Wittenauer Racing Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 So I have a G-Force pro-elimator SA2010 helmet which I got in 2015 and run 5-10 events a year with various series. Been debating replacing it and moving up to a 2015. Current one isn't toast, but it's not spotless either. Looking real hard at the mid-line Roux unit with the built in drink tube and radio hardware, but open to other options in the sub $600 range. Recommendations? Experience with Roux or another helmet with similar hardware? One of our cars is very quiet, the others are rather loud, so earplugs are a must, how do built in speaker pods work with earplugs? Should I wait for an SA 2020 at this point? https://discoveryparts.com/roux-auto-racing-helmets/2949-roux-r-1-fiberglass-sa2015-helmet-roux-rxhr1f-15f55.html#/907-helmet_color-gloss_white/917-helmet_size-medium Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 Check out the Zamp or Z Sports line. I loved mine, and when it got trashed in my wreck, they were super helpful about getting me a new one at a heavily discounted price. Has drink tube, but no built in speakers, I've used them before, and you have to crank the volume to hear through earplugs, and if the radio crackles, it can be really loud, and if someone gets in with in the ear radio right after you, the radio check may deafen them. I've been using soft in the ear, ear plug style ear buds for a while now, and I really like them. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
67Mustang Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 Maybe a dumb question, but I'll put it here, is there anything besides the hat size you need go pay attention to when sizing a new helmet? Do you add a fractional size to account for the sock? Do those ear plug style ear buds do a decent job of blocking out background exhaust noise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvumtnbkr Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 11 minutes ago, 67Mustang said: Maybe a dumb question, but I'll put it here, is there anything besides the hat size you need go pay attention to when sizing a new helmet? Do you add a fractional size to account for the sock? Do those ear plug style ear buds do a decent job of blocking out background exhaust noise? Typically, you should try it on. There is a crazy amount of variation from model to model and brand to brand in helmets. I haven't found anything that works well in blocking exhaust noise. I just make my exhaust quieter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogtired Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 12 minutes ago, 67Mustang said: Maybe a dumb question, but I'll put it here, is there anything besides the hat size you need go pay attention to when sizing a new helmet? Do you add a fractional size to account for the sock? Do those ear plug style ear buds do a decent job of blocking out background exhaust noise? Helmet fit varies by manufacturer. Size is size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bendawson3 Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I went from a low end Simpson to a mid range Impact helmet. Neither were great but the Impact wasn't comfortable after a long time in the car for me. It's great to be able to try them on in person if you can. Last time I needed to re-up my lid, I realized that racing wasn't something I was going to be cured of any decade soon. So, I got an Arai helmet. I got a simple one w/ no addons, but I love it. Used their sizing instructions and the one I got fits great. I never think about it while I'm in the car. Just kinda my thought process when it came time to getting a more serious helmet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPF Racing Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I'm running that exact Roux now with the drink tube, radio, and cooling setup which you're more than welcome to check out at Gingerman. I've never worn ear plugs (I'm an idiot), but the in ear head phones are so much better than the Bell sport and no ear plugs I was running before. I ended up going a size up on the Roux from the Bell because of the in ear headphones. Its really nice that it comes with multiple cheek pads and ear pads. Hope this helps! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig71188 Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 TRY IT ON, Period I had Bell helmets for many years. Decided to try the G-Force and Racequip. Fortunately Jegs is in my backyard so I went in and tried both brands in a couple of different styles and sizes. There was a great difference in comfort/pressure points from one to the next. Also, heads do have some variation in shape, what fits great/is comfortable for one may be miserable for someone else (particularly after 2 hours on your head). Take your time once you have the helmet on and pay attention to where/how hard it presses on areas of your head. Foam padding will break in (some), but if it's annoying in 2-3 minutes, just wait till you've worn it for a full stint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimS Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I recently bought myself a new carbon ultra air model from Pyrotect. They currently have a 20% off coupon code on there website. They have a full range of helmets for all budgets. I have used them for decades, as they were once in my backyard. Great fit with removable cheek pads. I like to try them on as well but this time I went by the size chart. Great deal and a perfect fit. At one time they also made all the Bell auto racing helmets, since sold the bell line back to Bell. Great company with a very long history in the safety business. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, wvumtnbkr said: I haven't found anything that works well in blocking exhaust noise. I just make my exhaust quieter. The ones I've been using do a reasonable job. They're aimed at construction workers, so they're meant to be an ear plug. But, quieter exhaust does wonders also. We just ordered like $150 worth of vibrant resonators/mufflers for the new car. It's too loud at road speed lol. Legend has it VQs can sound good, but I'll believe it when I hear it. Edited August 12, 2019 by SonsOfIrony 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snorman Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I can't emphasize enough how important it is to try on whatever you're buying. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I love my Roux 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macheesy Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 6 minutes ago, chip said: I love my Roux I love your Roux too.. I think its a great value for the features it comes with, if only it fit big square heads. Tried to get it to work with L and XL and various pad configs but just doesn't. And once I tried on a Stilo helmet, but then had to call the fire department to cut it off. So... 1 hour ago, Snorman said: I can't emphasize enough how important it is to try on whatever you're buying. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelPal Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I would suggest to wait if you can. The 2015s are not 1/2 the cost of a new 2020. So it would be cheaper in the long run to get a 2020 (Assuming you stay racing for awhile). Buy it once for 10 year coverage vs 5 years. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gkuhn41 Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 (edited) I custom made my own ear buds using an at home custom ear plug kit, and some cheapo ear buds. I got a red and a blue to differentiate left to right.You can do 3 or 4 sets with one red one blue if you separate it out enough. Bonus is youll have enough left over to do a custom set of plugs too if needed. https://www.amazon.com/Radians-CEP001-R-Custom-Molded-Earplugs/dp/B002XULPSQ/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=CjwKCAjwnMTqBRAzEiwAEF3ndhhDlEofOX8AIGv7v5O6lv5sKAHQmN2qqOHMqa9f14wck55XoqHD6hoCaC4QAvD_BwE&hvadid=177776389129&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019077&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t4&hvqmt=b&hvrand=6114407474405151990&hvtargid=aud-647846986441%3Akwd-89705361785&hydadcr=21030_9689396&keywords=radians+-+custom+molded+earplugs&qid=1565628254&s=gateway&sr=8-3 Make the plug like normal but at the end you insert your earbuds into it as well. Once dry cut a small hole in it where the ear bud sits using a small drill bit, glue in the earbud with some super glue and boom, custom ear bud for like 40 bucks. The guys on the team with speakers and plugs have the radio @ 100% i usually have it around 30-50%. never have a problem with exhaust except for a few select cars with side exhaust while passing/being passed but nothing you can do with that. Edited August 12, 2019 by Gkuhn41 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmi11er Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 30 minutes ago, Gkuhn41 said: I custom made my own ear buds using an at home custom ear plug kit, and some cheapo ear buds This is actually brilliant. I may be ordering these to try out at Gingerman... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Technical Advisory Committee Chris Huggins Posted August 12, 2019 Technical Advisory Committee Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 (edited) 35 minutes ago, cmi11er said: This is actually brilliant. I may be ordering these to try out at Gingerman... order two, its hard to get it right on the first try. I recommend using about 40% for each ear and having 20% left over, but that obviously varies by your ear's size. I just molded it with the ear bud in my ear. Formed into a ball and placed into the ear with the wire coming out properly positioned. Then cut the small tube that comes out of the earbud speaker so it fits right Edited August 12, 2019 by Huggy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gkuhn41 Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I got really fancy and added some very small hollow plastic tubing, IE the stuff that comes with the brake clean can. Cut that and inserted it into there as well, obviously i cut it slightly shorter than the hole so it doesn't protrude into the ear. Make sure you drill the hole small so when you put the tube in it stays put. This improved the sound quality greatly as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Andress Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I have been very disappointed in my Roux. It has essentially fallen apart, first one of the earmuffs came apart and a speaker fell out, now multiple interior pieces have come unglued and completely separated from the shell. Its a shame as it was expensive to start with, then the accessories needed for the drink tube helmet cooling (which never seemed to do anything) were crazy expensive as well. I broke down and bought a Bell helmet....just before they were announced as a series sponsor.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABR-Glen Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 Wait until the 2020's come out and then buy a 2015 (unless you like wearing the same helmet for 10 years, then buy a 2020). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest E. Tyler Pedersen Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 1 hour ago, Schultz said: I have been very disappointed in my Roux. It has essentially fallen apart, first one of the earmuffs came apart and a speaker fell out, now multiple interior pieces have come unglued and completely separated from the shell. Its a shame as it was expensive to start with, then the accessories needed for the drink tube helmet cooling (which never seemed to do anything) were crazy expensive as well. I broke down and bought a Bell helmet....just before they were announced as a series sponsor.... Did Roux help you with any of the failing items? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Andress Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 I have not reached out to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest E. Tyler Pedersen Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 13 minutes ago, Schultz said: I have not reached out to them. Usually when something like that fails on a piece of equipment I will contact the manufacturer and see if they have had other problems to see if they can help resolve the issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod Posted August 12, 2019 Report Share Posted August 12, 2019 Buy a Bell...They should offer a discount when they become a ChampCar sponsor 1/1/2020. I bought a Zamp which is Bell European. Zamp is a nice helmet the interior is not as nice as a Bell but it does fit well & the price is better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEE DEE Posted August 13, 2019 Report Share Posted August 13, 2019 5 hours ago, ABR-Glen said: Wait until the 2020's come out and then buy a 2015 (unless you like wearing the same helmet for 10 years, then buy a 2020). I visited Bell the day after Indy because I am in need of a new one also. I spoke with Jacob Brown 765.365.4425 who is extremely knowledgeable of Bell products. I was Looking at the RS7C LTWT that It was designed for Penske Racing extremely lite. Jason measured my head properly and tried it on and could barely feel the weight . Most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. You can get their helmet in 1/2 sizes. Lots of choices of helmets, liners, and accessories, 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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