Anyone have this helmet?

[NetViper]

http://www.gforce.com/products/helmets/gf_forcehybrid.html

I am looking to get a helmet that is not expensive as I wont be using it more than once or twice a year. I was thinking of this hybrid.

Any thoughts?

 

[V12NSX]

G-force represents good value and has the SA2000 rating. Probably good enough. However, for not much more money, you can find a Simpson or Bell on sale.

S.L.

 

[DocL]

http://www.gforce.com/products/helmets/gf_forcehybrid.html

I am looking to get a helmet that is not expensive as I wont be using it more than once or twice a year. I was thinking of this hybrid.

Any thoughts?

I'm sorry to get on your case, but why would you want to buy a cheap protective item to protect the most important part of your body. All it takes is one good blow to your head and that's it. I assume that you are going to be using this helmet for track days in your NSX, and although the risk is low for a head injury, do you really want to take that risk.

There's a reason why some helmets are expensive, they provide the best protection. When I was involved in my motorcycle crash, I was wearing one of the best/most expensive Shoei helmets and I didn't have the slightest headache after hitting the pavement at 80mph.

Just some food for thought. We never like to think of the worst possible scenario, but it's always possible when participating in a high risk event with a high powered machine.

 

[Soichiro]

I agree with Dr. Lane. In my work we see many helmets and you get what you pay for. The G-force is not as good as Bell or Simpson, and they are not as good as the best from Europe - Stand 21, Arai and Bieffe. You only need to buy a helmet every 10 years - how much is your head worth?

 

[NetViper]

Point taken.

 

[Lud]

Most of the REALLY expensive helmets have attributes of little practical use to someone tracking their NSX a couple times a year... funky air venting systems, exotic composite contruction for the ultimate light weight, communications, advanced aerodynamic design to minimized buffeting, etc. These are important when you are going 220 MPH in an open cockpit car constantly pulling 3 Gs around corners, but I haven't seen anyone demonstrate that a $300 SA2000 helmet is any less safe in practice than a $900 SA2000 helmet for a weekend warrior in a street car. Is there any testing that indicates the super-expensive helmets do provide better protection? If so, someone please post a pointer to it.

 

[DocL]

I agree Lud that there is no need for electric fans and fancy communications in a "weekend warrior" situation. But, there are differences between a $150ish and $300ish helmet. Just by holding them the differences are apparent.

Now, what if someone happens to have their targa off and they roll their car on/off the pavement. I've seen some helmets crack in half and others, like my Shoei, absorb the impact very well. I'd say that any brand name helmet (Bell, Simpson, Shoei) are good enough. Not one of those cheapies that we've all considered buying at one time or another.

Speaking from a personal experience, albeit somewhat different than being in a car, I would never consider safety equipment to be budgeted on the lower end.

 

[ss_md]

Your head is one of the most valuable parts of your body. You can live with out a finger, an arm, a leg etc., but try living w/o your head.

I was cut off by some dumb sh#t kid in a VW many moons ago. After impact I was ejected off the M/C into the air, skidded and landed 4-5 houses from the point of impact. After the accident the helmet was examined by Bell and the scuff wore through the shell. It was a Top of the Line model at the time and I'm glad it was. Had I not been wearing the helmet or was wearing a cheaper brand I may be disabled, a veg or dead. Even in a closed cockpit car there is still a chance your head could hit something or someting could fly into the car in an accident.

Spend the extra money to buy a "Name" brand high quality helmet. After all, you couldn't be that worried about spending a few extra bucks since you own an NSX!! Look at it this way if you spend $800 keep the helmet for 10 years and run 2 events per year. You spent $40.00 to protect yourself per event. I'm sure your wife, kids and family would appreciate that you paid for quality.

If you have a $10.00 head, buy a $10.00 helmet. Kinda sarcastic but true.

 

[maomaonsx]

high-end helmets are usually lighter too, so it will be easier on your neck. I think it's a worthwhile investment considering how important that spinal cord is.