf (SA2015 standard)
http://www.fia.com/sites/default/fil...m_Helmet_0.pdf (8859-2015 standard)
http://www.fia.com/file/48580/downlo...token=j0MQeiUr (8860-2010 standard)

DavidNJ

Some interesting stuff:

1) A Schubert SF1 Pro is about $10,000 and requires a custom fitting. The shell comes in two sizes. It is used by several F1 drivers, but their shells are custom made. (the same with golf clubs, the pros have custom made heads). https://www.schuberth.com/us/products/car-racing.html

2) F1 helmets are about 1250g, or about 2.75#.

3) F1 and Indy helmets have a Zylon band at the top of the visor, about an inch overlapping the visor and an inch above. It apparently dramatically increases the visor strength and was implemented after Massa was hit with a spring in 2009. I'm surprised this is only available on very high-end helmets, about $400. It is shown in the last video.

https://www.formula1.com/en/champion...g/Helmets.html

4. Videos on the Shock Doctor helmet eject system; also required in some pro series. This one is $60 on Amazon.


(intro) (installation) (shows the difference on the spine, but in Swedish)

(Hinchcliff talking about the variety of features)