Looking at getting a new helmet. I had a realization after trying on my previous Arai helmet and the Arai quantum 2 I had before that. The quantum 2 is (I think) Arai’s only “round oval” shape and fit me much better. I currently have a bell and really don’t like it, it’s super bulky. Not a fan of Zamp either.
Doing some searching online it seems like the Roux pininfarina karting helmet and the Schuberth SP1 are intriguing.
Anybody have experience with either? My understanding is that Roux are typically Chinese made and much more common in auto scenes. The Roux pininfarina is made in Italy. Schuberth is German(?) and again doesn’t seem too popular in karting but I think has a more round shape. Curious to get the community thoughts.
I’m happy to pay the additional money to get something that fits me right. I have it for 5 years and my head is irreplaceable (debatable).
I haven’t painted a Roux but have painted and taken apart many Schuberths. They are nice, but a little bit overrated I think. They aren’t quite as nice as an Arai in my opinion. The rubber trim isn’t as high quality and the moulds aren’t always perfectly symmetrical. Still a nice helmet, but I know some people think they are the end-all greatest helmet, and I would say they sit somewhere between Bell and Arai in terms of quality.
Fitment is nice though; they feel good on the head and the interior quality is nice.
Thanks TJ, that’s helpful. Do you consider Arai to be top quality, and is stilo comparable?
I think my only option is to go to the store near me to try different helmets to see what fits best - I’m most concerned with the fit. Unfortunately the closest place that has options is not very local.
TJ - my 12YO has an Arai that is growing out of, so need a new helmet. He liked the Arai, but I was thinking maybe heading toward Bell w/ next one because of that dual-pane visor for rain racing. Is the visor really good/useful on the Bell, or not really worth the switch if happy w/ Arai?
How often are you racing in the rain that the dual-pane visor becomes worth switching? Nothing against the Bell. I haven’t used their dual-pane visor so I’m not sure how effective it is, but I rarely have fog issues with my Arai stuff.
I’ve used a Roux for a number of years but my experience is all with the R1 and not the new Pininfarina helmets so take that into consideration.
I started with a R-1 for car HPDE work because of their integrated electronics/coms which at the time were only otherwise available on top line Stilo helmets. I liked the helmet for the value/quality for HPDE work, so when they came out with a “karting” version a couple years back I bought one. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the helmet was just a hair too big on me and while it never moved in car driving, in bumpy karting I’ll find over a session it wants to rotate on my head. I’ve been able to minimize that by strapping the chin strap super tight and wearing a balaclava, but it’s still enough of an annoyance I’ll go to another brand next year when it’s time for a replacement. So make sure to try one on before you buy and shake your head around REALY well.
The fit and finish on the helmet is nice, but nothing shocking. I’d say comparable to Bell’s midline helmets. If you’re concerned with safety, they have the release system where an emergency worker can remove your helmet without adjusting your neck which is nice. My biggest gripe is the shield close/open/lock system is the same style used on base helmets and super annoying to deal with.
Not what you asked but I recently went through this and also ordered a ton of different helmets and returned all but one and the one I kept was the Stilo st5. It feels miles better quality than the bell in so many ways. The crap helmet screws in the bell rs7 carbon were the most obvious but the still just feels nicer and has more adjustments on replacement foam and ultimately fit my head better. I like the Stilo visors better also can leave them tiniest not fully latched to get more air flow and they’re extremely light. I got the carbon st5 but for the 2x in price if I was doing it again I’d just get the normal one and save the $1k as the carbon one is only like 150g lighter and felt basically identical weight when on my head also.
I’ll add another answer to a question nobody asked lol but I was surprised how much more comfortable the Alpinestar balaclava is also with no seam down the middle of the top and the fabric seems to hold the helmet really well and stable but still very soft
@KartingIsLife That’s bloody fascinating. Somehow the script makes it sound relevant to the thread then pivots. Ai is gonna be really good at digital marketing, I imagine.
The first time I tried on an Arai was the last time I considered any other helmet. The guy at the shop helped get the right shape for my melon and I bought it 15 minutes later…and I had no intention of buying a helmet that day.
I read their mktg literature and it seems like quality and safety are job 1 there. Done.
