For years I have always worn an open face Bell Magnum helmet (large). Now I need a full face helmet for the SR10. I wear prescription glasses/sunglasses. I browsed online and found the Bell GTX 3 and the M8. It looks like the GTX3 has the aero but a very small visor whereas the M8 has no aero and a large visor. I need to try some of these on but is anyone aware of the right combination of features in a brand/model that would work best for someone who wears glasses but needs a full face helmet?
Thanks in advance,
Phil
I also wear prescription glasses, but use Stilo helmet and love it. I did add the chin bar and rear diffuser Stilo attachment after switching from a Porsche car to Radical, and it stopped the uplift and buffeting.
I also wear prescription glasses, but use Stilo helmet and love it. I did add the chin bar and rear diffuser Stilo attachment after switching from a Porsche car to Radical, and it stopped the uplift and buffeting.
Dan -
Okay good to hear re the Stilo and the addition of the chin bar and rear diffuser. I was wondering if they were necessary. From all my research so far, the Stilo appears to have great ventilation.
I was told that all newer helmets have some form of cutout in the temple padding so as to accommodate glasses. I don't know this to be true across all brands/models.
Which model Stilo did you choose?
I have been talking with the driver's shop at Sonoma Raceway and the two models I have been looking more closely at are the ST5 Composite for $979 and the ST5 Carbon for $1979. The carbon looks pretty cool but only saves .4 lbs.
Thanks,
Phil
Hi Phil (@sr10formetoo), I have had great luck with Bell helmets because they fit my head shape well. It is a good idea get a helmet with good aero features, but the single most important factor is how if fits your head. Everyone has a different head shape and each helmet manufacturer tend to make helmets for a specific shape head. I currently use a Bell carbon GP3 helmet that I really like. Bell and a few other manufacturers make add on aero devices that really help with open roof cars like the Radical. The GTX3 that you mentioned is also a great helmet. It has a small built in spoiler and works well in open cars. I understand that they were designed for open dirt cars and have a front vent that is designed to divert airflow to keep dirt out of your mouth. The GTX3 has a more wide open front vent that lets a bit more cooling air in. The M8 is also a good helmet but it is one of their lower end helmets so it has "Small, Medium, Large, XL) sizing while their higher end helmets come in hat sizes so you can get a more accurate fit. Also the eye port on the M8 is also quite large which is fine closed cockpit cars but isn't ideal for open cockpit cars. Smaller eyeports are safer as long as they give you enough space for your prescription glasses. I also drive with prescription glasses and the GPX works well with them. Definitely bring your glasses with you when try on helmets to make sure everything works well.
As others have mentioned the Stilo helmets also are a great option. When I got my last helmet it was a close call between the Stilo and the Bell. Stilo's can be purchased with built in Radio connections which is really nice if you use a radio to talk with your pit.
Another thing to consider is weight. In a high G car light weight helmets are beneficial because they reduce the load on your neck.
So to summarize... Get a helmet that fits well (tight), has some aerodynamic features included or available to be added, small eye ports, and light weight. 🙂
@charleyhradicalsportscarregistry-com
Charley - great input, thank you! The Bell helmets have always fit me the best. The GTX3 is a good looking helmet, especially with the built in chin spoiler. The front air vents also look closer to the Stilo. I will try both on. I am sure one will fit me best.
Both my son and I wore the Bell GTX. My son wears glasses and never had a problem. I love the aero on the GTX. I used if for a formula car and my Radical.
Did you get your SR10 yet? I have one on order!
I also use the Bell GTX. On sunny days I wear blade type sunglasses in it which are bigger than the prescription glasses I wear when not using contacts.
Solved all my helmet lift problems and has worked well.
Not sure if others have it, but the Bell GTX also has the double shield that eliminates fogging. It's worked great for me eliminating issues on rainy days and when it's really cold in the morning. The shields are a little more when you need to replace them though.
Both my son and I wore the Bell GTX. My son wears glasses and never had a problem. I love the aero on the GTX. I used if for a formula car and my Radical.
Did you get your SR10 yet? I have one on order!
John -
No, not yet. My order is supposed to lock early July with an October delivery. Great to hear how well the GTX works with glasses.
I also use the Bell GTX. On sunny days I wear blade type sunglasses in it which are bigger than the prescription glasses I wear when not using contacts.
Solved all my helmet lift problems and has worked well.
Not sure if others have it, but the Bell GTX also has the double shield that eliminates fogging. It's worked great for me eliminating issues on rainy days and when it's really cold in the morning. The shields are a little more when you need to replace them though.
I was looking at that shield. It seems pretty trick. Definitely leaning toward the GTX.
I picked up a Stilo 8860 with ABP. With an open cockpit car, I don't want to take any chances. Pricey, but so is my head:
I had a Bell GTX 3 shipped to me and although the helmet fit fine I could not get my glasses on. I tried both my regular glasses and sunglasses and it was just to difficult to try and wedge them between my temples and the helmet padding.
I ordered a Stilo ST5.1 GT and will see if that is better.
I received a Stilo ST5 GT. My glasses went on but the cheeks are too tight. The cheek pads are 30mm. I have asked for both the 20 and 25mm. I am sure one of them will cure the problem.
