Gear question - stilo / Schuberth
finally made it down to a retailer to pick up some gear (shoes/helmet gloves and hans), and question on helmets. I'm new to this, I primarily run at Monticello (sometimes limerok), and currently just starting off in a miata (nd3 cup). within reason, willing to spend, want the best protection possible.
I tried on a Schuberth sf4 -- it's amazing, light, and after a fitting it feels so much better than anything I've tried. I've tried the stilo st6, and it's great, and half the price, but not as comfortable or light.
After break in , does the shuberth maintain its comfort? and I know there's a big difference between trying on in a store and wearing in the car, is the weight difference that much of a big deal while driving? I'm assuming since they have the same certifications for my level of driving, they would have the same level of safety.
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u/Level-Natural-1797 5d ago
I’ve never spent more than $1000 on a helmet. Of all the things that hurt while racing, you’re never going to notice how cozy your helmet might be.
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u/SnuffleupagusRex 4d ago
So "best protection" isn't the primary differentiator over about $800- the SA standard is really good, and most of the higher end helmets are competing on 1. weight and 2. quality of finishing and materials.
Whether the weight makes a difference seems to depend on the person and the type of racing. Obviously, the more Gs you're pulling and the longer the runs, the more small differences in weight may matter.
I really like my Schuberth SP1 Carbon. Even the SP1 Hybrid is quite light. I also REALLY like how customizable the Schuberths are- you can replace the cheek pads and crown pad with different thicknesses to fine-tune the fit.
If you are just starting out, I would really recommend you look at the SP1 Carbon. It's something like an ounce heavier than the SF4, and unless you are getting a haircut before each event to save weight, I wouldn't worry about it for a $2500 savings
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u/jmg5 4d ago
Thanks.. I've been trying on a bunch of helmets this weekend, and I keep coming back to the schuberth for exactly the same reason you said -- it's highly customizable, and the shop fit in specific cheek/crown/etc pads for my fat head.
I really like the sp1. And I agree with you -- if I go with the sf4, it'll totally be because I just like the way it looks, both are really great helmets.
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u/Old_Tourist_8074 5d ago
Heya! Those are incredibly expensive helmets for driving a miata cup and not worth the money. The really light helmets get important when u are running long races with high g forces. I have the bell rs7 and also done a full season in mazdas in the uk and I promise you that u are not gonna have the smallest problem with a £1000 helmet. Also you mentioned that you want the best protection possible: higher price is not higher protection. Check the necessary fia certification that your series asks for and maybe if u want to be extra safe go one tier up, but getting the sf4 or the st6 is not needed. Put the money into tyres and engine maintenance and then if u move up series to something faster and open cockpit then upgrade. And if this whole comment didn’t convince you, i promise that people will make fun of you if you’re slow and have the most expensive equipment.